Understand life at the molecular level and develop expertise in its application in diverse fields
The Department of Biosciences provides students with a broad range of knowledge and skills in a wide variety of applied fields, including plants, microorganisms, animals, and foods, while understanding life phenomena at the molecular level. The department emphasizes education and research in advanced technology and extensive experimentation. Through practical learning, we aim to nurture individuals with a high level of expertise in bioscience and rich education. The Department of Biosciences uses active learning methods such as ICT-based e-learning and active learning in its lectures and practical training. Through group discussions, group work, and presentations, students will acquire the ability to think independently, solve problems, and express themselves.
Department of Biosciences Close-UP
Research activities of the Department of Biosciences The Department of Biosciences has been actively presenting research results obtained through graduation research at relevant academic conferences and in academic papers. Many of these papers have been published by undergraduate and graduate students as presenters or co-authors. So far, many of our students have presented outstanding research results.
Developing research focusing on the regenerative power of plants, with hopes for application to grafting and other agricultural technologies. In collaboration with the University of Tsukuba and Kobe University, associate professor Asahina has discovered a mechanism by which plant stem wounds regenerate by the action of plant hormones. This achievement has the potential to benefit various fields, such as improving the efficiency of grafting adhesion, treatment of injured plants, and production of wound-resistant plants. In addition, in collaboration with a joint research group at Nagoya University and other institutions, they discovered an enzyme called β-1,4-glucanase, which is secreted outside the cells of Nicotiana benthamiana, a type of tobacco, that acts at the grafting joint and allows grafting with distant species of plants. This achievement is expected not only to elucidate the mechanism of plant grafting but also to lead to the development of new agricultural technology.
Graduate wins Outstanding Presentation Award at Zoological Society of Japan Kanto Branch Meeting Graduate Kana Innami (graduated in 2023) gave a poster presentation titled "Identification and role of CG1677 involved in feminization of primordial germ cells" at the 76th Kanto Branch Meeting of the Zoological Society of Japan held in March 2024, and won the Outstanding Presentation Award. The award was given in recognition of the identification of a new candidate gene involved in the sex determination of germ cells, a mystery that remains to be solved. This research is being conducted in collaboration with the University of Tsukuba under the guidance of Department Senior Assistant Professor Ryoma Ota, and is expected to provide new insights into how the sex of animal germ cells is determined.
Fields of Study at the Department of Biosciences
Bioscience research covers a wide range of subjects, and students can challenge themselves in a variety of fields according to their interests and objectives. The curriculum offers a wide range of fields of study, including botanical, microbial, bioengineering, animal, food, and chemical sciences, to cultivate the ability to meet the needs of society while being exposed to cutting-edge life sciences.
In this department, we will be assigned to the laboratory from the 4th year to conduct graduation research. We will decide the research theme together with the academic advisor to whom we are assigned, and conduct research and research for one year. It is necessary to utilize the knowledge in the field of bioscience that has been learned so far to solve problems and test hypotheses through experiments.
We actively publish the research results obtained through graduation research at related academic societies and dissertations. Some of them are presenters and co-authors of current students and Graduate School students, and many students are presenting excellent research results.
In this department, after thoroughly acquiring the basic knowledge of biology and chemistry, which is the basis of learning, we will study specialized subjects covering a very wide range of fields such as science, engineering, medicine, pharmacy, agriculture, and food science. Experiments and practical training linked to lectures are also arranged in each grade to experience and acquire applied abilities and experimental techniques. In the compulsory graduation research, extensive individual guidance is provided to develop problem-solving and self-expression skills. Lectures and practical training incorporate e-learning using ICT and active learning methods using active learning. Through group discussions, group work and presentations, you will acquire the ability to think for yourself, solve problems, and express yourself.
*Students must select "Utsunomiya Campus" for Timetable Affiliation, and enter the course classification.
Class Introduction
Specialized courses
Plant Molecular Biology Recent advances in molecular biology have elucidated numerous plant life phenomena at the molecular level. In this course, emphasis will be placed on plant physiology, including the latest research on plant seed germination and growth, flower development, and environmental responses. Students will learn to understand plant organisms at the molecular level, such as chemistry and genetics. In addition, students will acquire a thorough knowledge of biotechnology, such as genetically modified plants, and the ability to evaluate its applicability. The course begins with an overview of plant structures and functions. Next, the mechanisms that control seed germination and growth of plants will be introduced. Then, the structure and reproductive system of the flower, an important organ for the plant organism, will be explained. The lecture will also explain how plants, which are rooted and immobile, adapt to various environmental changes such as light, gravity, drought, and temperature changes. Finally, students will learn about the role of plant biotechnology in food and energy problems of modern society and the latest research in plant molecular biology.
Introduction to Biotechnology Biotechnology is a bio-utilization technology that builds on bioscience knowledge. Students will be introduced to specific examples of biotechnology from a variety of fields to understand how biotechnology is utilized. Students will also be able to judge the safety and usefulness of new technologies. The course will be taught in an approachable manner, including fundamental matters, so that students who have not studied biology in high school can understand it.
Cell Biology Cell Biology is the study of cellular activities at the molecular level. This course focuses on the principles and diversity of cell structure, cell function (cell cycle, cell division, and cell death), energy metabolism, expression of genetic code, and signal transduction. Furthermore, by understanding the hierarchy of molecules, cells, tissues, organs, and specimens, students will learn about the immune system, cranial nervous system, and other phenomena essential to life activities produced by the interconnection of cells. The class will proceed with exercises and short tests to assess the students' level of understanding.
