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376-1151-00L 3 Credits DR , MSC D-HEST
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Translation of Basic Research Findings from Genetics and Molecular Mechanisms of Aging

Lecturers & Examiners: Dr. Collin Ewald
Does not take place this semester. Number of participants limited to 30.
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:34:26

Abstract

Recently, several start-up companies are aiming to translate basic molecular findings into new drugs/therapeutic interventions to slow aging or post-pone age-related diseases (e.g., Google founded Calico or Craig Venter's Human Longevity, Inc.). This course will teach students the basic skill sets to formulate their own ideas, design experiments to test them and explains the next steps to translat

Objective

The overall goal of this course is to be able to analyse current therapeutic interventions to identify an unmet need in molecular biology of aging and apply scientific thinking to discover new mechanisms that could be used as a novel therapeutic intervention. Learning objectives include: 1. Evaluate the current problem of our aging population, the impact of age-dependent diseases and current strategies to prevent these age-dependent diseases. 2. Analyse/compare current molecular/genetic strategies that address these aging problems. 3. Analyse case studies about biotech companies in the aging sector. Apply the scientific methods to formulate basic research questions to address these problems. 4. Generate own hypotheses (educated guess/idea), design experiments to test them, and map out the next steps to translate them.

Content

Overview of aging and age-related diseases. Key discoveries in molecular biology of aging. Case studies of biotech companies addressing age-related complications. Brief introduction from bench to bedside with focus on start-up companies.

General Information

Language
English
Levels
DR , MSC
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
ungraded semester performance
Learning assessments:1. One homework essay2. One 10min group presentation of a scientific publication3. Presenting a case study4. Final assessment will be a take home-exam/essay

Registration & Places

Max Places
30

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture Translation of Basic Research Findings from Genetics and Molecular Mechanisms of Aging
Does not take place this semester.
No time listed 2 h weekly

Offered In