Biology

The 21st century has been dubbed the "Century of Biology". Technological advances have led to a revolution in our understanding of the relatedness of living organisms, and to the development of new research fields seeking to understand the processes underlying organismal development. Meanwhile, our society faces a broad range of challenges in terms of both food and fuel security. All these research areas, and more, can be studied in our undergraduate degree program in biological sciences.

We offer an undergraduate degree program in Biological Sciences, aimed at students which hold a non-Japanese passport. Our 4 year program starts at a basic level, learning foundational subjects in biology, chemistry, and physics. In second and third year, students can choose from a wide variety of courses, allowing you to explore new areas, or to specialize in one particular subject. In their final year, students will join a research lab, and will complete a 1 year research project. In your project, you will conduct cutting edge research, supervised by experts in the subject.

In addition to major subjects, students are encouraged to take up to 1/3 of their credits in other subjects, as elective courses. You will also take a range of transferable skills classes, which will teach you important skills, such as data analysis, presentation skills, and technical writing. These skills are important both in scientific and non-scientific fields, and help improve graduate employability.

Our program has a broad focus, with subjects ranging from genetics and cell biology, through developmental biology, animal and plant biodiversity, biochemistry, ecology, and evolutionary biology. However, approximately 60% of courses offered in English specialize in plant science, and applicants with a strong interest in this area are especially welcomed. Please note, our program has a strong focus on the basic biology of non-human animals and plants.

Students require 124 credits to graduate. Credits are accumulated from a combination of lecture-based courses, practical and field courses, and a final year project. Lectures form the basis for any academic program. Lectures are 75 minutes in duration, with 2 hours of study and revision time assumed for each hour of class time. 10 lectures are equivalent to 1 credit.

In first year, students will take a range of basic classes, to teach fundamental knowledge and develop core competencies. These courses include basic biology, chemistry, physics, and maths. Along side these, students will take liberal arts courses in Japanese language, as well as arts, sports, and cultural courses.

In second and third year, students can start to take major specific courses. Within the College of Biology, these courses range from molecular biology and genetics, through to animal and plant developmental biology, evolution, and ecology. Students are also encouraged to take courses offered by other Colleges in the School, as well as from other Schools. Transferable skills courses help develop competency in scientific writing, poster preparation, and oral presentation. During Spring C of second year, students in biological sciences are expected to attend Basic Biology Laboratory - a week long practical class focusing on teaching a range of basic laboratory skills.  Other lab courses are available within the degree, such as the Plant Physiology Laboratory.

In your final year, you will choose a lab and work on a year-long research project. You will be supervised by a specialist in the field, and have access to state-of-the-art facilities. Our labs have a strong family feel, with senior students mentoring juniors to help them with their research.

1. Nationality other than Japanese
2. Completion of 12 years of school education outside Japan
3. Submission of TOEFL or IELTS score (non-native speakers only)