MMB8011 : Biology of Ageing
MMB8011 : Biology of Ageing
- Offered for Year: 2025/26
- Module Leader(s): Dr Satomi Miwa
- Lecturer: Dr Suzanne Madgwick, Dr Laura Maringele, Prof. Thomas Kirkwood, Professor Viktor Korolchuk, Dr Oliver Shannon, Professor Laura Greaves, Dr Gordon Strathdee, Professor David Young, Dr Shoba Amarnath
- Owning School: Biomedical, Nutritional and Sports Scien
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.
| Semester 1 Credit Value: | 20 |
| ECTS Credits: | 10.0 |
| European Credit Transfer System | |
Pre-requisite
Modules you must have done previously to study this module
Pre Requisite Comment
Programme Admission Requirements Only
Co-Requisite
Modules you need to take at the same time
Co Requisite Comment
None
Aims
The module aims to:
1. To provide a framework to understand why ageing occurs in almost all organisms and why ageing is particularly slow in humans.
2. To present details of the core mechanisms of ageing as a basis to understand how organisms age.
3. To provide a critical platform to judge the efficacy of potential interventions which include pharmacological, nutritional and physical.
4. To provide a basic background knowledge to understand mechanisms of age-related diseases.
Outline Of Syllabus
This module will provide an overview on current thinking on why ageing is observed in almost all organisms, what factors influence the rate of ageing and the core molecular, cellular and systematic mechanisms of ageing, including discussion of the latest scientific discoveries. The module will also provide essential biological background relevant to a variety of age-related conditions such as neurodegenerative, metabolic, musculoskeletal diseases and cancers.
Contents:
1. Definitions and theory of ageing, including: evolutionary theories, disposable soma theory, oxidative stress theory, hallmarks of ageing.
2. Molecular and cellular mechanisms of ageing, including: protein homeostasis, stem cells, mitochondrial (dys-)function, cellular senescence, epigenetics, extracellular matrix.
3. Systemic mechanisms of ageing, including: immune, hormonal, reproductive systems, gut microbiome.
4. Future of ageing research and anti-ageing interventions.
Learning Outcomes
Intended Knowledge Outcomes
By the end of this module students should be able to:
1. discuss why ageing occurs and the role of stress in its progression
2. display a clear understanding of the key mechanisms of ageing
3. discuss the limitations of potential interventions to slow the ageing process
4. discriminate between normal ageing and disease
5. display an awareness of the current areas of research in ageing
Intended Skill Outcomes
By the end of the module the students should be able to:
1. use their knowledge and critical appraisal skills to judge the potential of possible interventions
2. suggest appropriate experimental designs to address questions in biogerontology
3. give oral communications on the biology of ageing targeted to both lay and specialist audiences
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 40:00 | 40:00 | Preparation for the examination |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 16 | 1:00 | 16:00 | Present in person (PIP) lecture sessions |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 40:00 | 40:00 | Preparation and submission of essay |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 30:00 | 30:00 | Preparation of Presentation and Presentation |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 3 | 1:00 | 3:00 | Present in person (PIP): seminar - discussion/journal clubs |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 1 | 1:00 | 1:00 | Present in person (PIP): wk 11 summary/revision session |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 5 | 1:00 | 5:00 | Present in person (PIP) - formative presentations |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 1 | 1:00 | 1:00 | Present in person (PIP): wk 1 introductory session |
| Guided Independent Study | Reflective learning activity | 1 | 24:00 | 24:00 | Additional Reading and Reflective Learning |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 1 | 40:00 | 40:00 | Preparing Notes from Lectures and Reading |
| Total | 200:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
Lectures and lecture material will provide the students with expert presentations of key information and as a platform for private study. Seminars (small group teaching) will build on the lecture materials to help consolidate the information gained and encourage a critical understanding.
Reading Lists
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Exams
| Description | Length | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Written Examination | 60 | 1 | A | 60 | Present in person Examination: Essay, 1 question from 3 |
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Essay | 1 | M | 40 | 1500 words |
Formative Assessments
Formative Assessment is an assessment which develops your skills in being assessed, allows for you to receive feedback, and prepares you for being assessed. However, it does not count to your final mark.
| Description | Semester | When Set | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prof skill assessmnt | 1 | M | Oral presentation (15 minutes) |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The in-course written assignment will provide an in depth assessment of a student’s ability to extract essential information from diverse sources, and present a clear, well structured and well supported argument. The formative oral presentation will provide an opportunity for the student to enhance their ability to think on their feet and present ideas. The summative written examination will provide an assessment of broad knowledge and understanding of the biology of ageing.
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- MMB8011's Timetable
Past Exam Papers
- Exam Papers Online : www.ncl.ac.uk/exam.papers/
- MMB8011's past Exam Papers
General Notes
N/A
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Disclaimer
The information contained within the Module Catalogue relates to the 2025 academic year.
In accordance with University Terms and Conditions, the University makes all reasonable efforts to deliver the modules as described.
Modules may be amended on an annual basis to take account of changing staff expertise, developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, staffing changes, and student feedback. Module information for the 2026/27 entry will be published here in early-April 2026. Queries about information in the Module Catalogue should in the first instance be addressed to your School Office.