School of Science
School of Science
Program Overview
The Faculty of Science is comprised of 5 majors: mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, and earth sciences. In addition, we have two research institutes: Ushimado Marine Institute and the Research Laboratory for Surface Science. The Faculty of Science consistently makes use of small-class seminars. During first year, students will acquire a general education while simultaneously acquiring the foundations of each major. Throughout the second and third years, students attend advanced courses related to the research activities of each major. Finally, during the fourth year, students achieve a mastery of their specializations by way of seminars and research (their senior project) specifically related to their fields. By way of this program, we develop a student’s ability to think logically, and comprehend the true nature behind surrounding and physical phenomena. Ultimately, we aim to nurture students who;
- Are able to acquire fundamental knowledge of the natural sciences, a broad perspective, adaptable research abilities, and the ability to perform innovative research.
- Acquire the skills necessary in their field of study and are able to proactively challenge themselves in new fields.
- Use their English communicative skills and broad liberal arts knowledge to contribute to a continuously globalizing society.
Profiles of Exemplary Candidates
The Faculty of Science values both basic and comprehensive academic ability and encourages the following students to apply:
- Those with a desire to learn the fundamentals of the natural sciences and use that knowledge out in the wider society.
- Those who want to understand natural phenomena through an understanding of the related scientific principles and laws.
- Those who are passionate about investigating the underlying truth of all things.
We ask that applicants complete the following high school level courses before enrollment:
- Mathematics: Mathematics I, Mathematics II, Mathematics III, Mathematics A, Mathematics B
- Science: Please consult each major’s policy for acceptance of admitted students for further details.
- English: English Communication I, English Communication II, English Communication III, English Expression I, English Expression II
Department of Mathematics
Program Overview
In the Department of Mathematics, students will come to understand many modern mathematical theories. The curriculum is designed so that students learn mathematics at a reasonable pace, and also includes computer based information-related courses. The benefits of our program include both; the intimate bonds and atmosphere of friendship that develop among the twenty students accepted each year as they complete our four year program; as well as the detailed and meticulous guidance of our approximately fifteen professors. The ability to logically, adaptively, and innovatively think, attained upon completion, will also become a true ally in the face of the modern, information-rich, and ever changing society.
As a product of this truly blessed environment, our aim is for students to have developed the following skills:
- The ability to solve problems logically based on their foundational understanding of mathematics.
- The ability to collect and effectively make use of necessary data and literature.
- The ability to communicate one’s thoughts and ideas in a clear and understandable manner.
- The ability to introspect and behave with modesty, and to respect other’s points of view.
Profiles of Exemplary Candidates
The Department of Mathematics is looking for the following candidates:
- Those who possess the foundational knowledge required to study mathematics at university.
- Those who possess both interest and passion regarding mathematics.
- Those who are able to clearly and logically express their thoughts and ideas.
We ask that applicants complete the following high school level courses before enrollment:
［Mathematics: Mathematics I, Mathematics II, Mathematics III, Mathematics A, Mathematics B］
We also ask that they take at least two courses from the following high school level science subjects:
［Physics: Basic Physics, Advanced Physics］, ［Chemistry: Basic Chemistry, Advanced Chemistry］, ［Biology: Basic Biology, Advanced Biology］, ［Earth Science: Basic Earth Science, Advanced Earth Science］.
Department of Physics
Program Overview
In the Department of Physics, we conduct research investigating the fundamental laws of nature, covering a broad range of subjects from particle and astrophysics to material science.
Over the first and second year, students will learn the fundamentals of physics, such as mechanics, electromagnetism, thermodynamics and quantum mechanics. In the third year, students will begin more advanced classes in subjects such as relativity, particle physics, superconductivity and magnetism. Finally, in their fourth year, students will commence their graduate research as a member of a laboratory, and there they will come in contact with cutting-edge scientific discoveries. Students will have the opportunity to locate a field of interest, and subsequently conduct research, from amongst research that adopts both theoretical and practical methodologies. Students who wish to continue with graduate school will have the opportunity to further conduct advanced research.
It is by way of these lectures, seminars, research projects, that student will be able to develop and refine the following abilities outlined in the diploma policy.
- The ability to think and make judgements rationally and scientifically, by way of acquired knowledge in the field of physics.
- The ability to identify issues and solutions, and contribute broadly to society through the exploration of new phenomena and ideas.
Profiles of Exemplary Candidates
The Department of Physics is looking for the following candidates:
- Those who wish to learn and conduct research on physics as the basis of all natural sciences, and consequently use what one learns for the benefit of society.
- Those who wish to be able to explain natural phenomena based on their understanding of basic natural laws.
- Those who wish to expand upon and practically apply any acquired knowledge.
Characteristics necessary for successful research in physics are not restricted to academic ability and specialized knowledge. One must also possess curiosity and passion regarding the exploration of the fundamental laws and rules of nature, as well as be willing to dedicate a lot of time and effort.
We look forward to welcoming enthusiastic students eager to discuss with us about their exploration of physics.
We ask that applicants complete the following high school level courses before enrollment:
［Mathematics: Mathematics I, Mathematics II, Mathematics III, Mathematics A, Mathematics B］
［Physics: Basic Physics, Physics］
［English: English Communication I, English Communication II, English Communication III, English Expression I, English Expression II］
Department of Chemistry
Program Overview
The Department of Chemistry, located within the Faculty of Science, offers a Bachelor Program which aims at nurturing scholars who can proactively challenge themselves within new and unexplored research fields, and contribute to society in a wide variety of areas, including education practitioners. Students achieve this through the effective use of; a comprehensive knowledge in the natural sciences, and material sciences in particular; a wide perspective; logical thinking; scientific morals; top-quality research ability; and the internationalization. In regards to this aim, students have the opportunity to systematically learn from within the extensive field of chemistry. Ultimately, by way of those experiments, and classes, student will have achieved a multifaceted understanding of the construction of matter, its properties, and reactivity, with both micro and macro perspectives.
