Course Catalogue

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Global demographic shifts towards older populations present an enormous challenge to healthcare systems. Consequently, a mechanistic understanding of ageing is a major priority in biosciences. This course will examine recent advances in research on biological mechanisms of ageing - with a focus on how molecular, cellular and genetic approaches have contributed to understanding ageing and identifying potential strategies to maintain health in older age. The course will be based mainly on student-centred active learning, with some lectures to introduce specific topics in the field, and an emphasis on developing communication skills.

There will normally be 3 total hours of teaching on Fridays, which may be split over blocks of 1 or 2 hours of teaching.

Normally, only available to final-year Life Sciences students in a Degree Group B (Biomolecular Sciences group) programme. Visiting students may be allowed to enrol, at the discretion of the Study Abroad Coordinator and the Course Coordinator.

None

The course will be assessed by a 90-minute written examination (50%) and two in-course assessments (50% total):

The written exam (50%) will comprise a mixture of problem-based questions and mini-essay questions.

The in-course assessment will comprise two components: the first a written paper critique and individual viva voce connected to that critique (30% total; 10% from written and 20% from oral component), and the second a short individual oral presentation about a topic in the field, to be designed for non-specialist audiences (20%).

This course aims to provide opportunities for students to develop graduate attributes with respect to knowledge, critical assessment, and communication about current mechanistic research in biology of ageing. Specifically, we aim to foster:

■ Subject specialism, with a depth of knowledge that includes genetic/molecular/cellular methodologies in research on ageing, as well as their limitations.

■ Independent and critical thinking, including evaluating current research on ageing and defining areas for new research.

■ Effective science communication, including both written and spoken articulation of complex ideas in the field for diverse audiences.

By the end of this course students will be able to:

■ Deconstruct primary research relating to theories and mechanisms for the biology of ageing.

■ Critically assess primary research papers in the biology of ageing in both written and oral formats aimed at scientific audiences.

■ Communicate a specific aspect of ageing research to a general audience using a media presentation.