Microchemistry Japan has an extremely favorable environment for a wide variety of microorganisms. Since the discovery of penicillin, research and development of biologically active substances produced by microorganisms have brought significant benefits to humankind in medicine, agriculture, and the improvement of the living environment through the use of enzymes. In this course, students will understand the properties and pathogenicity of typical pathogenic bacteria, human infections caused by pathogenic bacteria, and their pathological conditions, and acquire fundamental knowledge related to the chemical structures and mechanisms of action of antibiotic used for treatment. In this course, students will learn the following topics:
Classification and characteristics of microorganisms
Infection and pathogenesis
Pathogenic bacteria
History of chemotherapy development
Chemistry and biological activity of various antibiotics
Mechanism of action of drugs
Practical Training Subjects
Environmental Hygiene Experiments There are natural or man-made substances in the environment that have the potential to affect human health. Examples include additives used in food production and preservation, trace constituents in containers, bacteria and metal ions in food, as well as chemicals released by industrial activities. Students will learn how to detect and quantify these factors in their living environment through the following topics in the class: Methods to detect and quantify (1) residual organic matter, (2) food additives, and (3) metal leachates in foods using spectrophotometers, atomic absorption spectrometers, chromatography, GC-mass spectrometers, etc., methods to detect the ecotoxicity of chemical substances in the environment using microalgae, methods to detect bacteria and bacteriophages using differential media and agar plates.
Microbiology Experiments This class aims to learn the basic techniques of DNA recombination and experimental manipulation using E. coli plasmids. During the practical training, students will learn the following:
DNA Linkage and Transformation: Generation of plasmid vector DNA and its linkage to lacZ DNA, and transformation of E. coli by calcium chloride method.
DNA purification: extraction of plasmid DNA by alkaline-SDS method and purification of restriction map: restriction enzyme cleavage of recombinant plasmid DNA and identification of fragmentation sites by agarose gel electrophoresis
Restriction Map Creation: Restriction Enzyme Fragmentation of Recombinant Plasmid DNA and Identification of Fragmentation Sites by Agarose Gel Electrophoresis.
In vitro DNA amplification: Amplification of lacZ DNA by PCR
Regulation of gene expression: Induced expression of the lacZ gene (β-galactosidase) and measurement of enzyme activity by color reaction.
成績評価と単位認定
Grading Criteria
About our GPA System
The intent behind our implementation of a GPA (Grade Point Average) system is to (1) create a unified standard for the campus, (2) have it function as an impartial standard, and (3) have it function as an internationally accepted standard. Our GPA system involves the assessment learning achievements using an objective numerical value called GPA. Additionally, this system generally conforms with the grade assessment systems adopted by universities in the West, and can be used overseas as an index used to certify a student’s academic ability when studying abroad, when going on to graduate school overseas, when finding employment at a non-Japanese companies operating in Japan, and so on.
Display of Grades and Assessment Criteria
Classification
Grading Criteria
GPA
Grading Criteria
Details of Assessment
Pass
S.
4.0
90 percent or higher
Represents particularly excellent grades.
A
3.0
80 percent
Represents excellent grades
B.
2.0
70 percent
Represents grades recognized as adequate.
C.
1.0
60 percent
Represents the minimum grade acceptable as a pass.
Fail
D.
0.0
Fail less than 60 points
Represents that students have not reached the minimum grades acceptable as a pass
absence
0.0
Missing the exam
Represents that students have not taken the exam for the class or have not submitted a report, etc.
Unqualified
0.0
Not eligible to take the exam
Represents that students are not eligible to take the exam due to insufficient attendance at the class or have abandoned the course.
GPA Calculation Method
Credit Recognition
To earn credits
Credit system Courses at the university are based on credits. The credits are determined based on the number of hours of study, and one credit is based on 45 hours (15 hours for lessons, 15 hours for preparation, 15 hours for review) taking into account the teaching method of lessons and the educational effect of lessons.
Class method
class time
Preparatory learning (preparation, review)
Lectures / Practices
15 to 30 hours
30 to 15 hours
Experiment / Practice / Practical skill
30 to 45 hours
15 hours
Get credit Credits can be earned by registering for classes at the beginning of each semester, attending classes, doing the necessary preparatory studies, and passing the examination. University credits are based on the number of class hours. As a general rule, if students do not attend at least 2/3 of the class hours, they are not be eligible to take the examination. Attendance is the first priority.
About graduation credits
To graduate the university, students must be enrolled for at least 4 years and earn at least 124 credits. In addition, the breakdown of the minimum number of credits required for graduation differs depending on the department and year of admission.
Minimum number of credits required for graduation (For students enrolled in 2022)
Subject classification
Number of units
Compulsory subjects
Comprehensive basic subjects
8
Specialized basic subjects
18
Optional compulsory
Specialized basic subjects Specialized subject
16
4※ 8※ 4※
Elective subjects
Comprehensive basic subjects
82
8 or more
Specialized basic subjects Specialized subject
58 or more
Number of credits required for graduation
124
For elective courses, students must acquire more than the number of credits shown in the above table for both "general basic courses" and "specialized basic courses / specialized courses" so that the total exceeds the number of credits specified by each department. Up to 24 credits are valid for graduation in the elective courses of the general basic courses.
