School of Integrative and Global Majors (SIGMA)
Outline of the School of Integrative and Global Majors (SIGMA)
In 2011, the University of Tsukuba initiated an expansion of multidisciplinary degree program by establishing a central headquarter, the School of Integrative and Global Majors (SIGMA), headed by Vice President of Education. The aim of the SIGMA is to direct and administer undergraduate and graduate interdisciplinary degree programs.
Greetings from Head of the SIGMA (Vice President of Education)
As part of our higher education reforms, the University of Tsukuba has launched a series of degree program reforms with the aim of ensuring the quality of academic degrees awarded. Focusing on student learning outcomes, these degree programs imply systematically designed education programs which enable students to clarify and gain their academic competences in accordance with their area of study and level of university degree, such as bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and professional. In order to transform the current university-centered degree program into student-centered program, the university is currently formulating three academic policies such as degree granting, curricular organization, and admission for undergraduate and graduate programs. The Ph.D. Program in Human Biology was accepted to the Leading Graduate School Doctoral Program supported by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), Japan. By combining top-tier national and international instructors and students with academic, business, and governmental circles, this degree program aims to develop graduate level education that is commensurate with higher education institutions ensuring world-class standards of education. Beginning with the Ph.D. Program in Human Biology, the SIGMA aspires to further develop the degree programs at the University of Tsukuba and take leadership roles in higher education reforms both nationally and internationally. Your continuing support and cooperation with the university is greatly appreciated.
Vice President Michiyoshi Ae
(Head of the SIGMA, the person in charge of education)
Interdisciplinary Academic Research Programs
- Introduction to the Ph.D. Program in Human Biology
- Program Coordinator: Professor Akira Shibuya
(Faculty of Medicine, the University of Tsukuba)
Program Overview
Interdisciplinary courses in the Human Biology Program cover medical, biological, computational and physical sciences, to understand scientifically how human being can adapt, inherit and sustain their life. Students participating in this program shall gain research and scientific knowledge that is expected to become world-class leaders, who could direct our society for the benefit of the human being.
Characteristics
This program trains talented professors and scientists who are capable of achieving breakthrough leadership in promoting international agreements to solve the global problems with the following goals:
- Allows scientist to pursue research overseas that could represent the innovative technology.
- Development of leadership skills to direct and organize the project between cutting-edge researchers, industry leaders, as well as entrepreneurs.
- Overseas universities and industries are enforcing strategic course work to train talented and professional personnel.
Admission Capacity
20
Financial Support Scheme for Special Fellows
For the students who are accepted into the Ph.D. Program in Human Biology, financial support in the form of a stipend will be provided under the Financial Support Scheme for Special Fellows. The objective of the scheme is to support the students of this Ph.D. Program to take the initiative in conducting creative research and lead them to become the global leaders of the future.
Degree
Doctor of Philosophy (Human Biology)
Challenging Issues Being Addressed in the Program
Science and technology has advanced human health, safety, and happiness.. However, in recent years, scientific technology has raised global problems and issues, such as environmental degradation, resource depletion, and diseases, which could threaten our human life.
The University of Tsukuba has been aware of importance in preparing next generation global leaders with broad perspectives and connoisseurship, to accomplish productive and breakthrough outcomes for our society.
This program shall address global challenges that assess and evaluate impacts on human health caused by low-molecular chemical agents originated from our society, including medical, pharmaceutical, agricultural, and industrial operations.
To ensure human safety against chemical agents, all manufacturing businesses, including chemical, food, cosmetic, agricultural, and pharmaceutical industries, shall be facing a challenging reform.
