Introduction to Gerontology

Structure Type: Course
Code: GERATP100
Type: Compulsory
Level: Bachelor
Credits: 6.0 points
Teacher Team: Kulmala, Jenni ; Lahti, Marita
Language of Instruction: Finnish

Course Implementations, Planned Year of Study and Semester

Curriculum  Semester  Credits  Start of Semester  End of Semester
VANTYO-2015   1 autumn   6.0   2015-08-01   2015-12-31  
VANTYO-2016   1 autumn   6.0   2016-08-01   2016-12-31  

Learning Outcomes

Students learn to analyze and interpret old age and ageing with help of multidisciplinary gerontology. They learn to examine old age as a physiological, societal, social and cultural phenomenon. They use the experiential knowledge conveyed by research and literature to increase their understanding of old age. Students are able to promote health and functional capacity of older people. They are aware of the meaning of the environment, physical exercise and nutrition as part of active ageing. Students have basic knowledge on memory disorders. Students apply gerontological knowledge in care of older people and its development and in their own professional growth.

Student's Workload

159 hours. The amount of independent study and group work will be announced at the beginning of the course.

Prerequisites / Recommended Optional Courses

No previous studies are required.

Contents

- gerontology as a science
- gerontological research
- ageing of the population and its effects on society
- ageing as an experiential, societal, cultural, biological and social phenomenon
- functional capacity and its determinants in older people
- nutrition in old age
- physical, psychological and social ageing
- learning and memory in older people
- environmental gerontology
- prevention of falls and injuries in old age
- mobility and physical exercise in old age

Recommended or Required Reading

- Heikkinen, E., Jyrkämä, J.& Rantanen T. (eds.) 2013. Gerontologia. 3. uudistettu painos. Helsinki: Duodecim.

- Current scientific journals and research articles

- Current bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral thesis

- Current literature produced to implement the research findings

Mode of Delivery / Planned Learning Activities and Teaching Methods

Lectures, discussions, independent assignments, seminar, exam

Assessment Criteria

Grade 5:
Students can utilize gerontological research in their studies and in care of older people. Students can critically evaluate current gerontological research and implement scientific knowledge into practice. In independent assignments, students demonstrate excellent knowledge in themes related to physiological, social and psychological ageing. The exam is approved with excellent grade.

Grade 3-4:
Students can utilize gerontological research in their studies and in care of older people. Students can evaluate current gerontological research and implement scientific knowledge into practice. In independent assignments, students demonstrate good knowledge in themes related to physiological, social and psychological ageing. The exam is approved with good grade.

Grade 1-2:
Students can utilize gerontological research in care of older people. Students can evaluate current gerontological research and implement scientific knowledge into practice. In independent assignments, students demonstrate satisfactory knowledge in themes related to physiological, social and psychological ageing. The exam is approved with satisfactory grade.

Assessment Methods

active participation in lectures and discussions, use of the Moodle environmet, seminar, exam

Work Placement

The course does not include practice.

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