Philosophy and Goals of Education and Research Educational Objectives We aim to cultivate advanced science and engineering professionals with broad and deep knowledge and critical thinking skills in earth science, biological science, and environmental science. Our goal is to develop individuals who can comprehensively understand the intertwined challenges of the Earth, life, and environment, and contribute to the “health of people and the planet” both globally and within local communities. Students will acquire foundational and advanced expertise in earth-life-environmental sciences, develop a strong sense of ethics and creativity, and become capable of contributing to the resolution of natural and environmental issues from local to global scales. Desired Profile of Graduates Advanced science and engineering professionals with broad and deep knowledge and critical thinking skills in earth science, biological science, and environmental science, capable of comprehensively understanding the intertwined challenges of the Earth, life, and environment. Features of the Earth, Life, and Environmental Science Program Main Research Areas Environmental and Analytical ChemistryOur group has developed analytical methods for trace chemical components in environmental water and soil, and method of toxic chemicals treatment. Furthermore, we have also studied the dynamics of various elements in the biosphere using analysis of trace elements and multi-isotope. Solid Earth GeophysicsWe study the structure of the solid Earth from the surface to the inner core, as well as the dynamics and changes of the solid Earth—including seismic activity, volcanic activity, and plate movements—using physical approaches such as paleomagnetism, seismology, geodesy, and the study of Earth’s internal properties. We also conduct research on climate change through rock magnetism and environmental monitoring. Geophysical Fluid DynamicsWe conduct research on the variability and interactions within the Earth’s climate system—including the atmosphere, oceans, land surface, and cryosphere—as well as physical approaches to studying snow, ice, and clathrates. Our work also includes investigations into the physical properties of clathrate hydrates and environmental science research on atmospheric particulates. Geological ScienceWe conduct research on rocks and mineral deposits in global tectonic zones, tectonics that regulate them, magma and volcanic eruptions, sedimentology, stratigraphy and paleontology, Earth’s history, and earthquakes, faults, and natural disasters. Environmental and Analytical ChemistryOur group has developed analytical methods for trace chemical components in environmental water and soil, and method of toxic chemicals treatment. Furthermore, we have also studied the dynamics of various elements in the biosphere using analysis of trace elements and multi-isotope. Solid Earth GeophysicsWe study the structure of the solid Earth from the surface to the inner core, as well as the dynamics and changes of the solid Earth—including seismic activity, volcanic activity, and plate movements—using physical approaches such as paleomagnetism, seismology, geodesy, and the study of Earth’s internal properties. We also conduct research on climate change through rock magnetism and environmental monitoring. Geophysical Fluid DynamicsWe conduct research on the variability and interactions within the Earth’s climate system—including the atmosphere, oceans, land surface, and cryosphere—as well as physical approaches to studying snow, ice, and clathrates. Our work also includes investigations into the physical properties of clathrate hydrates and environmental science research on atmospheric particulates. Geological ScienceWe conduct research on rocks and mineral deposits in global tectonic zones, tectonics that regulate them, magma and volcanic eruptions, sedimentology, stratigraphy and paleontology, Earth’s history, and earthquakes, faults, and natural disasters. Educational Objectives, Goals, and the Three Policies Diploma Policy Policy on Completion and Degree Conferral The Graduate School of Science and Engineering aims to explore both theoretical and applied aspects of science and engineering and related fields, cultivating deep academic knowledge, outstanding abilities, and a strong sense of ethics required for highly specialized professions, thereby contributing to the advancement of natural sciences and technology. Based on this educational objective, students who acquire broad foundational abilities and advanced expertise in the field of Earth, Life, and Environmental Sciences, along with