Why do we age? The molecular mechanisms of ageing

The European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing at the University of Groningen (ERIBA) offers an online course about the molecular mechanisms of ageing. This is not the same as a web class! The work load is higher and the course takes longer. Also the course is offered at a different platform (Future Learn). The course is not specifically designed to give you a peek into the freshman year of a study, as do the other web classes. However if you are interested in the molecular mechanisms of ageing, it is a very interesting course. It can also be a very useful tool to gather information for a high school project about ageing. It furthermore shows you one of the research areas you might get into after studying biology or life science & technology.

About the course

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.

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, 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 will follow. ERIBA scientists will present 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.

Enrollment

This online course is offered at Future Learn. You can subscribe here: https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/ageing . The course starts on 2 may.

Who can join?

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.

Workload

This course takes 6 weeks. In these 6 weeks you’ll have to spend approximately 4 hours working on the course.