BIOL 385
The Biology of Aging
The process of aging is fascinating because it is one that we all expect to experience, if we are
fortunate. It is natural to wonder if the decline of aging can be avoided. Through research into the biological
underpinnings of the aging process, scientists are beginning to understand how aging may be evolutionarily
programmed, including the cellular pathways that promote it. In this course, students will discuss these exciting
findings.
With an emphasis on primary literature and discussion, students will critically consider factors that affect the
aging process. The course will also touch on mechanisms behind diseases associated with aging, such as Alzheimer’s
disease and Parkinson’s disease. Finally, the course will review prospects for the extension of healthy lifespan
in humans.
Prerequisites
cell biology.
Learning Objectives:
- Describe the evolutionary theories that explain aging
- Outline the cellular pathways that influence the aging phenotype
- Understand factors that influence the aging process
- Gain fluency with reading and interpreting primary literature