ethical awareness and creative capacity to generate new knowledge, and who achieve the learning outcomes listed below, will be awarded the degree of Master of Science. Learning Goals and Indicators Foundational Abilities Learning Outcome: Possess rich academic knowledge foundational to Earth, Life, and Environmental Sciences, English proficiency for global engagement, logical thinking skills, and the ability to view diverse issues from multiple perspectives. Indicator: Demonstrated acquisition of academic knowledge, English proficiency, logical thinking, and the ability to view issues from multiple perspectives. Specialized Knowledge Learning Outcome: Acquire specialized knowledge and research skills in Earth, Life, and Environmental Sciences, and the expertise required for highly specialized professions. Indicator: Demonstrated acquisition of advanced specialized knowledge, research skills, and practical abilities required for specialized professions. Ethical Awareness Learning Outcome: Develop a normative awareness of research ethics necessary for professionals and researchers in Earth, Life, and Environmental Sciences. Indicator: Demonstrated awareness of research ethics. Creativity Learning Outcome: Acquire the ability to generate new scientific knowledge in Earth, Life, and Environmental Sciences, create additional value from that knowledge, and propose new solutions to societal challenges. Indicator: Demonstrated ability to create new knowledge, generate value, and propose solutions to societal challenges. Curriculum Policy Policy on Curriculum Organization The Earth, Life, and Environmental Science Program organizes a systematic curriculum to help students acquire the four competencies outlined in the Diploma Policy. Policy on Curriculum Implementation Over the course of two years, the curriculum is designed to encourage students to learn actively and independently. In addition to required courses and special research, elective courses are offered and conducted through various formats such as lectures, exercises, experiments, and practical training. Student performance is objectively evaluated based on the degree to which learning outcomes for each competency are achieved. Learning Content, Methods, and Evaluation Foundational Abilities Learning Content: To develop broad academic knowledge and the ability to view issues from multiple perspectives, students study subjects outside their major field. They also acquire English proficiency as a foundation for understanding and communicating international information. Learning Method: Students take university-wide common courses and graduate school common courses offered in the Earth, Life, and Environmental Science Program. Evaluation Method: Evaluation is conducted through exams, reports, and presentations in each course. Specialized Knowledge Learning Content: Students acquire specialized knowledge, research skills, and practical abilities required for highly specialized professions in the field of Earth, Life, and Environmental Sciences. Learning Method: Students take specialized courses offered in the Earth, Life, and Environmental Science Program. Evaluation Method: Evaluation is conducted through exams, reports, and presentations in each course. Ethical Awareness Learning Content: To develop normative awareness of research ethics, students acquire knowledge related to information security and researcher ethics. Learning Method: Students take university-wide common courses offered by the Graduate School of Science and Engineering that foster ethical awareness. Evaluation Method: Evaluation is conducted through exams, reports, and presentations in each course. Creativity Learning Content: Through engaging in specialized research, presentations, and discussions, students develop creativity and problem-solving skills. Learning Method: Students conduct special research and write a master’s thesis. Evaluation Method: Evaluation is conducted through a final examination and presentation. Admission Policy Policy on Student Admission The Earth, Life, and Environmental Science Program seeks students who have a strong interest and foundational abilities in the field, and who aspire to become engineers or researchers capable of contributing to human welfare by driving technological innovation and advancing culture through the application of specialized knowledge and skills. Basic Policy on Student Selection (Types of Entrance Examinations and Evaluation Methods) To provide multiple opportunities for applicants and to evaluate a diverse range of students, the following types of entrance examinations are offered: