This is a translated version of the original Japanese page.
Overview and History
Overview and History
Overview
In the fields of natural sciences related to the fundamentals and applications of science and engineering, the Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology promotes education and research that embody the founding principles of independence, integration, interdisciplinarity, and regional engagement. We aim to develop new, cross-disciplinary academic fields that transcend conventional disciplinary boundaries.
The graduate school offers a five-year doctoral program, consisting of a two-year Master’s Program and a three-year Doctoral Program. The curriculum is designed to enable an integrated five-year education.
In FY2022, the Master’s Program was reorganized, and in FY2024, the Doctoral Program followed. Both programs were restructured into seven divisions corresponding to the seven schools of the College of Science and Engineering at the undergraduate level. Those divisions include Mathematical and Physical Sciences, Material Chemistry, Mechanical Science and Engineering, Fronteer Engineering, Electrical, Information and Communication, Geosciences and Civil Engineering, Biological Science and Technology.
In addition, the Five-Year Integrated “Graduate Program on Science and Engineering for Sustainable Development”, designed to produce “innovative doctors”, was launched in FY2022 (see below for details).
Master’s and Doctoral program
●Division of Mathematical and Physical Science
We offer three courses—Mathematics, Physics, and Computational Science—to cultivate the ability to theoretically and experimentally explore fundamental issues in the natural sciences at an essential level. This program fosters well-rounded individuals equipped with problem-solving skills applicable to a wide range of phenomena, preparing them for active careers in professional fields and education.
●Division of Material Chemistry
We have designed an interdisciplinary and advanced specialized curriculum to cultivate individuals who possess the expertise and research skills in chemistry necessary to become researchers, engineers, or educators. The program also aims to develop their ability to explore and solve problems, express themselves effectively, and communicate across disciplines, enabling them to take a leading role in both the global and local communities.
●Division of Mechanical Science and Engineering
We aim to foster highly skilled engineers who can deepen their expertise in mechanical engineering while developing specialized knowledge, broad perspectives, and integrative abilities to address interdisciplinary challenges and technological innovations. With a strong sense of ethics and a global outlook, they will contribute to the sustainable development of human society through forward-looking exploration in mechanical science.
●Division of Frontier Engineering
We aim to deepen expertise in various fields of engineering while integrating these areas to foster advanced specialized knowledge, broad perspective, and comprehensive problem-solving ability needed to address challenges and innovations in future society. It aims to cultivate engineers and researchers who, with a strong sense of ethics and global awareness, can contribute to the sustainable development of human society.
●Division of Electrical, Information and Communication Engineering
This division seeks to cultivate researchers and engineers in the fields of Electrical and Electronic Engineering and Information and Communication Engineering who are creative, motivated to explore new fields, and equipped with independence, leadership, and international outlook. It offers education and research opportunities to foster individuals who can apply their advanced expertise to address holistic and interdisciplinary challenges, ranging from cutting-edge information technologies to energy sustainability and environmental issues.
●Division of Geosciences and Civil Engineering
Guided by a strong ethical foundation and rigorous logical thinking, students develop both broad, interdisciplinary foundational knowledge and advanced specialized expertise in Earth and planetary sciences, environmental sciences and engineering, civil engineering, disaster prevention engineering, and urban engineering. The program cultivates researchers, engineers, and educators capable of addressing complex societal challenges and providing leadership across local, regional, and global contexts.
●Division of Biological Science and Technology
To contribute to a rich and sustainable natural environment and a human society in harmony with nature, this program cultivates students in biological science, aquatic biology and environmental science, and bioengineering. Students acquire advanced specialized knowledge and practical skills necessary for research, along with presentation and communication abilities to thrive in the international arena. They also develop flexible problem-setting and problem-solving capabilities, project implementation skills, and a well-rounded character marked by creativity and originality.
