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Year:

HHSC584 The Biology of Human Ageing

Updated: 27 April 2010
Credit Points 6
Offering
Responsible Campus Teaching Period Mode of Study Online Level
Armidale Semester 2 Off Campus C - Internet access required
Intensive School(s) None
Supervised Exam There is no UNE Supervised Examination.
Pre-requisites candidature in a postgraduate award
Co-requisites None
Restrictions HHSC384
Notes None
Combined Units HHSC384 - The Biology of Human Ageing
Coordinator(s) Graham Lloyd Jones (gjones2@une.edu.au)
Unit Description

This unit explores theories of biological ageing, structural and physiological changes in the human body associated with normal ageing and their implications for lifestyle. Nutritional concerns of the aged will be studied in an optional third module, as well as the physiological factors that result in altered lifestyle impact in the elderly. HHSC584 demands a more pathophysiological approach to the material, as well as additional topics. Only students with a nutrition background should attempt the alternate third module on nutrition and ageing.

Prescribed Material
Mandatory
Text(s):

Note: Students are expected to purchase prescribed material

Biology of Human Aging
ISBN: 9780131462670
Spence, A.P., Prentice Hall 2nd ed. 1994
Note: Or the Arking book
Text refers to: Semester 2 , Off Campus
The Biology of Aging: Observations and Principles
ISBN: 9780195167399
Arking, R., Oxford University Press 3rd ed. 2006
Note: Or the Spence book
Text refers to: Semester 2 , Off Campus
Principles of Anatomy and Physiology
ISBN: 9780470084717
Tortora, G.J. and Derrickson, B., Wiley 12th ed. 2009
Note: 11th ed. (ISBN 9780471689348) is also acceptable
Text refers to: Semester 2 , Off Campus
Disclaimer Unit information may be subject to change prior to commencement of the teaching period.
Assessment
Title Exam Length Weight Mode No. Words
Assignment 1 60% 4000
Relates to Learning Outcomes (LO) and Graduate Attributes (GA)
LO: 1, 2, 3 GA: 1, 2, 3, 4, 6
Assignment 2 30% 2000
Relates to Learning Outcomes (LO) and Graduate Attributes (GA)
LO: 4 GA: 1, 2, 3, 4, 6
Assignment 3 10%
Assessment Notes
Workplace and/or home diary including topical newspaper reports demonstrating the ability to integrate and critically appraise the material.
Relates to Learning Outcomes (LO) and Graduate Attributes (GA)
LO: 1, 2, 3, 4 GA: 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7

Learning Outcomes (LO) Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
  1. understand the basis of changes in life expectancy in the past 100 years;
  2. understand ageing at a molecular and cellular level and understand details of the current major theories of ageing;
  3. apply their understanding to the ageing of all major body systems;
  4. consider nutritional, pharmacological and physiological factors which result in altered lifestyle impact in old people;
  5. contrast healthy and unhealthy ageing, and factors that have differential effects on these two outcomes;
  6. evaluate differences between diseases of old age, which should be treated, and physiological changes of old age, which should be accommodated.

Graduate Attributes (GA)
Attribute Taught Assessed Practised
1 Knowledge of a Discipline
Knowledge of the discipline is a key learning outcome with specific details outlined in unit handouts and elaborated on in other information supplied with the unit material. The student will then map this knowledge onto further problem-solving tasks in assignments, where the identification of central concepts in the discipline, and the student's ability to articulate them, will be assessed.
True True True
2 Communication Skills
Communication is taught by example, assessed and practised in assignments, examinations and on-line discussions as appropriate. Written communication skills, particularly with regard to construction and presentation of logical expositions and arguments, will be taught and assessed.
True True True
3 Global Perspectives
Global perspective is included through readings and is most important to health science students.
True True True
4 Information Literacy
This unit involves skills in on-line learning, literature and information technology. The student will be guided in the use of on-line resources, library and internet access to recommended references, particularly in conjunction with assignment tasks.
True True True
5 Life-Long Learning
Life-long learning is practised in all Human Biology and Physiology units.
True
6 Problem Solving
Problem solving is an important part of on-line class discussion and is implicit in assessments.
True True
7 Social Responsibility
This unit includes components on social implications and ethical considerations.
True True True
8 Team Work
An ability to interact effectively with others is an important part of the unit. The student will be encouraged to participate in interactive discussion with other students regarding ideas and problems addressed in the unit. Written assignment submissions must be the student's own work, but may be the outcome of group discussion.
True
   

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