The student will: (i) acquire an updated view of the structural and functional adaptations of organ systems and tissues to ageing and of the underlying molecular and cellular mechanisms. (ii) be able to integrate whole body phenomena and molecular and cellular phenomena in a comprehensive view (iii) will understand how exercise and well-being are essential for healthy ageing and life span.
Course Prerequisites
The student has to possess or acquire the following knowledge and skills: - biology: basic knowledge about genetic and cellular biology acquired at secondary school level supplemented by all the skills acquired in the Biology course previously attended in graduate courses with particular regard to the genetic code, its transmission and mutations. - anatomy: all the knowledge acquired in a Human Anatomy course at university level with particular emphasis on the structure of organs and their functional anatomy. - biochemistry: all the skills acquired in a Biochemistry course course at university level with particular emphasis on the metabolic pathways of energy metabolism, mitochondrial function, the structure of proteins and their synthesis and degradation.
Teaching Methods
Face-to-face research lectures; practical laboratories; small group discussion in classroom.
Assessment Methods
Each student will be provided with a list of five scientific articles on the various topics covered in the lecture and will be asked to choose the work that most stimulates their interest. After a preparation period of 15 days, each student will have to present the content of the article by means of a power-point presentation with a critical approach, linking what was discussed by the authors with the concepts presented in the lecture.
Texts
- Glenda E. Bilder “Human Biological Aging: From Macromolecules to Organ Systems” ISBN: 978-1-118-96702-7 April 2016 Wiley-Blackwell - Recent published papers in peer review scientific journals
Contents
Ageing has a profound impact on most organs and tissues. Ageing is unavoidable but can be slowed down by exercise and well-being. The course will: (i) present the adaptations of cardiovascular, respiratory, muscular and nervous system to ageing and will consider the cellular and molecular mechanisms supporting those adaptations; (ii) will integrate such knowledge in the overall ageing phenomenon; (iii) will show the impact of immobilization, exercise, and nutrition on the ageing process from the molecular to the organ level.
Course Language
English
More information
The Professor can be contacted via email and receives students at his office located in the headquarters of the Department of Molecular Medicine of the University of Pavia, via Forlanini 6, 27100 Pavia. Please reserve an appointment in advance
