Discussion based investigation of the roles that genes and culture play in shaping health and values, including semester-long public policy project.

Aging affects the neuromuscular and motor control systems, leading to declines in movement function and quality of life. This course explores the neural, physiological, and biomechanical changes in motor control and motor learning that occur with aging. Students will engage in lectures, paper readings, paper presentations, discussions, and mock proposal building, to understand and apply the mechanisms behind movement decline, as well as interventions aimed at maintaining or improving motor function in older adults. Through critical analysis and discussion of current research, students will gain various insights into the factors contributing to movement degradation and rehabilitation strategies in aging populations. This course is relevant to students interested in gerontology, neural engineering, physical therapy, occupational therapy, biomechanics, rehabilitation, and sports science.