The Molecular and Biochemical Basis of Aging
| Department |
Interdisciplinary Medicine
|
|---|---|
| Course Number |
IDIS 209
|
| Course Title | The Molecular and Biochemical Basis of Aging |
| Course Director |
Manjari Dimri, MBBS
|
| Length (Weeks) |
2 |
| When Offered |
Weeks 32-33 & 40-41 |
| Prerequisites |
None |
| Availability Notes |
Manjari Dimri, MBBS, Associate Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine |
| Contact Name |
Dr. Dimri
|
| Contact Phone | |
| Contact Fax | |
| Contact Email |
mdimri@gwu.edu
|
| Other Contacts | |
| Location | |
| Limit |
15 students per 2 week slot
|
| Report | |
| Evaluation |
Grading: Pass/Fail
1. Class Participation - Ongoing (15%): Students are expected to complete all assigned readings prior to each session so that all can engage in meaningful discussion and learning. Attendance is mandatory. On-time in-person attendance is expected for all class sessions. If a session must be missed for emergency, the student should contact the course director. A significant make-up assignment will be required for the missed session. 2. Written Report (25%): Students will submit a 3-page written report exclusive of title and references on the role of genetics and epigenetics in aging. References should be cited in APA format. The paper should be double-spaced in 12-point Times New Roman font with 1-inch margins all around, and pages numbered. 3. Seminar Presentation (25%): Students will review existing literature on aging-related topics of their choice and present in class as a 10 minute oral presentation. The presentation should include the background of the topic and allow for discussion of its application in health and disease. Grading is based on subject matter (content and depth) and presentation (organization and delivery). 4. Final Project - Reflection Paper (35%): This is an individual, 3-page paper exclusive of the title page and references. The purpose of this paper is to help you identify your own proclivities and implications on your future role as a physician. To develop your reflection, think about your motivation to take this elective, what personal knowledge/thoughts/views you came with and compare them with views/perspectives/barriers/issues/etc. you may have developed at the end of this course. Based on these reflections, identify what, if anything, the newly acquired knowledge of basic sciences has changed or developed your views. Please take care that this is a reflection paper: it is about your insights about yourself. Relevant concepts covered in the course materials and discussed in class should be cited and referenced; not summarized. Other reference materials are not necessary. References should be cited in APA format. The paper should be double-spaced in 12-point Times New Roman font with 1-inch margins all around, and pages numbered. |
| Description |
Purpose and Rationale for the Course: This elective intends to provide students with exposure to the field of aging, as a supplement to their current education. The course is designed to integrate core basic science concepts with age-related diseases such as Alzheimer’s and cancer. The goal is to provide students with an in-depth understanding and current knowledge of various topics in the field including the role of aging in development and disease, hallmarks, biomarkers, mechanisms, current strategies, and advances in scientific research. In addition to building knowledge, the course will also help build confidence, critical thinking, and competency skills necessary to conduct a biomedical literature search, analyze the research findings, assimilate the literature, and synthesize a comprehensive review of a given topic. All these skills together will enhance the students’ ability to apply the relevant information in biomedical literature as they relate to various clinical issues. Target Students: This course is designed for 3rd and 4th year medical students who are interested in enhancing their understanding of the process of aging and its impact on health. Course Description: During this two-week elective course, students will explore the biochemical and molecular changes pertaining to the aging process. This will include the methods and models for studying aging, the theories on how and why we age, and the associated changes during development and regeneration. We will discuss the scientific discoveries from model organisms that have provided insights into the aging process and implications for interventions in age-related diseases. The role of genetics and epigenetics in aging, various hallmarks and biomarkers, and the mechanisms of cellular senescence will be discussed. Finally, students will correlate and interpret how various biochemical and molecular mechanisms and current scientific advances are used to identify treatment strategies and anti-aging interventions. Assigned reading material will be provided and will precede class time. Class time will be instructor-led and allow for student participation and discussions. Students will conduct literature research on select topics, present seminar-style oral presentations in class, and submit a written report. Students will write a reflection paper as a culminating activity for this coursework. Course Learning Objectives: By the end of this course, the student should be able to:
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| Additional Notes |