The Geroscience Course serves as the intellectual foundation of the Oklahoma Geroscience Training Program. Designed for trainees entering the field of aging research as well as those seeking a broader perspective on aging biology, the course introduces the concepts, discoveries, and unanswered questions that define modern geroscience.
The course begins with the central premise of geroscience: that aging itself is a major driver of chronic disease and functional decline. Rather than studying age-related diseases in isolation, geroscience seeks to understand the biological processes that influence multiple diseases simultaneously. By examining aging as a modifiable biological process, researchers are uncovering new opportunities to extend healthspan and improve quality of life.
Throughout the semester, trainees explore the molecular, cellular, physiological, and translational dimensions of aging. Topics include cellular senescence, mitochondrial dysfunction, proteostasis, inflammation, metabolic regulation, stem cell biology, and age-related changes in organ systems such as the brain, cardiovascular system, and skeletal muscle. Faculty from across participating institutions contribute their expertise, providing trainees with exposure to a wide range of scientific perspectives and research approaches.
A defining theme of the course is biological heterogeneity—the observation that individuals age differently despite sharing similar environments and genetic backgrounds. Trainees examine emerging research on resilience, vulnerability, and the mechanisms that contribute to variation in aging trajectories. These discussions reflect one of the program's central scientific priorities and help trainees develop a deeper understanding of the complexity of aging biology.
The course combines lectures, primary literature discussions, and interactive scientific dialogue to encourage critical thinking and active engagement. Rather than focusing solely on established knowledge, participants are challenged to evaluate competing hypotheses, identify gaps in understanding, and consider how discoveries in basic biology can be translated into interventions that promote healthy aging.
By the end of the course, trainees gain a broad understanding of the biological mechanisms of aging, an appreciation for the interdisciplinary nature of geroscience research, and the scientific framework needed to pursue innovative research questions throughout their training and careers.