Biology

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Introduction to the Major

Faculty members talk about what you can learn and what makes this major special.

Mission Statement

The major in Biology aims to give students a fundamental understanding of various fields in biology such as cell biology, molecular biology, physiology, and ecology. In addition, for those who wish to enter graduate school, we will provide content that will enable you to acquire enough specialized academic skills to enter graduate schools in Japan and abroad.

As a result of developments in the recent study in biology, it has become possible to understand biological phenomena at the level of molecules, genes, and cells. Students will first study the origin of life phenomena on this micro level. Further research will focus on how the organism's function in relation to each other and their significance on a macro scale. This integrative method of study will develop a perspective for understanding the whole picture of life phenomena. Through this process, students are expected to acquire a critical and scientific way of thinking. Students are also encouraged to relate biology to other fields of studies and to contribute to the solving of societal issues, such as an environmental problem, using a scientific, biological perspective.

Learning Goals

Learning goals of the Biology major can be categorized as following.

  1. Acquisition of basic knowledge and techniques:

    Students gain a basic knowledge of biology in lectures, seminars, and laboratory works. Through laboratory studies in particular, students will examine living things, thereby gaining actual observations, and cultivating their knowledge through practical experience. Students will also have an opportunity to study cutting edge research in biology through their contact with professors at ICU, other universities, and research institutions. It is also required for students to study mathematics, physics, chemistry, and statistics to facilitate further understandings in biology.

  2. Scientific way of thinking

    Through lectures, seminars, and laboratory studies, students are required to obtain a logical scientific way of thinking as well as critical thinking.

  3. Scientific Presentation

    Students will learn about successful forms of scientific expression through lectures, seminars, laboratory studies, and their senior thesis. Students are required to write reports, draw sketches, and give oral presentations in Japanese and/or English. The Senior Thesis is basically required to be written in English, the international standard language of science.


Department of Natural Sciences Website

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