Contacts

Director
Martha Haviland, Ph.D.

Director of Advising
Anne Carr-Schmid, Ph.D.

Coordinator of Academic Services
Cathie Alia

Biological Sciences

Undergraduate Quicklinks

Course Descriptions

01:694:421 Special Topics in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry: The Biology of Aging

  • This course will discuss state-of-the-art understanding of the biology of aging and longevity, considering what we know, what are particular challenges to tackling the problem, what are the controversies, what are the myths. Topics we will consider are genetics, diet, environment, chance, signaling pathways, epigenetics, late onset diseases.  Format will be lecture plus reading discussions, emphasis on molecular genetics of longevity and health span.
  • Semester Offered: Fall
  • Credits: 3
  • Course URL: canvas

Prerequisites

Genetics (01:447:380 or 01:447:384/385) and Biochemistry (01:694:301, 01:694:395 or 01:694:407).  

Course Syllabus

 Spring 2024 (Fall 2025 syllabus will be updated soon)

Topics

  • What is aging?
  • Model systems in aging research
  • Genetics of Longevity
  • Longevity signaling pathways
  • DNA damage and maintenance
  • Telomere theories
  • Stress responses and healthy aging
  • Caloric restriction
  • Free radical theory of aging
  • Mitochondria
  • Metabolism and Diabetes
  • The aging brain
  • Late-onset Neurodegenerative disease
  • Epigenetics
  • Stem Cells and regenerative biology
  • Reproductive aging

Course Satisfies Learning Goals

  1. Students should demonstrate an understanding of the knowledge that is needed to begin biomedical research and that is required for post-graduate exams and studies.
  2. Students should demonstrate the ability to find and evaluate information about specific biological systems or problems.
  3. Students should demonstrate the ability to design experiments and critically analyze data.

 Exams, Assignments, and Grading Policy:

20% Quizzes 3-4, will announce dates, one week in advance 

25% Exam 1 midterm   

25% Exam 2 final           

20% Paper presentations 

10% Class participation (hw questions, discussion—you will need to attend class!) 

Course Materials

Assigned papers, weekly readings will be posted at the course Canvas site.

Course Closed?  

There is no wait list for this course. Please continue to monitor web-reg for openings.

Faculty

Prof. Monica Driscoll
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Nelson Biological Labs. Room A232

Yang Lyu
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Nelson Lab, Room A307A

Student Support Services

Student Success Essentials: https://success.rutgers.edu
Student Support Services: https://www.rutgers.edu/academics/student-support   
The Learning Centers: https://rlc.rutgers.edu/  
Rutgers Libraries: https://www.libraries.rutgers.edu/
Bias Incident Reporting: https://studentaffairs.rutgers.edu/bias-incident-reporting
Dean of Students – Student Support Office: https://success.rutgers.edu/resource/dean-students-student-support-office
Office of Veteran and Military Programs and Services: https://veterans.rutgers.edu  
Student Health Services: http://health.rutgers.edu/
Counseling, Alcohol and Other Drug Assistance Program & Psychiatric Services (CAPS):  http://health.rutgers.edu/medical-counseling-services/counseling/
UWill: free immediate access to teletherapy; you can choose a therapist based on your preferences including issue, gender, language, ethnicity. http://health.rutgers.edu/uwill/
Office for Violence Prevention and Victim Assistance: vpva.rutgers.edu/Office of Disability Services: https://ods.rutgers.edu/
Basic Needs Assistance (food, housing, and other   essentials):  https://ruoffcampus.rutgers.edu/basic-needs
Rutgers Student Food Pantry: https://ruoffcampus.rutgers.edu/food-pantry

** All information is subject to change at the discretion of the course coordinator.