Why Do We Age? The Molecular Mechanisms of Ageing

Tom Spits, Michael Chang (educator), Marianna Bevova, Liesbeth Veenhoff "educator", Gerald de Haan, Floris Foijer (educator), Eugene Berezikov (educator), Peter Lansdorp (educator), Ellen Nollen (educator), Cornelis F. Calkhoven (educator), Maria Colome Tatche "educator", and Victor Guryev (educator)

Most FutureLearn courses run multiple times. Every run of a course has a set start date but you can join it and work through it after it starts. Find out more 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. You can use the hashtag #FLAgeing to talk about this course on social media.

Topics Covered

Cellular ageing
Chromosomes and ageing
Genomic instability and epigenetics
Stem cells in ageing and rejuvenation
Molecular aspects of health and disease during ageing
Genetics and evolution of ageing

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Reviews summary

Molecular ageing: clear, comprehensive, and level-dependent

According to learners, this course offers a comprehensive overview of the molecular mechanisms of ageing. Many found the clear explanations by the knowledgeable lecturers helped break down complex topics, making the content accessible. However, student experiences varied significantly based on their prior biology knowledge. Some found it perfectly pitched with just basic biology, while others with stronger backgrounds felt it was a high-level overview lacking depth. Conversely, some with limited background found it challenging. The quizzes are seen by some as helpful for reinforcing concepts.

Assess and reinforce learning.

"Quizzes reinforce learning effectively."

"The quizzes were tricky, and I felt lost quickly."

"I sometimes struggled with the pace and assumed prior knowledge... quizzes..."

Fit depends on prior knowledge.

"Excellent course! ... accessible even with just basic biology knowledge."

"Fantastic introduction! I had a strong biology background and found this course a perfect way to get into the molecular aspects of ageing research."

"This course was quite difficult for me. I only had high school biology and found the concepts and terminology overwhelming. ... Maybe better suited for university students than general learners."

"Found this course okay. ... I sometimes struggled with the pace and assumed prior knowledge, even with the 'basic biology' prerequisite."

Instructors present topics effectively.

"The lecturers explain complex ideas clearly..."

"The lecturers are knowledgeable."

"The way they are presented is very engaging."

Breaks down complex topics well.

"The lecturers explain complex ideas clearly, making it accessible even with just basic biology knowledge."

"A solid course that demystifies the science of ageing. It connects various biological concepts in a logical flow."

"This course was quite difficult for me. I only had high school biology and found the concepts and terminology overwhelming. ... Felt lost quickly."

Broad introduction to ageing biology.

"Provides a comprehensive overview of the key molecular pathways involved in ageing."

"Good course, covers a lot of ground from chromosomes to stem cells."

"Useful as a foundation, but I'll need to do more reading for deeper understanding."

"It feels more like a high-level overview than a deep dive into mechanisms."

Activities

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