18 Best Biology Bachelor's Degree Programs in Japan for 2024

From ancient times, animals have been an integral part of human life, not just in terms of food and clothing, but also as dearly loved pets. And as far as wildlife is concerned, there are various aspects to consider, such as animal protection, symbiosis, and wild game. Laboratory animals are also essential for understanding biological activities and for the development of food additives and pharmaceutical products. In the School of Animal Science, the domains of learning and research comprise three major pillars. In the “Animal Resource Science” domain, students acquire and practice technical knowledge and techniques of animal production through specializations such as grassland science, nutritional science, and theory of livestock for milk and meat, while experiencing practical animal care at the farm. In the “Animal Bio Science” domain, students acquire and practice biotechnology (including protein analysis, genetic analysis, and cell culture), which has been developed in each field of study, and cultivates a better understanding of cell function and life activities. And there is the “Social Science of Animals” domain, which is related to agricultural food systems which handle everything from food production to consumption, social science investigations of cities and agricultural villages, and wildlife. The major feature of this school is that it includes “Social Science of Animals” as a pillar of study, and it is possible to do research systematically from the process of keeping and feeding industrial animals to their distribution, processing, sale and consumption, step by step.

(Understanding the oceans) studies different ecosystems for aquatic organisms in the oceans, rivers and lakes of the world, including chemical analysis of water composition and the impacts of waves and water flows.

We aim to foster people with a broad knowledge of the primary industry, food, and bioscience, with knowledge and skills applicable to commercialization and industrialization of biological resources, who can contribute to the creation of new industries utilizing biological resources from an international perspective.

Explaining the phenomena of life at the molecular level in the organisms that form ecosystems The Earth is home to a vast variety of living organisms, which comprise rich ecosystems that exist in harmony with the environment. The Environmental Biology Course conducts research with the goal of understanding how organisms recognize the environment in ecosystems and harmonize their activities using the language of molecules. For example, the course covers research into the mechanisms by which animals recognize and respond to external stimuli such as light, and research into the effects of endocrine disruptors flowing into rivers, lakes, and marshes on fish and other wildlife and the mechanisms by which those effects are carried out. Other projects in which department are enthusiastically involved include research into the mechanisms of plant environmental recognition and plant immunity to pathogenic bacteria, research into the physiological mechanisms of microorganisms and the control of their lifespans, and research into the various physiologically active substances that are created by organisms in the environment. We consider research in areas such as these to provide a basis for maintaining ecosystems that are rich in life into the indefinite future.

The department administers a comprehensive education and research program that uses the latest technology to study a wide variety of the basic scientific principles necessary for breeding and reproduction technology used in fisheries, animals, and plants while seeking harmony with nature. The department is dedicated to cultivating graduates who are capable of serving as leaders, through the public office or real-world fisheries, and who are equipped with advanced problem-solving skills. In addition, the department also cultivates people for involvement in "creation and cultivation" type fisheries activities, such as breeding and reproduction.

The characteristic of education and research in the Department of Marine Bioresources is that it covers various fields from natural science to social science. We tackle various problems related to the sea, rivers, and lakes from various perspectives, and the activities of graduates are diverse.

We train well-qualified people who are capable of acting in a variety of areas related to humans and animals. Our graduates have acquired the knowledge necessary for utilizing the results of animal research, from a genetic to biological level, in the lives of human beings. We will continue on our quest to form better relationships between people and animals and explore animal biotechnologies with animal life science as the foundation.

Students study urban planning utilizing the urban modalities formed by autonomous citizenry control, multicultural societies and regional characteristics from a sociological perspective. Target Career Fields Various types of NPOs Consulting firms Government institutions (Planning/International relations departments)

Revisions to the School Education Law and Pharmacist Law extended the period of study for the education of pharmacists from four years to six years, starting in April 2006. In light of this new system, the Department of Bio-Pharmacy was absorbed into the Department of Pharmacy within the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences.

Confronting the environmental issues faced by the Earth and mankind in a wide range of fields. While enhancing accurate comprehension and awareness of various environmental issues, this department engages in practical education centered on “eco-chemistry”, “biochemistry”, and “energy machines” related to the development of environmentally-friendly chemicals, and the search for effective energy utilization technology and biomaterials. By doing so, it seeks to develop human resources who have a high level of environmental awareness and are able to actively participate in these broad fields.

