Why Do We Age? The Molecular Mechanisms of Ageing

University of Groningen via FutureLearn

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Provider

FutureLearn
Pricing

Free Online Course (Audit)
Languages

English
Certificate

$134.00 Certificate Available
Duration & workload

6 weeks, 4 hours a week
Sessions

On-Demand
Level

Beginner

Found in

Overview

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Discover the science behind the ageing process

The “why” and “how” of ageing has puzzled mankind ever since it questioned its place in the universe.

However, it was only after infectious diseases became more controlled and reliable food supplies became generally available, that the rapid increase of the average lifespan made science turn its attention to study longevity and ageing.

To fulfil the desire to live longer and age healthier, it is essential that we better understand the intricate molecular processes that evolve in our body when we age.

Study the concepts and theories of ageing

In this free online course, you will study the current concepts and theories of ageing. You will learn about the molecular and cellular processes in ageing. You will explore the cell systems, animal models and advanced experimental methods that we use to study ageing.

After introducing the main theories and mechanisms of ageing in the first week, we will proceed with a series of in-depth lectures from distinguished researchers working at the European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing at the University of Groningen. They will present you with a selection of their current research and will explain the fundamental questions they try to answer and the experimental approaches they use for their studies.

You will learn that ageing starts at the cell level and you will study several phenomena which take place in cells, such as genomic instability, telomere shortening and epigenetic changes.

By completing this course you will gain insight into the fundamental biology of ageing in various simple and complex organisms, including humans.

The course is aimed at anyone interested in understanding the biology of ageing. It requires basic knowledge of biology, though most of the terms are explained and you will receive further support via additional reading.

Syllabus

Cellular ageing

Welcome
Why do we study ageing? What is ageing?
Eukaryotic cell structure
Introduction to mechanisms associated with cellular ageing
Glossary on Week 1
Conclusion to Week 1

Chromosomes and ageing

Introduction to Week 2
Using model organisms in ageing research
Mechanism of ageing in yeast - Replicative ageing
Mechanism of ageing in yeast - Telomeres
Aneuploidy, cancer, and ageing
Glossary on Week 1-2
Conclusion to Week 2

Genomic instability and epigenetics

Introduction to Week 3
DNA damage and repair
Telomeres, stem cells, and ageing
Epigenetics and ageing
Mid-course test
Glossary on Week 1-3
Conclusion to Week 3

Stem cells in ageing and rejuvenation

Introduction to Week 4
Single cell sequencing
Haematopoietic stem cells
Regeneration and rejuvenation
Glossary on Week 1-4
Conclusion to Week 4

Health and disease during ageing - molecular aspects

Introduction to Week 5
Decline and disease
Protein aggregation, toxicity, and neurodegeneration
Calorie restriction - health and lifespan
Glossary on Week 1-5
Conclusion to Week 5

Genetics and evolution of ageing

Introduction to Week 6
Genetics of ageing
Evolutionary theories of ageing
Peer review assignment
Glossary on Week 1-6
Conclusion to Week 6 and general conclusion

Taught by

Marianna Bevova

Reviews

4.2 rating, based on 13 Class Central reviews

Start your review of Why Do We Age? The Molecular Mechanisms of Ageing

Anonymous

Fascinating, challenging, thought-provoking course & I really enjoyed it. Huge amount of ground covered, with ageing explored from several different aspects, but all well interconnected. The only reason I give it 4 rather that 5 stars is simply bec…

Fascinating, challenging, thought-provoking course & I really enjoyed it. Huge amount of ground covered, with ageing explored from several different aspects, but all well interconnected. The only reason I give it 4 rather that 5 stars is simply because in the overview, under ‘Who is the course for’ it is stated that ‘It requires basic knowledge of biology’. I have a degree in Zoology, albeit from 40 years ago. But I studied cytology and genetics, amongst other things, & even with this background I struggled with some aspects of the course, and some people dropped out because it was too difficult for them. It can be done, but I would suggest a higher starting level of knowledge would make it a lot easier. Either a higher level of education (minimum English A-level biology? - taken at age 18), or else first taking some other courses to build up knowledge before attempting this one - there are some excellent courses on FutureLearn that will allow you to do this.
Anthony Van Schyndel

