Why Do We Age? The Molecular Mechanisms of Ageing

Discover the science behind the ageing process

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.

Study the concepts and theories of ageing

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, we will proceed with 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. They will present you with 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.

You will learn that ageing starts at the cell level and you will study several phenomena which take place in cells, such as genomic instability, telomere shortening and epigenetic changes.

By completing this course you will gain insight into the fundamental biology of ageing in various simple and complex organisms, including humans.

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.

• Cellular ageing
• Welcome
• Why do we study ageing? What is ageing?
• Eukaryotic cell structure
• Introduction to mechanisms associated with cellular ageing
• Glossary on Week 1
• Conclusion to Week 1
• Chromosomes and ageing
• Introduction to Week 2
• Using model organisms in ageing research
• Mechanism of ageing in yeast - Replicative ageing
• Mechanism of ageing in yeast - Telomeres
• Aneuploidy, cancer, and ageing
• Glossary on Week 1-2
• Conclusion to Week 2
• Genomic instability and epigenetics
• Introduction to Week 3
• DNA damage and repair
• Telomeres, stem cells, and ageing
• Epigenetics and ageing
• Mid-course test
• Glossary on Week 1-3
• Conclusion to Week 3
• Stem cells in ageing and rejuvenation
• Introduction to Week 4
• Single cell sequencing
• Haematopoietic stem cells
• Regeneration and rejuvenation
• Glossary on Week 1-4
• Conclusion to Week 4
• Health and disease during ageing - molecular aspects
• Introduction to Week 5
• Decline and disease
• Protein aggregation, toxicity, and neurodegeneration
• Calorie restriction - health and lifespan
• Glossary on Week 1-5
• Conclusion to Week 5
• Genetics and evolution of ageing
• Introduction to Week 6
• Genetics of ageing
• Evolutionary theories of ageing
• Peer review assignment
• Glossary on Week 1-6
• Conclusion to Week 6 and general conclusion