Semester: Fall 2000 Room: DM 112  ggfas

Instructor: Henry Kayongo-Male Office: DM 312

Time: Wednesday 2:30 - 5:20 Telephone: 4561 (Voice Mail)

Text: Human Aging - Biological Perspectives (2000), 2^nd Edition - A.G. Digiovanna

Biology of Aging (1998), 2^nd Edition - Robert Arking

Objectives:

The course is divided into 4 major sections: 1) Aging Process; 2) Theories of the cause of Aging; 3) Structural and functional changes of various organ systems; 4) Age related diseases.  Each of the sections has different objectives outlined on the next page.

Course Requirements and Format:

Students are expected to: a) attend classes regularly; b) read extensively c) present and discuss information in class; and d) hand in assignments on time. This course is taught in a traditional lecture offering coupled with assigned readings, class presentations and field visits.

Course Grading:

The course will be examined and graded as follows:

Assignments                                 20 points
Mid-term test                               20 points
Final (comprehensive) test             40 points
Term paper                                 20 points
                                                    100 points

Section Objectives:

Section A - Aging Process

1. To define aging and senescence; to differentiate between longevity, life expectancy and life span.

2. To differentiate between aging and age-related diseases.

3. To gauge the various perceptions on aging.

4. To explore the various demographic and socio-economic trends of the elderly mainly in the U.S.

5. To study the various methods of gerontological research.
 
 
 

Section B - Theories of the Causes of Aging

1. To explain the scientific basis for the molecular, cellular, tissue and systemic theories of aging.

2. To define the pros and cons of some of the theories.

3. To try to understand that the observed physical and functional changes seen in the elderly arise out of persistent dynamic changes especially at molecular level, with regard mainly to protein synthesis.

4. To appreciate that no one single theory can adequately or fully explain the cause(s) of aging.
 
 
 

Section C - Structural and Functional Changes of Various Organ Systems

1. To describe physical, anatomical or structural changes in the elderly.

2. To relate anatomical changes to functional or physiological changes.

3. To theorize on the possible causes of the anatomical and functional changes in the elderly.
 
 
 

Section D - Age-Related Diseases

1. To understand biological changes, both anatomical and physiological, that occur during aging that setoff the disease condition.

2. To fully describe the major symptoms of the disease; and contrast the variations to a normal young adult.

3. To outline the clinical management of condition both in terms of care and medication.

4. To study its impact on the individual; the number afflicted in the U.S.; and the estimated cost of the disease in the U.S.

5. Current areas of research on this condition.

Other Resources:

Scientific Journals:

1. Experimental Gerontology
2. Gerontology
3. Journal of Gerontology
4. Mechanics of Aging and Development
5. Journal of American Geriatrics Society
6. Geriatrics
7. Cancer Research
8. Neurobiology and Aging

Other Books:

1. Human Aging and Chronic Disease -- C.S. Kart, et. al. (1992)
2. The Biology of Human Aging -- John K. Hampton, Jr. (1991)
3. Growing Old in America -- B.B. Hess/E.W. Markson (1993)
4. The Encyclopedia of Aging and the Elderly -- F.H. Hampton/C. Russell (1992)
5. Aging of Cells, Humans and Societies -- I.U. Ross (1995)
6. Physiological Basis of Aging and Geriatrics -- P.S. Timiras (1995)
 
 

1st Week -- Introductory remarks and course organization.

2nd Week -- Aging and the Aging Process (Terminology, perceptions, demographic data).

3rd Week -- Aging and The Aging Process (socio-economic aspects and research).

4th Week -- Theories of Aging -- Part I (Protein Synthesis).

5th Week -- Theories of Aging -- Part II (Molecular theories).

6th Week -- Theories of Aging -- Part III (Cellular and systematic theories).

7th Week -- Case Study - Field Work

8th Week -- Reports on Case Studies

9th Week -- MID-TERM EXAMINATION and Video on Aging

10th Week -- Body structural and functional changes.

11th Week -- Body structural and functional changes.

12th Week -- Body structural and functional changes.

13th Week -- Major age-related medical problems.

14th Week -- Major age-related medical problems.

15th Week -- Special Topics in Aging

16th Week -- Hand in term paper

FINAL EXAMINATION