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Course Descriptions

  • Short Description:

    01:694:422 The Biology of Aging

    Course covers state-of-the-art understanding of the biology of aging, longevity and medical challenges of aging. Topics range from sub-cellular damage, chromosome architecture, epigenetics and organelle maintenance to cell phenomena, tissue aging, and human health and include considerations of molecular and cellular aging, genetics, diet, environment, chance, signaling pathways, late onset disease, animal models, sleep, exercise, immune senescence, exceptional longevity and rejuvenation. An important feature of the content is that newly introduced topics often circle back to extend understanding of earlier introduced material. We learn molecule, to cell to tissue to organism.

    Course format: lectures + reading, in-class discussion, and student presentations, with emphasis on the molecular genetics of longevity and healthspan.
  • Prerequisites: One semester of Genetics 01:447:380 or 01:447:384 | First semester of Biochemistry: 01:694:301 or 01:694:395 or 01:694:407 or SEBS Biochemistry 11:115:301 or 11:115:403
  • Course Coordinator:

    Dr. Monica Driscoll, A232 Nelson Labs, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (Course Director)
    Dr. Yang Lyu, Nelson Biological Labs 307A, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

    Instructor abbreviations: MD = Monica Driscoll YL = Yang Lyu

    Meeting time: Example: T,Th 3:50-5:10 PM, in person. Official office hours 5:10-6:10 T, Th

    For office hours or discussion, we are available for one hour after class but emphasize that at any time a question arises, email the question. Alternatively to arrange an in person meeting just email, and we will address as soon as possible.

    Course Readings: Weekly readings will be posted at the Canvas course site and are indicated in blue below. No textbook.
  • Semester(s) Offered: Fall
  • Credits: 3

Learning Goals:

  • Become knowledgeable with major topics in current aging research and the basic principles underlying today’s understanding.
  • Understand how scientists are applying multifaceted approaches to advance molecular knowledge of the aging process.
  • Become familiar with critical thinking and experimental bases for analysis of current aging research papers.
  • Have fun thinking about and discussing fascinating and very important problems of today’s aging science.
  • Integrate your understanding of biology and biochemistry with issues relevant to the core health challenge of our time to learn lessons that will stay with you for a lifetime.