The course covers the basics of metabolism of the energy-yielding substrates carbohydrates, fatty acids, amino acids and proteins. This includes the pathways specific to the substrates that bring about their breakdown to yield intermediary molecules. The oxidation of the intermediary molecules in the citric acid cycle and the respiratory chain will be highlighted. Nucleic acid metabolism and glycogen synthesis will also be treated. Students will be exposed to the organisation of networks of physiological reactions, the intermediary molecules and enzymes that maintain the energy balance of organism. The use of metabolism for the explanation of the etiology, diagnosis and cure of diseases will be discussed.