General Entrance Examination Evaluation is based on a comprehensive assessment of interviews (including oral academic tests) and application documents (academic records, external English test scores, etc.). Recommendation-Based Entrance Examination Evaluation is based on a comprehensive assessment of interviews (including oral academic tests) and application documents (letters of recommendation, academic records, external English test scores, etc.). Special Entrance Examination for Working Adults Evaluation is based on a comprehensive assessment of interviews (including oral academic tests) and application documents (academic records, etc.). Special Entrance Examination for International Students Evaluation is based on a comprehensive assessment of interviews (including oral academic tests) and application documents (academic records, etc.). Desired Qualities and Abilities Foundational Abilities Possess basic academic skills equivalent to a university graduate and a willingness to acquire broad knowledge not only in Earth, Life, and Environmental Sciences but also in related academic fields. Specialized Knowledge Have basic academic skills and a strong desire to acquire rich specialized knowledge and advanced research abilities in Earth, Life, and Environmental Sciences, aiming to contribute as highly skilled professionals. Ethical Awareness Have a sense of responsibility and ethics as a member of society, and a commitment to conducting research independently and contributing to the sound development of science and technology. Creativity Possess a strong motivation to tackle unknown and cutting-edge issues in Earth, Life, and Environmental Sciences, along with a broad perspective and flexible thinking skills. Study Model Study Model Research Theme: Changes in extreme weather around Japan due to the increase in anthropogenic carbon dioxide Targeted Human Resource Profile: Advanced science and engineering professionals who can contribute to enhancing disaster prevention capabilities against regional natural disasters (such as storms, floods, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions) from a geoscientific perspective. Graduate School Common Courses Interdisciplinary Common Courses Program Specialized Courses Specialized Courses Research Guidance Year 1 1st Term Research Ethics 1 Data Science Discussion 1 Introduction to Social Implementation of Natural Sciences (Earth, Life, and Environmental Sciences) 1 General Theory of Earth Snow and Ice Science 1 Advanced Ocean Climate Science 1 Special Research in Earth, Life, and Environmental Sciences 10 2nd Term Advanced Regional Symbiosis Studies 1 Advanced Experimental Safety I 1 Introduction to Social Implementation of Natural Sciences (Physics / Applied Physics) 1 Introduction to Social Implementation of Natural Sciences (Biology / Life Engineering) 1 Advanced Volcanology 1 Advanced Remote Sensing 1 Advanced Earth Informatics 1 3rd Term Science, Technology and Sustainable Society 1 Advanced Crustal Physics 1 Advanced Meteorology 1 4th Term Earthquake Geology 1 Advanced Hydrosphere Variability 1 Exercise in Time-Series Data Analysis of Earth Sciences 1 2nd Year 1st Term Earth Life Environmental Science Seminar III 1 2nd Term 3rd Term Earth Life Environmental Science Seminar IV 1 4th Term Credits Earned 4 4 12 10 22 Total Earned Credits: 30 Research Theme: The Effect of Gravitational Environment on Plant Root Morphology Specific Human Resource Development Goal: Highly skilled science and engineering professionals who can contribute to solving various issues from a biological perspective, ranging from problems in regional crop production and natural ecosystems caused by climate change to medical issues arising from a declining birthrate and aging population. Graduate School Common Subjects Interdisciplinary Common Subjects Program Specialized Subjects Specialized Subjects Research Guidance 1st Year 1st Term Research Ethics 1 Introduction to Social Implementation of Natural Sciences (Earth Life Environmental Science) 1 Advanced Resource Plant Science I 1 Earth Life Environmental Science Seminar I 1 Special Research in Earth Life Environmental Science 10 2nd Term Communication as a Scientist: Basics and Applications 1 Advanced Regional Symbiosis Studies 1 Advanced Experimental Safety I 1 Introduction to Social Implementation of Natural Sciences (Biology/Life Engineering) 1 Introduction to Pharma-Medical Engineering I 1 Advanced Resource Plant Science II 1 3rd Term Science, Technology and Sustainable Society 1 Advanced Biological Function Regulation I 1 Earth Life Environmental Science Seminar II 1 4th