LECTURES: MWF 11:30-12:25 203 TCNW 3 Credit Hours                                                                         INSTRUCTOR: Dr. Kenneth M. Crawford 211 TCNW 745-6005  kenneth.crawford@wku.edu OFFICE HRS:  M 1:30-4:00    or by appointment
What creature walks on four legs in the morning, two legs in the afternoon and three legs in the evening?  -- The Riddle of the Sphinx.

     This course is an introduction to the mechanisms of the aging process with special emphasis on humans. It will provide a general understanding of the mechanisms of aging, as well as the functional and structural changes that characterize it.  Animal models used to study human aging and cellular senescence will be considered.  Age related and age dependent illnesses will be discussed as well as the ramifications of aging on the healthcare system and society.  To better understand the aging process, normal physiological function will often be considered. Prerequisites: BIOL 113, BIOL 120 or BIOL 131.

Required Text:

Human Aging: Biological Perspectives.  Augustine G. DiGiovanna.  2nd Edition.  2000.  McGraw Hill.

Merchants of Immortality.  Stephen S. Hall. 2003.   paperback available Jan. 2005.
 

Course Examinations and Grading:

    Four one hour exams will be given in class during the course of the semester. The format will be multiple
choice, short answer, definitions and short essay. There will be a final exam, approximately half of which
will cover new material and the other half will be comprehensive, emphasizing major concepts covered throughout
the course.   Each exam is worth 100pts.  A written assignment based on Merchants of Immortality will also be worth 100pts.
Grades are assigned based on a 10 point straight scale,  i.e. 90-100 = A, 80-89 = B: etc.
    All students are expected to take each exam at the scheduled time. A make up exam due to illness will be given
only if a note from a physician is provided. The student must contact the instructor in advance of the exam.
Grading disputes will be submitted in writing within 1 week of the return of the exam and must include a scientific
explanation of why your answer is correct.
 

Note to Disabled Students:  Students with disabilities who require accommodations (academic adjustments and/or
auxiliary aids or services) for this course must contact the Office for Student Disability Services, Room 445, Potter
Hall. The OFSDS telephone number is (270) 745-5004 V/TDD.

Note on Cell Phones: The ringing of cell phones in class is rude and disruptive.  Turn off phones before entering
class.  An "accidental" call will receive a warning.  The second time, I will deduct 5 points from the students
previous test.
 
 

Last Update : January 21, 2007