Natural Sciences Program

Natural Sciences Program

Exploring science in a social context and finding ways to tap into extensive potential

In the Natural Sciences Program, we provide specialized training in various scientific fields, enabling students to understand their fields within the framework of science as a whole. Our goal is to nurture leaders who can help society by means of science.

Attention for Applicants
If you wish to enter Natural Sciences Program, before application, it is strongly recommended that you communicate with our faculty members and check whether our facilities and laboratories meet your research needs or not. You can visit ICU on an open campus day or by appointment, or contact ICU Graduate School by email.

Message from the Director

CLA.KUBO Kenya・久保謙哉111214.JPGProgram Director
Prof. KUBO, Kenya

Real education in small groups is the key to developing world class researchers

The high faculty/student ratio in the Natural Sciences Graduate School program at ICU is a great benefit for each graduate student in their study and research. Primarily led by the main advisor, with additional input from faculty members of the student's areas of concentration and by the academic staff of the wider natural sciences program, each student receives individual attention, enabling them to maximize their potential. Small research groups allow students to gain hands-on experience using modern and expensive experimental instruments and lab space with a considerable degree of freedom. Students also have abundant time for discussion with the main advisor and supporting teaching staff. Domestic and international joint research with other universities and research institutions is often conducted utilizing the academic networks of the teaching staff to fulfill the demands of students' research work.

In addition to the study of their focused science area, graduate students study ethics, the philosophy of science and science education, as well as methods of professional academic research work including a course in writing a grant application. Graduate students also have opportunities to take intensive academic writing courses in either Japanese or English - whichever is not their native language - to enhance their language ability required in their future work. Students also select courses in humanities and social sciences.

Fully-fledged with the ability to carry out frontier scientific research and a wide view of nature and human society nurtured at a liberal arts graduate school, our alumni are equipped for a great variety of job opportunities beyond the scientific/academic - in finance, education, engineering and much more.

Voice of Faculty

Prof. SHIMIZU, Yuji

The main field of my research is Algebraic Geometry. It is applied to various fields including String Theory which is deeply related to my studies. My research focuses on figures called algebraic varieties such as elliptic and hyperbolic curves defined by algebraic equations as well as related objects. I'm particularly interested in the derived categories of coherent sheaves from the perspective of noncommutative algebraic geometry.
When we provide instruction in advanced graduate school mathematics courses, we take full advantage of our small classes by helping students understand not just the technical aspect of the subject but also what motivated research in that topic and its future potential. The Graduate School of Arts and Sciences offers courses that emphasize an interdisciplinary approach, providing students with a flexible perspective regardless of their speciality. Our environment is ideal for science education and for obtaining viewpoints of science directed to the public in general.

Voice of Student

Mr. JOHN, Joshua Dumenkosi
Natural Sciences Program / Material Science

I am studying Material Science with emphasis on photoconductive and photovoltaic applications. This program involves extensive research, experimental work and critical analysis of results. I am researching on the applications of Amorphous Selenium as a material for photovoltaic and photoconductive devices. Recent advances have shown that Amorphous Selenium can be doped with impurity materials through a simple process of electrolysis. This has the effect of significantly improving the performance of the material in photovoltaic and photoconductive applications. My aim is to optimize the electrolysis driven doping process. If successful, the results will open doors to advanced uses of Amorphous Selenium in photovoltaic and photoconductive applications. Being able to study at the ICU Graduate School is a huge privilege. For me, it is a great opportunity to study in an international environment where I get to meet people from all over the world and share together in an exciting learning experience. The Graduate School is staffed by a team of highly qualified and experienced, yet approachable and friendly world class professors, teaching staff and administrators. This team is always available to provide guidance and support when I need it, making my studies enriching and enjoyable.

Area of Concentrations

There are three "Area of Concentration" for Natural Sciences Program.

  • Mathematics and Information Science
  • Material Science
  • Life Science

We will present problems, apply theory, and apply computer science in the problem-solving process of study in specialized fields. We also provide instruction in how to describe research in both English and Japanese. To further build upon the basic theory and methods acquired at the undergraduate level, students carry out cutting-edge research that will turn them into professionals who can work to make a difference in all spheres of society.

Students graduate with a Master of Arts in Natural Sciences.

Science related to materials can be classified into experimental and theoretical areas, but ab initio calculation by means of computers has also become an important area. In the experimental field, we provide instruction in basic experimental skills and theoretical development from the results of experiments.In the theoretical field, we explore the basics in material science as well as the explanation of facts based on models of phenomena and prognosis. We aim to integrate experimental science, theory and computer science.

Students graduate with a Master of Arts in Natural Sciences.

This concentration is comprised of research in three fields: botany, zoology and microbiology. We also provide instruction in scientific thinking, as well as in the basics of research.

Students graduate with a Master of Arts in Natural Sciences.

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