Term Advanced Molecular Genetics 1 2nd Year 1st Term Advanced Biology Experiment 1 Earth Life Environmental Science Seminar III 1 2nd Term Advanced Plant Production Science 1 3rd Term Advanced Plant Science I 1 Earth Life Environmental Science Seminar IV 1 4th Term Advanced Plant Science II 1 Credits Earned 4 4 12 10 22 Total Earned Credits: 30 Research Theme: Particle Size Characteristics of Airborne Microbial Communities on the Rooftop of the Faculty of Science, University of Toyama Specific Human Resource Development Goal: Highly skilled science and engineering professionals with a strong interest in environmental science, capable of contributing to the resolution of natural and environmental issues from regional to global levels. Graduate School Common Subjects Interdisciplinary Common Subjects Program Specialized Subjects Specialized Subjects Research Guidance 1st Year 1st Term Research Ethics 1 Advanced Data Science 1 Introduction to Social Implementation of Natural Sciences (Earth Life Environmental Science) 1 Advanced Environmental Science A 1 Advanced Environmental Microbiology A 1 Earth Life Environmental Science Seminar I 1 Special Research in Earth Life Environmental Science 10 2nd Term Communication as a Scientist: Basics and Applications 1 Advanced Experimental Safety I 1 Introduction to Social Implementation of Natural Sciences (Biology/Life Engineering) 1 Introduction to Pharma-Medical Engineering I 1 Advanced Environmental Science B 1 Advanced Environmental Microbiology B 1 3rd Term Science, Technology and Sustainable Society 1 Advanced Microbial Ecology A 1 Advanced Regional Revitalization Environmental Studies A 1 Earth Life Environmental Science Seminar II 1 4th Term Advanced Microbial Ecology B 1 Advanced Regional Revitalization Environmental Studies B 1 2nd Year 1st Term Earth Life Environmental Science Seminar III 1 2nd Term 3rd Term Earth Life Environmental Science Seminar IV 1 4th Term Credits Earned 4 4 12 10 22 Total Earned Credits: 30 Career Information Licenses, Qualifications, and Examination Eligibility Advanced Teaching License for Junior High School (Science) Advanced Teaching License for High School (Science) Career Paths After Graduation Highly skilled science and engineering professionals with broad and advanced knowledge and thinking ability in earth science, biological science, and environmental science, capable of comprehensively understanding complex issues involving the Earth, life, and the environment. Faculty Members Research Area Faculty Name Research Theme Link Structural Biology Associate Professor Yuji Yamazaki Research on the evolution of wildlife and conservation of biodiversity. Researcher Profile (Pure) Structural Biology Associate Professor Kiyoto Maekawa Conducts research on the molecular phylogeny and evolutionary ecology of social and edible insects. Researcher Profile (Pure) Structural Biology Associate Professor Tsutomu Tsuchida Researches the molecular basis of symbiotic interactions among plants, insects, and microorganisms, and pest control methods targeting symbiotic functional molecules. Researcher Profile (Pure) Structural Biology Assistant Professor Kyoko Sato Studies the mechanisms of speciation and classification in higher plants through chromosome observation. Researcher Profile (Pure) Structural Biology Assistant Professor Gohta Kinoshita Researcher Profile (Pure) Cell Biology Professor Tatsuya Wakasugi Conducts genetic-level research on the formation of leaves and roots in plants. Researcher Profile (Pure) Cell Biology Professor Ichirou Karahara Studies the mechanisms of morphological development in plant tissues and their environmental responses using various microscopic morphological techniques. Researcher Profile (Pure) Cell Biology Specially Appointed Associate Professor Tomoaki Nishiyama Researcher Profile (Pure) Cell Biology Junior Associate Professor Masayuki Yamamoto Analyzes genes that control useful traits such as composition and cultivation characteristics in sesame, an oilseed crop. Researcher Profile (Pure) Cell Biology Junior Associate Professor Daisuke Tamaoki Studies the mechanisms of cell division in plants and the effects of gravitational environments on plant cell division. Researcher Profile (Pure) Regulatory Biology Professor Kouhei Matsuda Studies brain hormones that regulate innate behaviors such as feeding and emotional responses in small fish species. Researcher Profile (Pure) Regulatory Biology Professor Masayuki Ikeda Researcher Profile (Pure) Regulatory Biology Professor Kimiko Shimizu Researcher Profile (Pure) Regulatory Biology Associate Professor Tomoko