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 first and second year, students will learn the foundations of biology, such as basic biology, cellular and molecular biology, and biochemistry. In third year, students will attend seminars and gain practical training related to the advanced continuation of the earlier subjects. Finally, in 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 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.