Biological ScienceProgram
Graduate School of Science
Program Overview
Master
AWARD
Master's Degree in Biological Science
DURATION
2Y
SCHOOL(S)
Graduate School of Science
Doctor
AWARD
PhD in Biological Science
DURATION
3Y
SCHOOL(S)
Graduate School of Science
Biological Science Program
Program Introduction
The Biology Graduate Program at the Graduate School of Science provides advanced training in fundamental biological processes across cellular, molecular, and organismal levels. Research areas include developmental cell biology, ecology, growth regulation, and molecular neurobiology, with a focus on neural circuits and cell regulation. The program also explores marine biology, biomembrane functions, and signal transduction, employing techniques such as high-resolution optical microscopy. Plant physiology and molecular signaling, as well as animal organ functions, are also part of the curriculum. Students are prepared for careers in research and academia through interdisciplinary education and hands-on laboratory experience.
After completing their Master’s degree, many students remain in the same laboratory to pursue a PhD, while others choose to continue their studies abroad at institutions such as the University of Edinburgh or Nanyang Technological University in Singapore. After earning their PhD, graduates often move on to academic positions both within Japan and overseas, or enter the private sector. Examples of companies that have employed our graduates include Nissin Food Products, AstraZeneca, and Estée Lauder.
Take a look at the List of Available Research Groups below to see the full list of available research topics.
List of Key Research Topics
Developmental Cell Biology / Reproductive Biology / Development and Growth Regulation / Molecular Neurobiology / Neural Circuit / Cell Regulation / Chromosome Biology / CryoEM Group in Group of Supra-Molecular Structure / Biomembrane Functions / Signal Transduction / Plant Physiology / Plant Molecular Signaling / Animal Organ Functions
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How to Apply
The Biological Science Program at the Graduate School of Science conducts its first round of admissions in January. A second, rolling admission period may be offered in May, depending on the availability of seats remaining after the first round. The availability of the rolling admission will be announced in mid-April on the G30 Graduate School Admissions page.
Applicants are advised to contact their prospective research supervisor in advance to confirm whether the research group can accommodate an additional graduate student. If you do not receive a timely reply, we recommend contacting another research group.
Contact information for program professors can be found in the List of Available Research Groups above or by emailing the Graduate School directly. The Graduate School’s contact details are provided at the end of this page.
Please click the “Apply Here” icon above to view the full application instructions.
Tips for a succesful application :
- Contact intended research supervisor in advance
- Make sure to align research plan to the research field of supervising professor.
- Include examples of past research experience (papers, conference participations etc.)
- Submit your application before the application deadline so AO can check your application for missing documents.
Research Voice
Student from China
What sparked your interest to pursue research in your chosen program?
I was initially motivated by the idea that understanding mosquito hearing could lead to novel vector-control strategies and help reduce the burden of mosquito-borne diseases. After publishing my first paper at the end of my master’s program, the sense of achievement further reinforced my motivation to continue pursuing research.
What kind of research you do currently?
In my current research environment, I work with my supervisor to profile important neuromodulator populations, as well as their corresponding receptors, in mosquito ears, to elucidate new pathways to manipulate mosquito hearing function and disrupt mating behaviors. At a neuroscientific level, I am fascinated by the basic scientific components of my work: working on improving our understanding of how mosquitoes process auditory information, and which receptors mediate neurotransmitter-based changes in function, has allowed me to view the world in a new way.
What has been the most memorable research experience in your studies so far?
During my master’s program at Nagoya University, I have successfully published, as a first author, my work on the effects of serotonin on the auditory function and behaviors of A. aegypti. And the work has also been awarded in ‘次世代リサーチャー fellowship’, as the 優秀リサーチャー(Outstanding NGS researcher) 2023. This experience enhanced my project management capabilities whilst also helping me to gain new knowledge and expertise.
What message would you like to share with someone considering pursuing research at Nagoya University?
For my five-year experience at Nagoya University, I have challenged myself by changing country, language, and the research field. Despite having limited background knowledge of many aspects of my current research (on biophysics and neuroscience), the strong academic atmosphere at Nagoya University has greatly supported me in overcoming the challenges I faced and to work consistently to improve my fundamental skills.
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Contact Info
Student Affairs Division
For the admission requirements and scholarship related inquiry, please contact the student affairs division of the school that you are applying for.
Office Hours
Mondays to Fridays* 9:00 am – 5:00 pm Japan standard Time (GMT+9) *Except Japanese National Holidays
Reseach Group
Applicants to the G30 Graduate Programs are required to contact their prospective research supervisor in advance to confirm whether the research group can accommodate an additional graduate student. If you do not receive a timely response, we recommend reaching out to another research group. Contact information for program professors can be found in the List of Available Research Groups below, or by contacting the Graduate School directly via email.
