General.
This one year Master program is open for an international public of academically schooled professionals who want to improve their knowledge of the ageing process, both at the individual and at the society level.
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Description.
The ageing of the society, first noticed in the industrialised world, is now a worldwide phenomenon. Major international organisations, such as the World Health Organisation, (http://www.who.int/ageing) consider the ageing population as one of the major topics that need immediate and thorough attention.
People working in various domains, who come into contact with elderly persons, have felt the need to improve their knowledge of the ageing process and of the needs, limitations and potential of the elderly person.
The Vrije Universiteit Brussels (VUB) has recognised this need for competent professionals and is organising since the early 1980's a specialist training in Gerontology at the master level. Initially, this training was focused upon the Belgian situation. More and more, however, it is recognised that there is a worldwide need for training in this field.
In 2009 the Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy of the VUB will start with a Master in Gerontological Sciences (MaGS) that will be open for an international public of students, having already a Master degree (or equivalent knowledge; see below for the conditions of admittance), and who are working with elderly persons.
In a one year program of 60 credits, the MaGS presents in a multidisciplinary approach, the broad spectrum of scientific aspects that is essential to understand the field of Gerontology.
The program focuses upon the classically recognised three, pillars of this field:
- the bio-medical basis underlying the ageing process;
- the psychological aspects of ageing and of the elderly person; and
- the socio-economic and health policy aspects.
Objectives of the Master in Gerontological Sciences.
The MaGS has the following objectives
- to teach the theoretical knowledge of the various aspects of Gerontology;
- starting from the principles of free examination, to promote critical reflection on present day gerontological problems;
- to form students who are able to perform research in one of the domains of the gerontological sciences.
More specifically, upon finishing the MaGS, students
- know and understand present-day gerontological theories and their fields of application, and are able to read the scientific literature in a critical and independent way;
- master theories and application fields of the various domains of Gerontology and are able to apply them in a critical manner, specifically as a researcher;
- are able to interpret and evaluate scientific and policy reports;
- develop a scientific attitude specifically towards the gerontological sciences: being able to contribute to the gerontological research and/or to to perform gerontological research independently in at least one of the domains of Gerontology;
- are able to reflect scientifically and to analyse gerontological problems;
- are able to report independently on their own research, practice or study of the literature.
We distinguish three professional roles:
- The gerontologist as scientist, researcher;
- The gerontologist as expert and innovator in gerontological aspects of health and needs of the elderly person;
- The gerontologist as communicator at the micro-, meso- and macro level.
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Who can start?
The MaGS is accessible for:
Students already possessing a Master degree, obtained at an officially recognized university. This Master diploma should refer to a discipline for which Gerontology can make a substantial contribution.
In some cases, students having a professional bachelor degree can be accepted, provided, (1) they can document a relevant professional experience in a domain for which gerontological information can be useful, and (2) they can demonstrate having the knowledge necessary to follow the MaGS. Specifically, attestation is required for Statistics at the graduate level.
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Domains (bachelor degree) from which students can be accepted for registration in the Master in Gerontological Sciences
- Adult education
- Educational sciences
- Social security
- Social work
- Applied psychology
- Health care
- Biomedical laboratory technique
- Occupational therapy
- Speech therapy en audiology
- Medical imagery
- Optical science and optometry
- Orthopaedics
- Podology
- Nursing
- Alimentation science & dietetics
- Midwife
- Trade & business sciences
- Management
- Accountancy-tax/law system
- Office management
- Medical management assistant
- Management assistant
Students, who are not native English speakers, have to demonstrate that they have sufficient knowledge of the English language in order to follow the lectures. They have to fulfil the VUB language requirements, (see art. 28 of VUB regulations):
- having obtained a score on the TOEFL test of at least 213 (computer version), or 550 (paper version); or
- having obtained a score of at least 6.5 on the IELTS test; or
- having followed graduate courses in English and having obtained at least 60 ECTS credits; or
- having followed one year of secondary school or at least the complete primary school in English.
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Applications & registration fee.
Applications for registrations have to be addressed to the coordinator of Gerontology, and have to arrive at last by April 1st.
See http://www.vub.ac.be/english/infofor/prospectivestudents/howenroll.html#aplicationforms for all information concerning the application forms.
All applications will be evaluated by the Commission Gerontology for Foreign Students and by the registration department of the VUB.
Registration fee
The registration fee for VUB has been fixed at € 540,-.
The registration covers access to all lectures and VUB facilities. However, housing and personal expenses (such as health insurance) and supplementary teaching material (such as personal books) are not covered by the registration.
