Curricula details

Years 1 and 2

Group A - Core Subjects

These subjects include lectures, practical experiments, and introductory research, most of which are taught in the first semester as intensive courses. To acquire a broad bioscience background, students are expected to select subjects in a discipline different from the one they previously studied as an undergraduate.

Group B - Elective Subjects

The requirements for receiving credit for these subjects, other than "Special Lectures," include participation in journal article study sessions, research progress report sessions, and seminars, etc. held in the lab the student belongs to, as well as the submission of seminar reports. Special Lectures held in the second semester last about two days each.

Credit requirements regarding Seminar Reports for Group B Subjects

In order to receive credit for subjects other than Special Intensive Courses I-VIII among Group B Elective Subjects (year 1 and 2), students must attend five seminars held on- or off-campus and submit a Seminar Report for each (this does not include participation in seminars held in the lab a student belongs to, etc). The intent behind this requirement is for students to learn about research disciplines other than their own. Accordingly, students are encouraged to be proactive in participating in a variety of seminars, which may take place on- or off-campus. Information regarding seminars will be posted on FBS’ online BBS and on campus posters. In addition, there are many seminars given in English. Please consult your supervisor for help in deciding which seminars to attend. However, please note that although multiple seminars may be conducted in one day, only a maximum of three seminars per day may be used for Seminar Reports.

Group B - Biomechanics

• Philosophy
  To have the opportunity to review different research themes and participate in discussions in a lab other than your own during the 1st and 2nd year.
• Format
  Discuss with your sub supervisor regarding your own research progress during the first year. In the second year, consult with your sub supervisor regarding your thesis presentation before the Interim Examination (held at the end of the academic year). (2 credits)
  *Group B subject, Biomechanics, Progress Report
• Period
  Held twice a year, at the beginning of the semester or at the end of the semester, following the decision of a sub supervisor (in August of the first year). If necessary, these can be held an additional two more times individually.
• Evaluation
  The student must first contact a sub supervisor for an interview. Bring the "Group B subject, Biomechanics, Progress Report" form to a sub supervisor. At the end of the academic year, the sub supervisor registers the evaluation in the KOAN system.

Group C - Research Subjects

These subjects consist of master's level research activities conducted in the lab the student belongs to.

Years 3 to 5

*Prerequisite: passing the Interim Examination (presentation of their master's thesis).

Group D - Project Research Subjects

Project research enables students to acquire a broad background of knowledge and experience in multiple disciplines by conducting research in labs other than their own.

-Details:

• Philosophy
  To promote interdisciplinary research and arm students with different bioscientific perspectives, students spend set periods conducting research in a host lab other than their own during the start of their third year.
• Format
  Project Research will typically be of type A described below; however, type B is optional depending on the particular needs of each lab and individual student.

  Type A. The student participates in research in a different lab, and credit is approved by the host academic staff.
  1. Participation in regular daily research in a different lab
  2. Participation in research activities such as seminars, colloquiums, journal clubs, etc. in a different lab

  *Participation in daily research is for roughly two weeks in total.
  *Participation in research activities is generally once per week for roughly eight weeks. Preferably, the student will also be given an opportunity to give a presentation.

  Type B (other): Approval of credits by the student's supervisor
  Credits may be approved by the supervisor if they agree that the student in question has participated in research in a different lab.

  Acceptable examples:
  3. Participation in a practical experimentation course or short-term intensive course in Japan or overseas.
  4. Lectures or journal clubs led by non-Japanese academic staff

  a. Special intensive courses taught by non-Japanese academic staff
  The student, who has already taken a special intensive course taught by a non-Japanese academic staff member, takes a different intensive course by a non-Japanese academic staff member.

  b. Journal clubs led by non-Japanese academic staff
  A non-Japanese academic staff member not conducting a special intensive course leads a journal club at the student's request, and the student participates in the said journal club (course).

  c. Other
  5. Research participation in a lab in Japan or overseas
  6. Internship at a company

• Period
  Preferably, Project Research is to begin early in April during the third year, though the schedule of each lab will be considered.
• Student limit
  Each lab may simultaneously admit a maximum of five students. However, the circumstances at each host lab will be considered.
• Host lab selection
  Host labs are to be chosen individually through consultation between the student and host lab’s academic staff. The student's supervisor should also be consulted.

Group E - Research Subjects

These subjects consist of doctoral level research activities conducted in the lab the student belongs to and elsewhere. These should be completed during the third, fourth, or fifth year.