Dr. Katsuhiko Funai of the University of Utah taught a 15-course series entitled “Underlying Mechanisms for Substrate Homeostasis” during his visit to Waseda University’s Graduate School of Sport Sciences from July 2 to August 1.
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- Dr. Funai, Katsu, University of Utah
In the first half of the series, he taught basic knowledge about energy metabolism in some human organs, mainly the skeletal muscle. In the latter half, the lectures took an active learning approach, and covered historical discoveries and the latest findings related to the effects of temporary as well as long-term exercise on energy metabolism. Students in this course did not just learn expert knowledge passively, but they also engaged in active discussions with their peers and the faculty member, helping to improve their English discussion skills. This course became an extremely valuable opportunity for students who envision themselves as researchers with international experience.
Dr. Funai (Center) with students
Course description
The course will explore the molecular and physiological mechanisms that underlie the regulation of substrate metabolism. This course is intended to go beyond an introductory description of the various metabolic pathways to focus on current topics in the regulation of these pathways in a physiological context. Emphases are also placed on the effect of exercise on substrate metabolism. Students should come to this course with a basic understanding of intermediary metabolism from a previous introductory course in biochemistry/metabolism.