For more complete information: see the VUB website
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The program Master in Gerontological Sciences.
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Ethics related to ageing GF-GERO-12387 |
Examination:
Oral with written preparation: presentation
Competences:
Acquire the general knowledge that constitutes the basis of medical ethics, including terminal care.
Previous knowledge:
The student has already a master degree and has knowledge of scientific methods and statistical analysis. The student has general notions of philosophy, biology and medical-social sciences.
Content:
I. THEORETICAL BACKGROUND
A. Definitions
B. Medical codes and history of medical ethics
C. Medical Ethics and Ethical skepticism or relativism
D. Fundamental values concerning Medical Ethics
E. Philosophic systems: deontologism, utilitarianism
F. Special problems
G. Methodology of Medical Ethics reasoning
II. EXERCISES
1. Decisions and practices about end of one's life
2. Information: Truth, information and communication contracts
3. Quality of life
8. Collocation, Institutionalization
9. Genetic manipulation
10. Medical experimentation
11. Medical rationing, Health economy
- the quality of life: survey of measurement methods (via indicators and global), Anamnestic Comparative Self Assessment
- the quality of dying: medical decisions in end of one's life
- Depending on availability of Guest lecturers: Guest lectures on Selected Topics as mentioned under 'Exercises', but not exclusively for other discretionary topics.
Teaching modalities:
interactive lectures
Literature:
Syllabi, reference articles and Selected Topics articles (Handouts) |
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Quantitative and qualitative research methods in gerontology GF-GERO-12389 |
Examination:
Oral examination after written preparation
Competences:
The student
- has knowledge and insight in each step of the research process in gerontological sciences;
- is able to discuss specific aspects encountered in the setting of gerontological research;
- has further insights necessary to organize and conduct gerontological research.
Previous knowledge:
The student has already a master degree and has knowledge of scientific methods and statistical analysis.
Content:
- (meta) theoretical aspects of gerontological research;
- empirical aspects of scientific research, as applied in gerontological sciences.;
- relevant databases;
- study design and specific techniques, commonly encountered in gerontological research.
Teaching modalities:
- interactive lectures with possibility for debate and discussion of documentation;
- Discussion forum via PointCarré
- exercises
Literature:
- Selected papers and books on Demography, available at VUB library
- handouts |
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Demography and Ageing GF-GERO-12390 |
Examination:
Oral examination after written preparation
Competences:
The student has insight into
- Demographic aspects of ageing on the level of societies
- the components that drive the demographic transition;
- the various characteristics of ageing of populations
Previous knowledge:
The student has already a master degree and has knowledge of scientific methods and statistical analysis.
Content:
- description of population dynamics;
- the demographic transition on a world-wide scale;
- relevance of demographic changes for health policies;
- socio-economic implications.
Teaching modalities:
- interactive lectures with possibility for debate and discussion of documentation;
- Discussion forum via PointCarré
Literature:
- Selected papers and books on Demography, available at VUB library
- handouts |
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Biological Gerontology GF-GERO-12391 |
Examination:
Oral examination after written preparation
Competences:
Acquire the general knowledge that constitutes the basis of
1. the biomedical aspects of ageing:
- being able to give an overview of the biological processes that result in the ageing process;
- being able to describe the consequences for the ageing organism;
- being able to situate the value af various interventions that are relevant for the ageing process.
2. the clinical (psycho)geriatrics and gerontology:
- being able to describe the most common health problems occurring during normal and pathological ageing; to describe their origin;
3. Neurophysiological aspects of ageing:
- the basics of neurosciences
- the effects of ageing on the nervous system and neuromuscular system
- main neurological diseases (dementia, Parkinson's disease)
Previous knowledge:
The student has already a master degree and has knowledge of scientific methods and statistical analysis. The student has to refresh the biological knowledge provided during earlier studies.
Content:
The course is divided in three parts:
1. the biomedical aspects of ageing. This part discusses the biological mechanisms that are the cause of the ageing process, paying attention to their consequences for the ageing of the human body. Also the value of interventions proposed in the prevention or slowing of biological ageing are discussed.
2. the clinical (psycho)geriatrics and gerontology:
This part provides an overview of the most important health problems which occur during normal and pathological ageing. The various body systems are discussed. The course is intended for non-medical students. Emphasis is placed on those aspects that are not strictly in the realm of medical treatment, such as prevention by diet and exercise, etc.
The most common psychogeriatric problems (such as dementia, depression,...) are discussed.
