Biochemistry for Health Professionals

"The title of this text book is a bit misleading as it is a basic, introductory level text aimed at undergraduate students rather than working health professionals.

As a very basic text restricted to the “nuts and bolts” of biochemistry, it gives a good, general coverage of biochemistry basics aimed at undergraduate students.

Written by 3 Australian university lecturers the text assumes no prior knowledge but focuses on the fundamentals of
biochemistry that are relevant to all undergraduate disciplines of health science students.

Divided into 5 main parts and 22 chapters, the text encompasses all key concepts including:

A. Biological chemistry
B. Molecules of biological importance
C. Cell biology
D. Energy, metabolism and nutrition and;
E. Molecular biology and genetics

Covering basic principles of elements and compounds, organic molecules, lipids: fats and oils, amino acids and proteins, catalytic and non-catalytic proteins, cell metabolism, membranes and transport, nutrition and digestion and DNA, RNA and protein synthesis; it is in a easy to read structure with straight forward, colourful diagrams which help the reader to visualise concepts discussed.

Additional learning support is provided via online access to free learning resources and activities specifically designed to enhance the learning of the material covered in the text.

Overall a good introductory text book for entry level students which achieves its aim of providing a strong focus on the fundamentals of molecular biology and chemistry that are relevant to the clinical settings of a wide range of health
professions, including medicine, dentistry, physiotherapy, exercise and sports science, speech pathology, medical radiation sciences, occupational therapy, nursing and midwifery, nutrition and dietetics, naturopathy, pharmacy and biomedical sciences, chiropractic and osteopathy. With no focus on any one profession, Biochemistry for Health professionals allows students to gain an understanding of important underlying principals without being overwhelmed by information." Review by Susan Drummond MAIMS, Tugun Laboratory Supervisor and published in Australian Journal of Medical Science, November 2012, Vol. 33 No. 4