- Course Number: 6487
- Credits: 3
- Course Format: This online course is tailored for asynchronous distance learners.
- Course Syllabus: Download
Course Description
Aging is a complex process determined by both genetic and environmental factors. By manipulating these aging-related factors, researchers have been able to extend lifespan and healthspan in lab animals. This course is mainly focused on the current and emerging interventions to promote human lifespan and healthspan. In this course, learners will learn both general knowledge and mechanistic insights into these anti-aging interventions. Many novel, emerging, and sometimes controversial techniques and interventions will be discussed in this course, such as parabiosis or “young blood” transfusions, the aging microbiome, stem cell rejuvenation, senescence cell clearance, gene therapy, biotechnology development, and virtual reality and environmental enrichment.
Course Goals
The goals of the course are to: (1) understand the concept of lifespan modulation by both intrinsic and extrinsic factors; (2) appreciate important environmental factors involved in human aging; and (3) promote critical thinking of clinical implications of environmental interventions for age-associated conditions.