Doctoral degree program
Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences

The Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences covers broad research areas related to life and the environment: life science, agriculture and earth science are the three core areas. Based on these cores, various types of applied and advanced research proceed. Conservation of bio-resources and their sustainable use are studied from viewpoints of both natural and social sciences. Coexistence of human beings, other life and the global environment are an important target of life and environmental sciences, and we are seriously addressing this problem. In addition to more than 200 university staff, about 60 researchers are invited as guest professors and associate professors from various national and corporate research institutes. They also take part in education in all programs.

We have five affiliated field centers indispensable for education and research on Life and Environmental Studies. Using these centers, students are expected to refine their sense of field science. We give high priority to English education to turn out internationally capable graduates. The goal of our programs is to turn out competent scientists who are highly capable professionals that can see both "the forest and the trees", and have good knowledge and skills in Life and Environmental Sciences.

There are several different types of educational programs. One is a five-year consecutive doctoral programs in Integrative Environmental Sciences. The Master's Program in Earth Sciences is designated to lead to the Doctoral Programs in Geoenvironmental Sciences and Earth Evolution Sciences. The Master's Program in Biological Sciences is designated to lead to the Doctoral Programs in Structural Biosciences and in Functional Biosciences. The Master's Program in Agro-bioresources Science and Technology is designated to lead to the Doctoral Programs in three applied sciences (in Appropriate Technology and Sciences for Sustainable Development, in Biosphere Resources and Technology, and in Life Sciences and Bioengineering). Students of this master's program might alternatively go on to the Doctoral Program in Bioindustrial Sciences and in Advance Agricultural Technology and Sciences. The Master's Program in Environmental Sciences is designated to lead not only to the Doctoral Programs in Sustainable Environmental Studies, but also to other doctoral programs.

To comply with public requirements, daytime and evening graduate programs are provided for people who have job experience wish to study at a graduate program.