3. the neurophysiologic aspects of ageing
Content: 1] organization of the nervous system; 2] neurophysiology; 3] ageing-induced changes in the central and peripheral nervous system; 4] ageing and mental functions; 5] ageing and motor function; 6] ageing and sleep; 7] ageing and sensory systems (vision, smell, taste); 8] ageing and urogenital system and cerebrovascular changes
Teaching modalities:
interactive lectures
Literature:
The studied material is provided in the form of handouts.
Complementary study material, available via the VUB library:
- selected international literature;
- handbooks, such as: Oxford Textbook for Geriatrics; Merck Manual Geriatrics; books on neuroanatomy and neurosciences |
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Assessment GF-GERO-12394 |
Examination:
Oral examination after written preparation
Competences:
Being able to:
- discuss the practical applications of the various assessment techniques and scales;
- use the most common assessment methods (e.g. Mini Mental State evaluation, basic and instrumental activities of daily life);
- critically judge a scale;
- interpret the outcome of a scale-based evaluation and situate it in terms of clinical decision making (Bayes theorema).
Previous knowledge:
The student has already a master degree and has knowledge of scientific methods and statistical analysis.
Content:
As a guideline, the WHO definition of 'health' is used, paying not only attention to 'disease' but also giving a prominent role to the social, psychic and physical functioning. The importance of multidisciplinary and "comprehensive geriatric assessment" is emphasised. The most important validated and internationally used scales are discussed in order to perform these evaluations: social situation, general health, behaviour, cognition, daily activities, physical condition (i.e. mobility, decubitus ulcer prevention, nutrition situation, etc.), problems of care, general situation. The principles of clinical decision making (Bayes theorema, notions of sensitivity, specificity, predictive values, …) are presented. The importance of the International Classification of Functioning, recently developed and introduced by the WHO is highlighted.
Teaching modalities:
- lectures with possibility for debate and discussion of documentation;
- demonstration of different scales
- exercises, with written reporting (paper)
- Discussion forum via PointCarré
Literature:
The studied material is provided in the form of handouts, describing the main assessment techniques and evaluation scales.
Complementary study material:
- selected international literature, available via the VUB library
- International Classification of Functioning, available at http://www.who.int/classifications
- handbooks, such as: Assessment Scales in Old Age Psychiatry |
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Psychological Gerontology GF-GERO-12395 |
Examination:
Oral examination after written preparation
Competences:
The student
- understands that getting old is not only related to the age of the subject, but has also a psychosocial dimension in which the environment, adaptation, and coping play important roles;
- knows the important psychosocial theories concerning ageing;
- is able to describe the life course and the ageing process based upon the development theories;
- is able to develop a positive and constructive view on ageing;
- is able to view ageing in a certain context (society, historical, …);
- knows the research methodologies needed to study life histories.
Previous knowledge:
The student has already a master degree and has knowledge of scientific methods and statistical analysis.
Content:
The ageing process is described from a psychological perspective. The accent lies on the experience of ageing and on coping with regression and limitations occurring during ageing. The different aspects are reviewed: lifespan and developmental psychology; psychological counseling; psychological aspects and ageing.
Teaching modalities:
- interactive lectures with possibility for debate and discussion of documentation;
- Discussion forum via PointCarré
Literature:
- Ageing and development: theories and research. Coleman & O’Hanlon (2004). Oxford University Press.
- Selected papers available at VUB library |
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Social Gerontology GF-GERO-12397 |
Examination:
Oral examination after written preparation
Competences:
The student has insight into
- life events (e.g. sexuality, divorce, abuse) and the handling of of life events at an older age, including prevention;
- the gerontagogic theory; (learning at an advanced age, gerontagogic training, life-long learning,..);
- the conversion of certain problems and themes into the training of senior citizens (sexuality, assertiveness training, memory training)
- the role of professional caregivers (elderly abuse,…)
Previous knowledge:
The student has already a master degree and has knowledge of scientific methods and statistical analysis.
Content:
- standard concepts and approaches in Social Gerontology (life-events, caretaking, gerontological behavioral problems,…);
- theoretical insights concerning social gerontology; strength and weaknesses of those theories;
- the social position of the elderly (family, social-economical status, social participation, labour market…....);
- psycho-social interventions and their implementation potentials; conceptualisation of these interventions within the theoretical insights concerning caretaking, within the theory of evidence based care and within the methodological insights concerning scientific research
- information and illustrations concerning basic insights and aims;
- a practical exercise situating a psycho-social intervention within its evidence base context
Teaching modalities:
- interactive lectures with possibility for debate and discussion of documentation;
- Discussion forum via PointCarré
Literature:
- Selected papers and books on Social Gerontology, available at VUB library
- handouts |
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Master Thesis GF-GERO-12401 |
Examination:
The coordinator organises an oral defence. Each student presents the thesis in 10 minutes, focusing mainly on results and critical discussion; next, the student is questioned during approximately 10 minutes by the members of the jury. The written thesis, the presentation and the questioning are evaluated by a jury (promoter and 2 jury-members, designated for their competence in the domain of the thesis). The final score is obtained as follows: promoter: 20%; jury-member 1:20%; jury-member 2:20%; presentation: 20%; questioning: 20%.