History
| ■April 1985 (S60) | Establishment of the division of Life Sciences in the Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences（The Doctoral program was limited to a three-year course) |
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| ■April 1986 (S61) | Establishment of the division of Physical Sciences in the Graduate School of Science (same as above) |
| ■April 1987 (S62) | Establishment of the Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology (same as above) (consisted by the divisions of Physical Sciences, Life Sciences, and System Science and Engineering) (The division of Physical Sciences in the Graduate School of Science and the division of Life Sciences in the Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences were integrated into the Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology |
| ■April 1995 (H7) |
Establishment of the division of Global Environmental Science and Engineering in the Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology |
| ■April 1997 (H9) |
Reorganization of the Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology (Divide the program into Master’s and Doctoral programs) Establishment of the Master’s program with nine divisions Establishment of the division of Mathematics and Information Science in the Doctoral program |
| Establishment of the Administration Office of the Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology | |
| ■April 1998 (H10) | Reorganization of the Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology (The Doctoral program was reorganized as follows.) – Former Divisions: Physical Sciences, Life Sciences, System Science and Engineering – New Divisions: Basic Science, Applied Science, Life Science, Innovative Technology and Science |
| ■April 2000 (H12) | Establishment of the Administration Department of the Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology |
| ■April 2001 (H13) |
Establishment of collaborative courses in the Doctoral program for the division of Global Environmental Science and Engineering, and in the Master’s program for the division of Civil and Environmental Engineering. |
| ■April 2002 (H14) | Establishment of collaborative courses in the Doctoral program for the division of Basic Sciences, Innovative Technology and Science, and in the Master’s program for the division of Material Chemistry, and Mechanical Science and Engineering. |
| ■September 2003 (H15) | Establishment of collaborative courses in the Doctoral program for the division of Applied Science, and in the Master’s program for the division of Material Engineering |
| ■April 2004 (H16) | Departmentalization of the Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology (In addition to full-time faculty members of the Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, all faculty members of the Faculties of Science, Pharmacy, and Engineering became affliated with the Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology. The school was reorganized into 11 divisions in the Master’s program and 6 divisions in the Doctoral program) |
| ■April 2006 (H18) | The Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology is adminitrated by the Kakuma South District Administration Department. |
| ■April 2008 (H20) |
Establishment of three College Groups and sixteen Schools (Faculties of Science and Engineering were integrated into the College of Science and Engineering. Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences was integrated into College of Medical, Pharmaceutical Sciences) |
| ■April 2010 (H22) | Reorganization of the Master’s program The divisions of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Biology, and Pharmacy and Health Science in the Master’s program of the Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology were reorganized into the division of Pharmaceutical Sciences in the Master’s program of the Graduate School of Medical Science. |
| Establishment of collaborative courses in the Doctoral program for the division of Environmental Science and Engineering, and in the Master’s program for the division of Earth and Environmental Sciences | |
| ■April 2011 (H23) |
Establishment of collaborative courses in the Doctoral program for the division of Innovative Technology and Science, and in the Master’s program for the divisions of Mechanical Science and Engineering, and Human and Mechanical Science and Engineering |
| ■October 2011 (H23) | Establishment of collaborative courses in the Doctoral program for division of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science |
| ■April 2012 (H24) | Reorganization of the Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology (The Master’s program was reorganized as follows.) – Former Divisions: Mathematical and Physical Sciences, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Mechanical Science and Engineering, Human and Mechanical Science and Engineering, Material Chemistry, Material Engineering, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Biological Sciences – New Divisions: Mathematical and Physical Sciences, Material Chemistry, Mechanical Science and Engineering, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Environmental Design, Natural System. |
| Establisment of Graduate School of Medical Sciences (Faculty members from the school of Pharmacy were reassigned to the Graduate School of Medical Sciences) |
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| Establishment of collaborative courses in the Doctoral program for the divisions of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, and Innovative Technology and Science. | |
| The Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology is adminitrated by the Science and Engineering Administration Department. | |
| ■April 2014 (H26) |
Reorganization of the Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology (The Doctoral program was reorganized into six divisions: Mathematical and Physical Sciences, Material Chemistry, Mechanical Science and Engineering, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Environmental Design, Natural System.) |
| ■April 2022 (R4) |
Reorganization of the Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology (The Master’s program was reorganized into seven divisions: Mathematical and Physical Sciences, Material Chemistry, Mechanical Science and Engineering, Frontier Engineering, Electrical, Information and Communication Engineering, Geosciences and Civil Engineering, Biological Science and Technology.) |
| ■April 2024 (R6) |
Reorganization of the Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology (The Doctoral program was reorganized into seven divisions: Mathematical and Physical Sciences, Material Chemistry, Mechanical Science and Engineering, Frontier Engineering, Electrical, Information and Communication Engineering, Geosciences and Civil Engineering, Biological Science and Technology.) |
Current and Former Deans of the Graduate School
■ AONO Shigeyuki（青 野 茂 行）(April 1987 (S62) – March 1989 (H1))
■ GOMI Yasuo（五 味 保 男）(April 1989 (H1) – March 1991 (H3))
■ SUGITA Tadaaki（杉 田 忠 彰）(April 1991 (H3) – March 1993 (H5))
■ KIMURA Minoru（木 村 實）(April 1993 (H5) – March 1995 (H7))
■ SHIMIZU Tatsuo（清 水 立 生）(April 1995 (H7) – March 1997 (H9))
■ HANAOKA Miyoji（花 岡 美代次）(April 1997 (H9) – March 1999 (H11))
■ ODA Juhachi（尾 田 十 八）(April 1999 (H11) – March 2003 (H15))
■ HIWATARI Yasuyuki（樋 渡 保 秋）(April 2003 (H15) – March 2005 (H17))
■ TSUJI Akira（辻 彰）(April 2005 (H17) – March 2007 (H19))
■ ISHIDA Hajime（石 田 啓）(April 2007 (H19) – March 2009 (H21))
■ FUKUMORI Yoshihiro（福 森 義 宏）(April 2009 (H21) – March 2012 (H24))
■ KANOH Shigeyoshi（加 納 重 義）(April 2012 (H24) – March 2014 (H26))
■ AOKI Kenichi（青 木 健 一）(April 2014 (H26) – March 2016 (H28))
■ UESUGI Yoshihiko（上 杉 喜 彦）(April 2016 (H28) – March 2018 (H30))
■ MORIMOTO Akiharu（森 本 章 治）(April 2018 (H30) – March 2020 (R2))
■ MATSUMOTO Koichi（松 本 宏 一）(April 2020 (R2) – March 2022 (R4))
■ IIYAMA Koichi（飯 山 宏 一）(April 2022 (R4) – March 2024 (R6))
■ SETO Takafumi（瀬 戸 章 文）(April 2024 (R6) – present)