BIOL-20500 Biology of Aging: Spring 2008

MWF 10-10:50
CNS 163

Biological aging is studied as a lifelong developmental process that begins with conception, ends with death, and is manifested in successful, usual, and pathological forms.  Emphasis is placed on changes in structure and function of human body organs and systems during a lifetime, and on the role that heredity, nutrition, disease, and other factors play in modifying this process.  Discussion of moral-ethical issues involved in altering the aging process is undertaken.

Course text: Robert Arking. Biology of Aging: Observations and Principles Oxford. University Press, 3 edition (January 7, 2006). ISBN-10: 0195167392

Optional/Additional Texts:

Additional readings will be assigned as appropriate from either holdings in the Library, Internet, or other sources.

Objectives and Other Course Information

The primary objective of this course is to introduce the biological concepts that are central to developing an adequate understanding of aging, especially as it occurs in humans.

No background or college-level coursework in biology is presumed, nor is any necessary, to successfully understand the text and course content and to satisfactorily complete this course.  All relevant biological principles and supporting information are presented prior to discussing age-related changes in biological structure and function.  The aging process is discussed at the population level, as well as at the cellular level.  Primary emphasis however is placed upon studies of human aging at the organismal, system, organ and tissue level.

The course is offered in the lecture/discussion format.  Student discussion and involvement in the class are actively encouraged at all times and are expected parts of the course activity of all students.  Readings beyond the text may be occasionally suggested for a more complete understanding of the material under discussion.  Further readings and/or more in-depth material may be placed on the WebCT or linked through the WebCT to the relevant Internet site.

Evaluation of understanding of the course material is performed using a combination of in-class examinations, writing assignments and a presentation.  In-class exams are ordinarily objective, short answer exams given as a mid-term and a final.  The final exam is semi-cumulative.  Writing assignments involve accessing the primary literature of peer-reviewed journals relating to the biology of aging and reviewing the content from the perspective of the student.  Reviews will be presented to the class as part of a cooperative learning model.

Students with Disabilities
If you have a disability for which you are or may be requesting accommodation, you are encouraged to contact both your instructor and the Office of Academic Support Services for Students with Disabilities, 607-274-1005/607-274-7319(TDD).
Plagiarism & Academic Honesty
The policies of Ithaca College, as outlined in the Student Handbook, are strictly enforced as part of this course.
Class Policies
Written assignments should be typed, double-spaced, in 12-point font. The pages should be stapled together, with your name on each sheet. Always save a copy. Please note: I will not accept electronic submissions of any assignments.

Attendance: Attendance is an explicit part of your grade in the course; attendance will be part of your score on the lecture quizzes and other in-class activities. We will begin classes promptly at the beginning of the scheduled period. If you are late for exams, you will not be given extra time to finish the exam, so please be on time.

Missed classes: If you do miss a class it is your responsibility to find out what you missed. Ask me, or ask one of your classmates. You will need to borrow class notes from someone who attended the missed class. I will not give out my lecture notes.

Make-up Policies: You must notify me before an exam if you cannot make the scheduled exam and you must have a real, validated emergency that has not allowed you to make the exam. Otherwise, you will receive a grade of 0 for the exam.

Extra Credit (Not):  There is no “extra credit” in this class; the course is structured with a variety of activities to facilitate our exploration of the biology of aging.

Please turn off all cell phones and electronic devices before the start of class.

Aging Cell publishes novel and exciting science which addresses fundamental issues in the biology of aging, covering:

* Genes and functional genomics
* Cell proliferation, senescence and death
* Signaling and gene expression
* Stem cells and aging
* Cell stress and damage
* Integrative physiology
* Biodemography and comparative studies
* New theories of aging and longevity


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Last updated: 1/2008