Module: 1
Sponsoring Program: BMS
Administrator: Demian Sainz

STUDY LIST INFORMATION
Course Number: BMS 270 or DSCB 270
Course Name: The Biology of Rejuvenation
Units: 3
Grading Option: S/U
Course Director: Saul Villeda

MORE COURSE INFORMATION
Additional Course Director(s): None
Room Number: TBA
Campus: Parnassus
Schedule: March 28-April 15, 2016;  MWF 10:00 am - 12:00 noon
Prerequisites: None
Maximum Class Size: 12

Course Description: Aging alters both the regenerative capacity and functional integrity of adult tissues, and as a result steadily drives susceptibility to degenerative disorders in healthy individuals. In fact, aging remains the single most predominant risk factor for degenerative diseases in the elderly, such as Alzheimer’s disease. Now considering the rate at which the human population is currently aging, it becomes critical to identify ways by which to maintain tissue integrity by protecting against, or even counteracting, the effects of aging. This course will investigate the cellular and molecular mechanisms that contribute to aging across adult tissues, as well as those that can promote rejuvenation at old age. To accomplish this we have at least three goals:
• To comprehend, contemplate, discuss and critique original, cutting-edge research articles
• To place original research in the context of larger scientific concepts - search for truth, uncertainty and controversies, and the overall scientific process.
• To develop skills in scientific communication – scientific presentations, graphical representations, and laymen discussions.

Students will lead class discussions of primary scientific literature, learn to design graphical abstracts, and learn to communicate to the general public through short press type summaries.