Yoshikawa Researcher Profile (Pure) Regulatory Biology Junior Associate Professor Norifumi Konno Researching endocrine regulatory mechanisms involved in the diverse environmental adaptations of vertebrates. Researcher Profile (Pure) Regulatory Biology Junior Associate Professor Tomoya Nakamachi Researching mechanisms by which neuropeptides regulate behavior and physiological phenomena using model animals (mainly zebrafish). Researcher Profile (Pure) Regulatory Biology Assistant Professor Eri Morioka Researching the molecular mechanisms involved in the regulation of behavioral rhythms in Drosophila melanogaster. Researcher Profile (Pure) Environmental and Analytical Chemistry Professor Jing Zhang Measuring trace elements and isotopes in marine, freshwater, and atmospheric environments to elucidate the material cycles and mechanisms of the Earth’s environment. Researcher Profile (Pure) Environmental and Analytical Chemistry Professor Hideki Kuramitz Developing analytical methods (such as sensors and bioassays) to evaluate the concentration and toxicity of environmental pollutants, and conducting monitoring of freshwater and soil environments using these methods. Also engaged in the development of water treatment technologies using adsorption and electrochemical techniques. Researcher Profile (Pure) Environmental and Analytical Chemistry Professor Keiji Horikawa Conducting research to understand Earth’s environmental dynamics through the analysis of carbon, oxygen, strontium, lead, and neodymium isotope ratios in marine sediments, microfossil samples, seawater, and river water. Researcher Profile (Pure) Environmental and Analytical Chemistry Junior Associate Professor Kazuto Sazawa Aiming to evaluate the environment by qualitatively and quantitatively analyzing organic substances in soil and water environments. Also developing analytical methods that utilize the coloration of environmental samples. Researcher Profile (Pure) Environmental and Analytical Chemistry Assistant Professor Takanori Kagoshima Aiming to elucidate the mechanisms of material cycles, volcanic activity, and seismic phenomena through isotope analysis of gases and water samples released from volcanoes and faults. Researcher Profile (Pure) Environmental Biology Professor Daisuke Tanaka Conducting research on the dynamics and impacts of microorganisms in atmospheric and aquatic environments, as well as environmental remediation using microorganisms. Researcher Profile (Pure) Environmental Biology Professor Naoya Wada He conducts research on the reproductive ecology of alpine plants and investigates global environmental changes from the perspective of mountainous regions in Northeast Asia. Researcher Profile (Pure) Environmental Biology Professor Yasushi Yokohata He conducts research on the ecology and conservation of wild animals, such as moles, and the parasites found within their bodies. Researcher Profile (Pure) Environmental Biology Professor Hiroshi Ishii Researching interactions between organisms and between organisms and their environment within ecosystems, especially those involving flowers and insects. Researcher Profile (Pure) Environmental Biology Associate Professor Hiroyuki Kamachi Conducting research on how plants perceive environmental changes and regulate their growth accordingly, focusing on environmental responses and stress tolerance in plants. Researcher Profile (Pure) Environmental Biology Associate Professor Kenji Kashiwagi Conducting research on cave formation processes, paleontology of mammals, radiolarians, and terrestrial mollusks, as well as the ecology of modern mammals that utilize caves. Researcher Profile (Pure) Environmental Biology Junior Associate Professor Akihiro Sakatoku Conducting research aimed at developing methods for environmental pollution assessment (bioassay) and remediation (bioremediation) using biological organisms. Also analyzing environmental microorganisms to contribute to the conservation of important domestic aquatic resources such as Akoya pearls and tiger pufferfish. Researcher Profile (Pure) Environmental Biology Junior Associate Professor Tamihisa Ohta Conducting research on how forest vegetation affects material cycling within ecosystems and the invertebrates in rivers and soils, as well as estimating the movement history of organisms using isotope analysis techniques. Researcher Profile (Pure) Solid Earth Geophysics Professor Tohru Watanabe Conducting research on the mechanical and transport properties of water-bearing rocks, and applying this knowledge to study the distribution and movement of water within the Earth’s interior. Researcher