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Why Do We Age? The Molecular Mechanisms of Ageing

Why do we age? Is there a limit to human lifespan? Can we prolong our lives? Find out with this free online course.

33,281 enrolled on this course

Ageing through time
  • Duration

    6 weeks
  • Weekly study

    4 hours

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 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. This course will be particularly relevant for those who have a basic background in biology and want to know more about the biology of ageing.

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Skip to 0 minutes and 8 seconds Ageing would be something, or the main thing I would always try to pursue. It’s something that I can make many interesting projects out of. It also has a deep social concern and importance, so in that sense I think it will be a good investment. We should try to improve the quality of life at a later age, and if possible, of course, extending it. But I think the first aim should be to improve the quality of life. Why do we age? This enigma has puzzled mankind ever since it questioned its place in the universe. We’re all familiar with ageing, yet much of its underlying biological processes remain a rich area for exploration.

Skip to 0 minutes and 54 seconds My name is Marianna Bevova, and I’m a lead researcher at the European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing at the University of Groningen. As a [INAUDIBLE] educator, I’d like to invite you to follow our free online course, The Molecular Mechanism of Ageing. This course will help you to understand the molecular changes that occur inside the human body during ageing. Ageing, though, is not unique to humans. That’s why we can make use of model systems to investigate those intricate mechanisms that drive ageing. Distinguished investigators from our institute will explain to you the experimental methods and model systems that are used to study ageing, and we’ll introduce you to the latest theories and concepts of ageing research.

Skip to 1 minute and 47 seconds During this intensive course you will watch lectures and interviews. You will study literature and participate in discussions. You will track your knowledge through tests, assignments, and quizzes. Please join us in this six week course through the fascinating world of the molecular mechanism of ageing. And who knows? It may even inspire you to join us with the research on ageing.

What topics will you cover?

  • 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

When would you like to start?

Start straight away and join a global classroom of learners. If the course hasn’t started yet you’ll see the future date listed below.

  • Available now

Learning on this course

On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.

What will you achieve?

By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...

  • Explain the main theories and mechanisms of ageing
  • Describe the processes that are happening in the ageing cells
  • Discuss the use of different model organisms to study human ageing

Who is the course for?

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.

Who will you learn with?

I am a researcher at the European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing, University of Groningen. I am interested in genetics of human diseases and ageing.

Who developed the course?

University of Groningen

The University of Groningen is a research university with a global outlook, deeply rooted in Groningen, in the north of the Netherlands.

Learning on FutureLearn

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  • Learn through a mix of bite-sized videos, long- and short-form articles, audio, and practical activities
  • Stay motivated by using the Progress page to keep track of your step completion and assessment scores

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  • Experience the power of social learning, and get inspired by an international network of learners
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  • As you work through the course, use notifications and the Progress page to guide your learning
  • Whenever you’re ready, mark each step as complete, you’re in control
  • Complete 90% of course steps and all of the assessments to earn your certificate

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