Study longevity and wellness, from associate to PhD
A free, level-by-level path through the science of aging and healthy living. Each level lists learning objectives, guides on VALREXA and primary readings from journals and agencies.
Foundations of aging and wellness
For community-college students and anyone starting out in health sciences, nursing, fitness or nutrition.
Learning objectives
- Explain the difference between lifespan and healthspan
- Describe the main pillars of wellness and the guidelines behind them
- Read basic health statistics such as life expectancy and leading causes of death
- Tell strong evidence from weak evidence in health claims
The biology of aging
For undergraduates in biology, biochemistry, kinesiology, nutrition science, public health or pre-med.
Learning objectives
- Describe the 12 hallmarks of aging and how they interact
- Explain key experiments, from the Hayflick limit to lifespan genes
- Describe how nutrient-sensing pathways (insulin/IGF-1, mTOR, AMPK) relate to aging
- Read and summarize a primary research paper
Research methods in aging and healthspan
For graduate students in gerontology, public health (MPH), nutrition, exercise physiology or biomedical science.
Learning objectives
- Evaluate biomarkers of aging, including epigenetic clocks, and their validation
- Compare cohort studies, randomized trials and animal models in aging research
- Interpret effect sizes, confidence intervals and absolute risk
- Critically appraise a longevity intervention, from mouse data to human trials
Frontiers and debates in geroscience
For PhD students, medical students and researchers working in the biology of aging, epidemiology or demography.
Learning objectives
- Critique the geroscience hypothesis and the evidence for targeting aging itself
- Assess translational challenges, from the Interventions Testing Program to human trials
- Engage with demographic debates on maximum lifespan and data quality
- Identify open questions suitable for original research
Degrees and careers in aging and wellness
Common academic paths. Program names vary by school.
| Level | Typical programs | Where it can lead |
|---|---|---|
| Associate (2 years) | A.S. in health sciences, exercise science, nutrition, nursing (ADN) or biology | Fitness and wellness careers, nursing, or transfer to a bachelor’s program |
| Bachelor’s (4 years) | Gerontology, kinesiology, nutrition science, public health, biology or biochemistry | Health coaching, research assistant, pre-med, physical therapy or dietetics pathways |
| Master’s (1–2 years) | MS or MA in gerontology, MPH, MS in nutrition or exercise physiology, MS in aging biology | Program management, clinical research, registered dietitian, public health practice |
| Doctoral (4–6 years) | PhD in biology of aging, geroscience, epidemiology or gerontology; MD or DO with aging research | Independent research, faculty, industry R&D, geriatric medicine |
Example: the USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology offers bachelor’s degrees in human development and aging and in lifespan health, master’s degrees including gerontology, aging biology and nutrition, healthspan and longevity, and PhDs in gerontology and geroscience. See their programs. VALREXA is not affiliated with any school.
Professional organizations and journals
| Type | Name |
|---|---|
| Federal research agency | National Institute on Aging (NIA) |
| Professional society | Gerontological Society of America |
| Research foundation | American Federation for Aging Research (AFAR) |
| Journals | Nature Aging, Aging Cell, GeroScience, The Journals of Gerontology |
VALREXA Biosciences. (2026, November 7). Study longevity and wellness: associate to PhD curriculum. VALREXA Biosciences. https://valrexa.com/longevity/curriculum.html
APA style · Last reviewed November 7, 2026 · Our editorial standardsPut your understanding to work
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