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Gerontology

Overview Degrees/Certificates Courses Faculty

Gerontology (GERON) Courses

GERON 300 Sociology of Aging

  • Same As:SOC 335
  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Advisory:ENGWR 300 or ESLW 340; EDUC 300 or PSYC 370; and LIBR 318 with grades of "C" or better.
  • Transferable:CSU; UC
  • General Education:AA/AS Area V(b); AA/AS Area III(b); CSU Area D0; CSU Area E1; IGETC Area 4J
  • Catalog Date:January 1, 2025

In this course students will examine the aging process with emphasis on social factors affecting and affected by an aging population. The course includes an analysis of demographics, history of aging in America, social conditions, resources and support systems, employment, retirement, social class, and cultural differences. Students will be encouraged to reflect on their status in the sociology of aging process. (Credit awarded for GERON 300 or SOC 335.)

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

  • describe the field of social gerontology and population trends in the U.S. and worldwide.
  • identify historical and cross-cultural issues in aging.
  • identify cognitive changes that occur as one ages, including personality and mental health.
  • analyze the significance of love, intimacy, and sexuality in later life.
  • contrast social theories of aging including social supports and intergenerational relationships.
  • predict special needs in living arrangements as one ages.
  • assess the significance of paid and unpaid roles in later life.
  • develop an awareness of social policies and issues that may have an impact on oneself (the student) as one grows through the process of aging.
  • identify special concerns of ethnic minorities and older women.
  • describe the process of dealing with death and bereavement- physically, cognitively, and emotionally.
  • cite biological theories regarding physiological changes with age.

GERON 301 The Biology and Physiology of Aging

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Transferable:CSU; UC
  • General Education:AA/AS Area III(b); AA/AS Area IV
  • Catalog Date:January 1, 2025

This course provides a broad examination of the biological principles that cause aging and age-related disease. Concepts covered in this course include the following: how the rate of biological aging is measured, what mechanisms underlie cellular aging, genetic pathways that affect longevity in various organisms, and consideration of the implications of modulating the rate of aging and longevity. This course is intended for college students in a variety of majors.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

  • describe the basic concepts in the biology of aging.
  • evaluate the tools and techniques available for measuring biological aging.
  • describe cellular aging and how that differs from organismal aging.
  • describe the factors that influence aging, health during aging, and longevity.
  • analyze the diseases associated with aging and their most common causes.
  • discuss possibilities for the future of biogerontology and aging.
  • describe the concepts, principles, theories, and methodologies of science.
  • explain experimental methodology, testing of hypotheses and systematic questioning in the field of aging research.

GERON 302 Psychology of Aging: Adult Development and Aging

  • Same As:PSYC 374
  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Advisory:ENGWR 300 or ESLW 340; EDUC 300 or PSYC 370; and LIBR 318 with grades of "C" or better.
  • Transferable:CSU; UC
  • General Education:AA/AS Area III(b); CSU Area D9; CSU Area E1; IGETC Area 4I
  • Catalog Date:January 1, 2025

This course examines the physical, psychological, social, and emotional aspects of the aging process including the interactions between the elderly and the rest of society. Topics include an analysis of stereotypes, social connections, environmental influences, sexuality, physical health, mental health, death, and bereavement. Credit may be earned for either PSYC 374 or GERON 302, but not both.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

  • examine and discuss different theoretical perspectives used in explaining adult development and behavior.
  • explain the normal aging changes and analyze how lifestyle choices influence the aging process.
  • analyze and discuss how ethnic diversity influences the aging process.
  • analyze the values of different cohorts and how those values impact the aging experience.
  • analyze the financial costs of aging in terms of retirement planning, Social Security, pensions, and health care programs.
  • compare alternative living environments in terms of appropriateness and affordability.
  • compile a diversity of resources, local and otherwise, available to support successful aging.

GERON 494 Topics in Gerontology

  • Units:0.5 - 4
  • Hours:9 - 72 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Transferable:CSU
  • Catalog Date:January 1, 2025

This course is designed to examine current issues or specific topics relevant to the field of gerontology. The particular topics to be covered each semester will be determined by gerontology staff. This course may be taken one time. UC transfer credit will be awarded only after the course has been evaluated by the enrolling UC campus. The units completed for this course cannot be counted towards the minimum 60 units required for admissions.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

  • discuss various concerns of aging and old age.
  • identify issues related to quality of life in late adulthood.
  • describe abilities and skills essential in elder care.
  • apply fundamental gerontological principles and concepts to issues affecting society.

GERON 495 Independent Studies in Gerontology

  • Units:1 - 3
  • Hours:54 - 162 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Transferable:CSU
  • Catalog Date:January 1, 2025

This course involves an individual student or small groups of students in study, research, or activities beyond the scope of regularly offered courses, pursuant to an agreement among college, faculty members, and students. Independent study offers students an opportunity to explore topics in gerontology that are beyond the scope of the courses we currently offer. UC transfer credit will be awarded only after the course has been evaluated by the enrolling UC campus. The units completed for this course cannot be counted towards the minimum 60 units required for admissions.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

  • discuss and outline a proposal of study (that can be accomplished within a one semester term) with a supervising instructor qualified within the discipline.
  • demonstrate competence in the skills essential to mastery of the major discipline of study that are necessary to accomplish the independent study.
  • prepare a written and/or oral report summarizing the results achieved from the independent study.

GERON 499 Experimental Offering in Gerontology

  • Units:0.5 - 4
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Transferable:CSU
  • Catalog Date:January 1, 2025

This is the experimental courses description.