We have created a curriculum to acquire qualifications as nutritionists, food specialists and food scientists based on the 3 pillars of dietetics, nutrition science and cookery science. Students develop into outstanding resources able to contribute from day one in a variety of societal scenes as food professionals.

Chemistry that explains and unravels molecules that make up substances. Biotechnology that delves into gene-modification and fermentation utilizing the vital functions of living organisms. Deepening understanding of these two categories, students learn about the chemistry that can be applied to environmental issues and life, such as aqueous environments and cosmetics.

Searching for genetic information, the blueprint of life,through gene engineering The current flourishing of biotechnology would have been impossible without the establishment of the revolutionary technologies of gene engineering: cloning, base sequence determination, and gene amplification. The Genomics Course provides thorough instruction in key technologies, from the basics of gene engineering to state-of-the-art knowledge. Its goal is to train hands-on professionals with the "venture spirit" through basic research in areas such as the molecular analysis of plant information transmission systems using gene engineering technologies, immunological research focusing on antibodies, and investigations of the mechanisms by which viral pathogens manifest themselves; research and development of drugs targeting causative molecules by means of the genome and proteome drug discovery method; and applied research into areas such as a super-high-speed DNA amplification method combining gene engineering and nanotechnology, the creation of new virus detection technologies, and its application to DNA-based authentication methods.

The Earth is home to a great variety of animal life. The Department of Animal Bioscience was created in the 2009 academic year with the goal of training students to be able to contribute to humankind, for example by understanding the mechanisms by which animals live, conducting research into health and longevity, elucidating disease, and evaluating the safety of drug discovery and food products. In addition to studying the latest bioscience developments at the most basic genetic, molecular, and cellular levels, students of the Department develop an ability to understand and research animals in a comprehensive and multifaceted manner by learning about subjects such as individual animals' physiology and behavior, pathology, embryo engineering, and bioethics. They also have the opportunity to interact with experimental animals during lab work, and they learn how to properly manage animals from the standpoint of animal protection and welfare. By earning credits in the appropriate subjects, students can also earn certification as a food hygiene manager or food hygiene observer, both of which roles concern the assurance of food safety.

The subject of Food Science is that everyday item of ‘food’. The food industry increasingly attracts attention for food safety and other issues, so our objective is to nurture individuals who can be active in this industry. For this purpose, using the latest technologies such as biotechnology, developments are made in the areas of food processing, storage, and distribution technologies. Furthermore, students gain an understanding of the safety and functionality of food and engage in learning and research related to the maintenance and promotion of health through food and on systems that supply safe and plentiful food. In order to obtain knowledge and learn about the technologies related to ‘food’, which involves various aspects such as manufacturing, processing, and distribution technologies and methods from the molecular level as well as nutrition and hygiene problems, students are involved in lectures and experiments, in addition to training at production plants and food-related companies.

The Division of Biological Science develops cutting-edge research and education on a wide range of life science studies, technically based on molecular biology and cell biology, and is comprised of Plant Science (10 laboratories), Biomedical Science (9 laboratories), and Systems Biology (6 laboratories), as of April 1, 2021. The Plant Science laboratories aim to realize the sustainable development of our society, and they cover areas from basic science to elucidate various biological functions of plant cells and whole plants, to application-oriented science to cope with problems concerning the environment, resources, energy, and food, by enhancing plant productivity and overcoming biotic and abiotic stresses. The Biomedical Science laboratories aim to realize a society of health and longevity, and they cover areas from basic science on genomics, molecular pharmacology, and immunology at the cell and whole animal levels, to elucidating molecular mechanisms of neuronal and metabolic diseases and cancer. The Systems Biology laboratories introduce novel approaches and methodologies for bioinformatics, nano-technology, and protein science, and develop innovative science technologies. Biological phenomena are perceived as “systems”, and are studied by both experimental approaches and systems science, along with structural biology-based approaches.

The Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences (4-year program) was established in 2004, and in 2006 we began a 6-year program which focuses on developing pharmacists who can contribute to community-based healthcare through drug therapy.

We aim to foster human resources with the ability to positively develop working places of their own based on the collaboration of various fields of pharmacy, which we call "Interactive YAKUGAKUJIN".