Gerontology
Curriculum guideline
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 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 |
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
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