Why is this course valuable? Knowledge and understanding of human aging
is important because aging affects social, psychological, economic, and other
aspects of each person and the individuals with whom they interact. This
importance is growing as aging affects society in more intense, complex and
diverse ways. The growth in importance of aging stems from the increasing
number of aging individuals now and well into the 21st century.
Therefore, having knowledge and understanding of aging can be valuable
personally and professionally now and far into the future.
This course provides opportunities to learn about several aspects of biological
aging. They include what it is; how it happens; what effects it has on the
structure and operations of the human body; how it affects social,
psychological and other aspects of life; how it is related to diseases; and
what can or cannot be done about it.
Instructor: Dr. Augustine
G. DiGiovanna, Professor of Biology
Prerequisites: Biology 101 or both Biology 215 and Biology
216
Class meetings: Lecture – HS341 on TR, 12:30-1:45pm
Text: Human Aging: Biological Perspectives by A. G.
DiGiovanna, McGraw-Hill, Inc. (2000)
Course Credit: The three credits for Biol 219 apply toward Gen.
Ed. Group IIIB, the minor in Gerontology, and the 120 credit graduation
requirement.
Course Objectives: This course should enable students to:
1.
Demonstrate a knowledge of demographic information pertaining to aging
and to the elderly in the United States and an understanding of the
significance of these demographics.
2.
Name and describe factors that are believed to cause or influence the
process of aging.
3.
List and describe theories of aging and explain the relationships among
them.
4.
Describe, compare, and evaluate methods used to study aging.
5.
Define and describe the concept of homeostasis and explain its
importance and how it is maintained.
6.
Describe the normal structure, functioning, and contributions to healthy
survival of each body system in young adults.
7.
Describe age changes in each body system and the interactions among
these systems in older adults.
8. Describe certain abnormal changes both in
body systems and the interactions among these systems in older adults.
9.
Describe interactions among biological, psychological, social, and
economic factors in older adults.
10. Relate and use this knowledge their
personal and professional lives.
These are general objectives, and most of them are taken from the preface for
the text. Specific objectives for each section of the course will be presented
during the course. It is expected that students will find the information
needed to carry out most of the objectives by reading the text and taking notes
from it. Class time will be used to answer questions, and to supplement and
amplify the text with lectures, discussions, demonstrations, and video
programs.
Schedule: The course schedule is included in
the separate schedule sheet.
Attendance: Attendance at classes is important because the
educational experiences encountered in class cannot be obtained at any other
place or time. Therefore, students are expected to attend all classes. Final
grades will be adjusted downward based on the number of absences. No adjustment
will be made for the first two absences, one/half point will be
deducted for the third, 1.5 points will be deducted for four
absences, and an additional two points will be deducted for each additional
absence up to a total possible deduction of twenty points. In addition,
students are responsible for all information, materials, assignments, and
announcements presented in class. Students are required to have and use WebCT
and an E-mail Group Wise account for this course.
Examinations: Examinations will be based primarily on specific
objectives derived from material in the text and augmented by lectures, other
class activities, and other assignments. Exams will not be cumulative except
for material that is repeated in objectives, text readings, lectures, or
assignments. The point value for each exam will be proportional to the amount
of material required for the exam.
Absence from an exam is a serious matter and could result in an exam grade of
zero. Make-up exams will be given for serious reasons as judged by the
instructor. Notifications and requests should be made before or on the day of
the exam. The instructor should be contacted in person, by note, or by
messenger at HS224 or through the departmental secretary (HS230), by phone
(546-3488, 546-6054, 546-3490, 749-9229 {home}), or by E-mail
(agdigiovanna@salisbury.edu). Grades of zero will be given for exams that are
not taken or are not made up.
Non-Text Reading and Writing Assignments: Several specific
reading assignments from references other than the text will be made. These
reading assignments and their accompanying writing assignments are described on
separate sheets.
Grading: Exam grades will make up 75% of the final grade. Grading
will be based primarily on the accuracy and completeness of answers, but the
quality of writing techniques used will also influence grading. The grades on
written assignments will make up 25% of the final grade. Grading of reports
will be based primarily upon content, completeness, and the student's demonstrated
understanding of the material. Organization, clarity, neatness, use of proper
writing techniques, following instructions, and meeting deadlines will
also be considered in the grading of reports. No quotes or simple paraphrasing
are acceptable. More details about grading written assignments are provided on
separate sheets.
In unusual circumstances, a student's final grade may be increased or decreased
by up to two points based on participation in class, timely completion of short
assignments, and other subjective criteria such as cooperation and enthusiasm.
Special help: Individual help is available during regular office
hours and by appointment at any other time of mutual agreement.
Office hours: HS224 Phone: 543-6488 (office) E-mail: agdigiovanna@salisbury.edu
M (12-1) T (2:30-3:30) W
(11-12, 3-4) R (none) F (11-12)
Academic honesty: The university's policy on academic honesty as
published in the university catalog and the Student Handbook is in effect at
all times for all matters related to this course.