Profile (Pure) Solid Earth Geophysics Professor Naoto Ishikawa Conducting research on Earth’s dynamics such as geomagnetic field variations, tectonic movements, and climate change, based on the magnetic information of rocks and sediments (e.g., direction and intensity of remanent magnetization, magnetic properties). Researcher Profile (Pure) Solid Earth Geophysics Professor Akio Katsumata Conducting research on phenomena occurring at earthquake sources using seismic waves and crustal deformation data, developing real-time analysis methods, and estimating crustal structures. Researcher Profile (Pure) Solid Earth Geophysics Associate Professor Kazuo Kawasaki Conducting research on the behavior of heavy metals using magnetism as a key concept, and reconstructing or estimating paleoenvironmental conditions such as ore deposits and paleoclimate. Researcher Profile (Pure) Solid Earth Geophysics Assistant Professor Kohei Hotta Conducting research on magma accumulation and migration processes in active volcanoes both in Japan and abroad, from a geodetic perspective based on ground deformation data. Researcher Profile (Pure) Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Professor Kazuaki Yasunaga Conducting research on cloud clustering in tropical regions, including typhoons, and investigating precipitation processes and local circulation dynamics in the Hokuriku region. Researcher Profile (Pure) Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Professor Kazuma Aoki Conducting research on how temporal and spatial variations in the optical properties of clouds and aerosols affect the climate. Researcher Profile (Pure) Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Professor Konosuke Sugiura Engaged in research on cryospheric changes on a global scale—including snowfall and blizzards—in regions such as Antarctica, the Arctic, and Japan (e.g., Tateyama and Kurobe). Also studying the interactions between snow cover and vegetation, soil, and atmosphere through field observations, remote sensing, data analysis, numerical modeling, and cold-room experiments. Researcher Profile (Pure) Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Professor Bunmei Taguchi Conducting research on how variations in oceanic and cryospheric systems—such as North Pacific currents and Arctic sea ice—affect global and regional climate change around Japan through interactions with the atmosphere. Researcher Profile (Pure) Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Professor Masahiro Hori Using satellite data to observe various environmental changes on Earth, particularly in the polar cryosphere, and conducting research on the evaluation of impacts on the water cycle and radiation budget, as well as elucidating the underlying mechanisms. Researcher Profile (Pure) Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Associate Professor Wataru Shimada Conducting experimental research on the physical properties of snow, ice, and hydrate crystals, as well as their nucleation and growth processes. Researcher Profile (Pure) Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Associate Professor Atsushi Hamada Conducting research on cloud and precipitation characteristics around the world using satellite measurements, and developing algorithms to estimate physical quantities based on these measurements. Researcher Profile (Pure) Geological Science Professor Yasuo Ishizaki He conducts research on active volcanoes in Japan, focusing on past eruption histories and the mechanisms behind volcanic eruptions. Researcher Profile (Pure) Geological Science Professor Shin-ichi Sano He is engaged in research to uncover the history of Earth and life, focusing especially on the age of dinosaurs (the Mesozoic Era), based on information preserved in fossils and sedimentary rocks. Researcher Profile (Pure) Geological Science Associate Professor Kenichi Yasue He is engaged in empirical research aimed at exploring crustal movements using geomorphological and geological methods, and applying the findings to identify and solve regional issues. Researcher Profile (Pure) Geological Science Associate Professor Ryo Tateishi He has extensive experience in conducting surveys to protect large-scale structures from disasters. He aims to apply this experience to education, research, and social contribution in the Department of Urban Design. Researcher Profile (Pure) Geological Science Junior Associate Professor Ai Kawamura Researcher Profile (Pure) Geological Science Assistant Professor Hikaru Sawada Researcher Profile (Pure) Geological Science Assistant Professor Toru Nakajima Researcher Profile (Pure)
