Course

Gerontology

Faculty
Science & Technology
Department
Biology
Course code
BIOL 4101
Credits
4.00
Semester length
15
Max class size
28
Method(s) of instruction
Lecture
Lab
Typically offered
To be determined

Overview

Course description
This course explores the biological mechanisms that underlie the aging process. Topics include an introduction to the biology of aging, the evolutionary reasons for aging, aging at the cellular level, the genetics of longevity in both animal and plant models, the physiology of human aging, age-related human diseases and modulation of human aging.
Course content

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
Learning activities

Lecture

Laboratory activities

Classroom discussions

Readings from scientific journal articles

Means of assessment

Evaluation will be carried out in accordance with Douglas College policy. 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
Learning outcomes

After completing this course, students will be able to:

  1. Describe the basic principles underlying the biological process of aging

  2. Explain the reasons why aging is studied and the methods that are used to study aging

  3. Discuss current theories surrounding the evolutionary basis of aging and longevity

  4. Describe the current understanding of cellular aging mechanisms

  5. Explain the relationship between gene expression and aging

  6. Discuss how animal models are used to learn about human physiology

  7. Explain how human physiology changes with age

  8. Design a research experiment, perform the experiment, collect relevant data, and present the results

  9. Analyze and interpret scientific data, formulate hypotheses, and design future experiments that build upon the data studied

Textbook materials

Students should consult the Douglas College Bookstore 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

Requisites

Course Guidelines

Course Guidelines for previous years are viewable by selecting the version desired. If you took this course and do not see a listing for the starting semester / year of the course, consider the previous version as the applicable version.

(Current)

Course Transfers

These are for current course guidelines only. For a full list of archived courses please see https://www.bctransferguide.ca

Institution Transfer details for BIOL 4101
Athabasca University (AU) AU BIOL 4XX (3)
Capilano University (CAPU) CAPU BIOL 4XX (4)
Coquitlam College (COQU) No credit
Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) KPU BIOL 4XXX (4)
Langara College (LANG) LANG BIOL 3XXX (3)
Northern Lights College (NLC) NLC BIOL 4XX (4)
Trinity Western University (TWU) TWU BIOL 3XX (3)
University Canada West (UCW) UCW BIOL 4XX (3)
University of Northern BC (UNBC) UNBC HHSC 3XX (3)
Vancouver Community College (VCC) No credit

Course Offerings

Winter 2025