Lecture
Laboratory activities
Classroom discussions
Readings from scientific journal articles
1. Overview Age Biology
- Introduction to biogerontology
- Why are animal models used
- Comparative biogerontology
- Measuring aging in the individual
- Measuring aging in a population
2. Evolutionary Theories of Longevity and Aging
- Review of key principles of evolutionary and population genetics
- Application of evolutionary principles to longevity and aging
- Evolutionary models of longevity
3. Cellular Aging
- Review of cell cycle and cell division
- Regulation of the cell cycle
- Replicative senescence in animals and plants
- Mechanisms that cause cellular aging including the accumulation of damaged biomolecules, damage from oxidative stress and telomere shortening
4. Genetics of Longevity
- Overview of eukaryotic gene expression
- Regulation of eukaryotic gene expression
- Genetic regulation of longevity in model organisms including: Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Caenorhabditis elegans, Drosophila melanogaster and Mus musculus
5. Physiology of Human Aging
- Changes in energy metabolism
- Changes in the sensory systems
- Changes in the digestive system
- Changes in the excretory system
- Changes in the immune system
- Changes in the reproductive system
6. Age Related Disease in Humans
- Diseases of the nervous system
- Diseases of the cardiovascular system
- Diseases of the endocrine system
- Diseases of the skeletal system
7. Modulating Human Aging and Longevity
- Discussion of current population trends in human aging and longevity
- Discussion of current and potential future strategies for aging modulation
- Increasing longevity through caloric restriction and physical activity
- Implications of modulating human aging and longevity
8. Lab Activities
- Semester-long student-led research project investigating factors that modulate lifespan in Caenorhabditis elegans
- Laboratory activities related to selected topics in human aging
After completing this course, students will be able to:
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Describe the basic principles underlying the biological process of aging
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Explain the reasons why aging is studied and the methods that are used to study aging
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Discuss current theories surrounding the evolutionary basis of aging and longevity
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Describe the current understanding of cellular aging mechanisms
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Explain the relationship between gene expression and aging
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Discuss how animal models are used to learn about human physiology
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Explain how human physiology changes with age
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Design a research experiment, perform the experiment, collect relevant data, and present the results
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Analyze and interpret scientific data, formulate hypotheses, and design future experiments that build upon the data studied
Evaluation will be carried out in accordance with ÌÇÐÄvlog´«Ã½policy. The instructor will present a written course outline with specific evaluation criteria at the beginning of the semester. Evaluation will be based on the following:
| Evaluation | Marks |
| Quizzes and/or assignments | 15-25 |
| Laboratory assignments | 15-25 |
| Term examinations | 25-35 |
| Final examination | 25-35 |
| TOTAL | 100 |
Students should consult the ÌÇÐÄvlog´«Ã½Bookstore for the latest required textbooks and materials. For example, textbooks and materials may include:
Roger B. McDonald, Biology of Aging (Current ed.) Garland Science, New York and London
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