Competences
- Being able to find, process and report on the relevant scientific gerontological literature, related to the thesis subject;
- Being able to formulate a scientific problem;
- Being able to formulate a hypothesis with regard to the subject and being able to test information in an empirical manner;
- Being able to draw a conclusion from the data and to produce a report independently and in a concise, structured manner, in correct English;
- Being able to defend the thesis orally;
By writing the thesis, the student proves that he or she controls the selected field of research and possesses the ability to apply scientific methods in the field of Gerontology.
Previous knowledge:
The student has already a master degree and has knowledge of scientific methods and statistical analysis.
Content:
Guided by the promoter, the student elaborates the master thesis, respecting the following sections:
1. Title
2. Summary
3. Acknowledgments (not mandatory)
4. Table of contents
5. Introduction (critical and relevant overview of the literature)
6. Problem formulation
7. Study design & Methodology
8. Results
9. Discussion
10. General conclusions and recommendations
11. References (lay-out & arrangement according to an international standard)
12. Appendices
Lay-out: A4-format; interline 1.4.
Length: maximal 6000 words (for sections 5-10)
Literature:
Structured literature search (VUB library; electronic data-bases), and statistical packages, guided by the promoter and the Gerontology staff. |
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Contact us.
Gerontology (MaGS)
Vrije Universiteit Brussels
Faculty of Medicine & Pharmacy
Laarbeeklaan 103
B-1090 Brussels
Belgium
Tel: +32 2 477 4208
Fax: +32 2 477 6364
Email: ibautman@vub.ac.be
Studying at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel - practical information
More information about studying at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel, student facilities and registration can be found at the general webpages for prospective students.
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Research in Gerontologie at the VUB.
The research group Gerontology has topics in various domains of Gerontology:
- Frailty
- Seamless care for elderly
- Medication and elderly
- Inflammation and Heat Shock Proteins
- Muscle atrophy, sarcopenia en physical training
- Diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis
- Early detection and treatment of dementia
- Clinical approach of elderly persons
- The ageing of the population in developing countries
- Pensioning
- End of life aspects
- Education in Gerontology
- Health Policy for Elderly
For more information concerning the research of this group visit the website of the Frailty in Ageing (FRIA) research group.
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Publications
Find the review of the publications of this group.
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Team
Prof. dr. Tony Mets
PhD, MD Specialist in Geriatric Medicine
Coördinator Gerontology / Head of geriatrics
VUB
Faculty of Medicine & Pharmacy
Laarbeeklaan 103
B-1090 Brussel
Tel: + 32 2 477 6366
fax: +32 2 477 6364
e-mail: tmets@vub.ac.be
Prof. dr. Christel Geerts
PhD Gerontology, Ma Adult Education
Tel: + 32 2 477 4718
e-mail: cgeerts@vub.ac.be
Prof. dr. Jacques De Keyser
PhD, MD Specialist in Neurology
Tel.: +32 2 477 6412
e-mail: Jacques.DeKeyser @uzbrussel.be
Prof. dr. Ivan Bautmans
PhD Medical Sciences, Ma Physiotherapy, Manual therapy
Tel: +32 2 477 4207
e-mail: ibautman @vub.ac.be
Assistants.
Dr. Ellen Gorus
dr. Gerontology, Ma Psychology
Tel : +32 2 477 6397
e-mail: ellen.gorus@uzbrussel.be
Dr. Rose Njemini
dr. Medical Sciences, Ma Molecular Biology
Tel: +32 2 47 6366
e-mail: rnjemini@vub.ac.be
Dra. Patricia De Vriendt
Ma Gerontology, Ma Occupational therapy
Tel. +32 2 477 4206
e-mail: pdevrien@vub.ac.be
Dra. Ynes Punie
Ma Gerontology; Ba Nursing
Tel. +32 2 477 4208
e-mail: Ynes.Punie@vub.ac.be
Drs. Geert Roggeman
Ma Gerontology; Ba Nursing
Tel. +32 2 477 4208
e-mail: Geert.Roggeman@vub.ac.be
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