Students are also able to select and learn from a variety of natural science-related introduction classes alongside liberal arts courses. This ensures that students become capable of also understanding a variety of social issues at the global scale, and contributing to the continuous development of humanity.
Furthermore, we aim to acquire the practical skills and specialized knowledge necessary to respond to societal demand for cutting-edge research which produces innovative substances with high functionality and bioactivity. This is achieved by way of a clear understanding of the interrelated molecular construction of matter, its properties, and reactivity, as well as analysis of the electronic and geometric structure of molecules and molecular assemblies.
Profiles of Exemplary Candidates
We wish to nurture students who can understand that chemistry is a consequence of the enduring wisdom of humankind. Students who will have acquired the undeniable expertise required to contribute to wider society. In order to achieve this, the Department of Chemistry is looking for the following:
- Students who have acquired the fundamentals of chemistry and related fields, and would like to take on the challenge of contributing to the systematic construction and exploration of cutting-edge scientific fields.
- Students who have a strong desire to solve the various issues that we currently face, such as global warming, those relating to our natural environment, and energy resources; solutions based on the discovery of materials with unique functions, and the methods and procedures found within the field of chemistry.
Characteristics necessary for success in chemistry are in no way restricted to academic ability and technical expertise. One must also possess curiosity and passion regarding the exploration of the fundamental laws and structures of nature, as well as the willingness to dedicate daily time and effort.
We look forward to welcoming enthusiastic students eager to confront issues with which they are yet unfamiliar.
We ask that all applicants take the following courses prior to enrollment: ［Mathematics: Mathematics I, Mathematics II, Mathematics III, Mathematics A, Mathematics B］［Chemistry: Basic Chemistry, Advanced Chemistry］［English: English Communication I, English Communication II, English Communication III, English Expression I, English Expression II］
Department of Biology
Program Overview
In the Department of Biology, courses are led by professors performing cutting-edge research in the various fields of biology, (such as molecular biology, genetics, cellular biology, photosynthesis, genetic expression and development, neurobiology, endocrinology, environmental and evolutionary biology), using a variety of research materials such as animals, plants, algae and bacteria.
During the first and second year, students will learn the foundations of biology, such as basic biology, cellular and molecular biology, and biochemistry. In the third year, students will attend seminars and gain practical training related to the advanced continuation of the earlier subjects. Finally, in the fourth year, students will have the opportunity to join a laboratory, and perform the research that will become the focus of their graduate thesis.
Furthermore, subsequent developments of a student’s graduate thesis research, as well as advanced research, takes place in the graduate school following graduation.
By way of the aforementioned seminars, classes, and research, we aim to develop the following abilities in our graduates:
- The ability to see things from broad and discerning perspectives.
- The ability to think and infer in a scientific and logical manner.
- The ability to make use of one’s expertise and knowledge of biology within society.
The Department of Biology’s curriculum has the following distinctive characteristics: Starting in the first year, students are invited to visit laboratories conducting research in which they are interested. Consequently, from the latter half of third year, they will be temporary affiliated with a research lab and have an early opportunity to experience leading research.
Profiles of Exemplary Candidates
The Department of Biology accepts applicants:
- Who have a strong interest in biology, wish to actively study the fundamentals relating to biology, and understand the true nature of a variety of biological and life related phenomena.
- Who wish to take advantage of the unique reasoning belonging to each person in order to further develop research efforts.
- Who would like to apply their knowledge of the biological and life sciences and their analytic skills to society.
We look forward to welcoming students who possess passion and curiosity regarding the exploration of the fundamental laws governing biological and life science phenomena, and those who will spare no effort. We ask that students complete the following subjects before enrollment:
［Physics: Basic Physics, Advanced Physics］, ［Chemistry: Basic Chemistry, Advanced Chemistry］ ［Biology: Basic Biology, Advanced Biology］, ［Earth Science: Basic Earth Science, Advanced Earth Science］
Department of Earth Sciences
Program Overview
The first and second year of the Department of Earth Sciences Program will involve students acquiring the fundamentals of Earth Science.
This is achieved by way of lectures and experiments, covering such subjects as mineralogy, petrology, geology, geochemistry, geophysics, and atmospheric science. The third year involves lectures and experiments covering increasingly advanced course material, as well as practical field observations. The integration of lecture-based courses, experimental practice and field-based learning ensures the acquisition of the observational, analytical, and reporting skills which are vital components of the natural science’s methodology. The fourth year will see students join research laboratories and perform their own task-orientated research. By the end of our program, we aim for students to have acquired and developed the following:
- The ability to perceive natural phenomena through the lens of the wider earth sciences.
- The ability to logically identify, consider, and solve various issues.
- The ability to make use of the aforementioned skills within various areas of society.
The Department of Earth Sciences curriculum possesses the following unique characteristics:
- Admission and learning is possible regardless of the student’s high school completion of earth science courses.
- The curriculum comprehensively covers all areas of the earth sciences.
- The curriculum is replete with field observation and practical experience.
Profiles of Exemplary Candidates
The Department of Earth Sciences accepts applicants:
- With a solid foundation in science and mathematics, and a strong interest in the earth’s history and natural phenomena.
- Who are open-minded and wish to solve issues found in the earth sciences.