Biology of Aging: from basic science to clinical implications

Recommended Prerequisites

NA

Teaching Methods

Face-to-face research lectures; journal club with small group discussion in virtual rooms and final discussion in classroom.

Learning Outcomes

The student will acquire an updated view of the events that contribute to the aging process at the molecular, cellular and organism levels both in health and disease. She/he will be presented with the most advanced insights in the aging field based on data coming from different research areas, from genetics to cell biology, biochemistry of proteins and systems. Using this detailed understanding of aging, the student will explore anti-aging interventions and means to increase life spans.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

This course presents an in-depth analysis of the biology of aging, building up from changes occurring at the molecular and cellular level and analysing the consequences at the organism level. In addition, the influence of these age-related changes in what are commonly considered diseases of aging, such as skeletal, neurovascular and neurodegenerative diseases, will be discussed.
Topics will include: theories of aging, experimental models used to study aging and longevity, impact of oxidative stress in cell and organ function, the metabolic syndrome of aging, functional changes in the skeletal, vascular and central nervous systems, genetic instability and genetics of aging and longevity.

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Exam: 100.0%

Bibliography

Hand book of the Biology of Aging (Musi N and Hornsby P), 2021