This course was ell set out and at the cutting edge of research quality with sufficient time to finish and enough reference material to get up to scratch. Mentors should take some time to get involved with the students to create a more personal and effective atmosphere for the learners. Mentors participation means a closer relationship with learners and creates an atmosphere of belonging and of appreciation for all. Tony V
Anonymous

The topics covered are thorough, clearly taught by scientists top in their field. However - as is often with these online courses - its just lectures read out/dictated from a script and minimal thinking for yourself Also the interaction is low (apar…

The topics covered are thorough, clearly taught by scientists top in their field. However - as is often with these online courses - its just lectures read out/dictated from a script and minimal thinking for yourself Also the interaction is low (apart from discussions and a few token multiple choice questions at start and end of each topic) Essentially, most of what is said goes over your head, I got a basic overview of the processes (some of which I knew before). But really a course like this needs 20-30 questions at end of each week, with answer you can check against.. designed to develop your understanding. Essentially this is just a course with lots of scripted content - and if you miss one part, its hard to catch up with another.. from what I read in the comments in the discussions each week, it seems most people don't really understand whats getting talked about or only have a loose understanding of the subject Essentially - this course is nice for a browse/scan to get basic overview of ideas.. but to understand in depth you will need better resources.. Potentially very good, just add in a few hundred exercise questions + answers.. + proper tests at end of each section (not 4-5 multiple choice - half of which I can guess before even watching the video or even understanding)
Anonymous

The course was interesting but a bit difficult and I had to read a lot in the internet to catch up. But it is a fascinating course.
Anonymous

This is well constructed course with a plethora of informative materials, often at the leading edge of this subject. The video lectures which start with an over view of a cell to the complex mechanisms, covering such areas as Chromosomes and ageing,…

This is well constructed course with a plethora of informative materials, often at the leading edge of this subject. The video lectures which start with an over view of a cell to the complex mechanisms, covering such areas as Chromosomes and ageing, Genomic instability and epigenetics, Stem cells in ageing and rejuvenation , Molecular aspects of health and disease during ageing ,Genetics and evolution of ageing. The video lectures can be either downloaded or viewed directly from the web site. They are provided in direct to camera lecture style. Along with supporting pdf downloads comprising of the full text of video lectures and associated visual materials used. In this course I discovered the complexity of the molecular mechanisms of ageing. I liked that students are encouraged to help each other, ( and we did help each other ) and that in fact, was a very useful element of this in-depth course.
Octavio Torres Chazaro

This is an extraordinary course. Probably one of the Best 3 I have taken on the web. Every lecture is full of valuable and astonishing information, but I must say this is not an easy course . I started and then moved to other course on geneticas and…

This is an extraordinary course. Probably one of the Best 3 I have taken on the web. Every lecture is full of valuable and astonishing information, but I must say this is not an easy course . I started and then moved to other course on geneticas and so on in order to have a better understanding of the topics. It took me long because I had to do quite a number of independent readings. But is really worth it.

It is an extraordinary experience to look at every issue from different perspective about ageing and different research frontiers by the same guys exploring those frontiers of ageing. Every one of them is top-of-the-field on their own and therefore it requires a lot of effort and patience from you.
You will be extensively challenged but the amount of understanding you will get, is a jewel.
Anonymous

I found this MOOC very interesting, but too specialized. What I mean is that it explains all biological cell characteristics (in my humble opinion) in a very wide, deep and meticulous way, making it very hard to follow to someone who has many years without studing the DNA, RNA, mitochondrial function, epigenetics, etc.
Anonymous

Great course: well structured, excellent material (english subtiltled videos, video transcript and slides pdf) and teachers (it's really appealing to have presentation of research in live by the researchers themselves, up to date external references to deepen the subject if needed.
It's an intermediate level course.
Anonymous

I enjoyed studying this course for 6 weeks. I have no education in medicine and genetics, and some points remained incomprehensible to me, but I understood enough to make my daily choices more consciously.

Thanks for the new and useful knowledge!
Monica Flores

This was an excellent course to introducing in the large world of ageing
First, in terms of molecular patterns and after related to some important diseases
Last, relation between ageing with a healthy life
That was a great course!
Anonymous

The course is a good introduction. Good: overview of ageing research, good lectures, deep dive into the research. Bad: sometimes too detailed, or too focussed on own research.
Jose Leal
Renny Jelsma

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Discover the science behind the ageing process

Study the concepts and theories of ageing

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