MMB8011 : Biology of Ageing
- Offered for Year: 2024/25
- Module Leader(s): Dr Daryl Shanley
- Co-Module Leader: Dr Satomi Miwa
- Lecturer: Prof. Thomas Kirkwood, Professor Mary Herbert, Dr Gordon Strathdee, Professor Thomas von Zglinicki, Professor Viktor Korolchuk, Dr Joanna Elson, Professor Laura Greaves, Professor John Mathers, Dr Laura Maringele, Professor David Young
- 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 | |
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 essential mechanisms of ageing as a basis to understand how organisms age
3. To inform students on the role of intrinsic and extrinsic stress in ageing
4 To provide a critical platform to judge the efficacy of potential interventions which include pharmacological, nutritional and physical
Outline Of Syllabus
This module aims to provides an overview on current thinking on why ageing is observed in almost all organisms, what factors influence the rate of ageing and the key mechanisms of ageing. The module will include an introduction to the role of intrinsic and extrinsic stresses in generating molecular damage within cells, the broad principles defining the network of cellular defences against stress-induced damage, and the current understanding of the molecular and cellular mechanisms of ageing. As ageing involves multiple biochemical and cellular mechanisms affecting multiple tissues, the emphasis will be on building a thorough understanding of why adopting an integrative, systems approach is essential. The module aims to provide a critical platform to judge the efficacy of potential interventions which include pharmacological, nutritional and physical.
The module contents include:
1. Definitions of longevity and ageing
2. Ageing and the life cycle
3. Evolutionary theories of ageing
4 .Genetics of ageing and longevity
5. Stress, damage and repair
6. Mechanisms of stress
7. Mechanisms of ageing: damage to protein, lipid and DNA molecules; the associated maintenance and repair systems; and the consequences of the accumulation of un-repaired molecular damage.
8. A special focus on cellular senescence: the maintenance of telomeres; the role of mitochondria and oxidative stress; and stem cells
9. The insights gained from detailed study of caloric restriction
10. Age-associated changes in human organ/tissue integrity and function
11. Use of cell and animal model systems for ageing research
12. Measurement of ageing
13. Human population studies
14. Systems biology of ageing
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 30:00 | 30:00 | Preparation of Presentation and Presentation |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 3 | 1:00 | 3:00 | Present in person (PIP): seminar - discussion/journal clubs |
| 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.
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 to peers and the public. The summative written examination will provide an assessment of broad knowledge and understanding of the biology of ageing.
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- MMB8011's Timetable