The Biological Science Program is a collaborative effort by the Division of Biological Science in the School of Science and the Division of Applied Biosciences in the School of Agricultural Sciences.The program aims to nurture promising scholars through courses and experiments in a variety of biological and agricultural sciences. To cover various aspects of biological sciences, the course provides guest lectures and special courses conducted by distinguished professors from all over the world. The curriculum covers Basic Genetics, Basic Biochemistry, Basic Cell Biology, Basic Physiology, Plant Physiology, Animal Physiology, Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Microbiology and Bio-organic Chemistry. Students are strongly encouraged to take courses across various disciplines such as mathematics, physics, and chemistry in order to enhance their knowledge as well as flexibility in developing research according to their interests. In their final year, students are required to conduct a research project for their graduation thesis.
School-specific features
The Division of Biological Science in the school of Science consists of eight basic laboratories, the Marine Biological Laboratory, the Center for Gene Research, the Bioscience and Biotechnology Center and the Structural Biology Center. As the cutting edge of life science research in the post-genome era, the aim of this course is to understand a broad array of fundamental biological processes in terms of the movement of molecules, such as: genome information and evolution, gene expression, cell division, cell structure and control of organelles, biomembranes, motility and energy transduction, receptor and intracellular signal transduction, plant and animal reproduction, the development of higher structures in multicellular organisms, and the structure and function of the brain and neural networks.
There are numerous career paths open to graduates of the G30 Science course. The majority of graduates choose to pursue master-level graduate study here at Nagoya University or other prestigious universities at the cutting edge of biological research. Other graduates, however, begin employment in a wide variety of enterprises such as the pharmaceutical industries, chemical industries, food industries and public institutions, using the wide range of problem-solving and analytical skills they have acquired during their undergraduate study
Student Voice
I was interested in the biological science program because I’ve always had a keen interest in biology, especially it’s medical aspect. I think Biological science is broad enough that I can explore my interests before specializing. I considered Japan because of its good reputation in research and technology, I thought pursuing my degree here would give me better opportunities. In the future, I’d like to do master’s abroad and possibly work in a company or pursue academia. For future students, this program allows you to focus on learning about biology and it supports your research endeavors as you can choose a laboratory to do your project on.
What courses did you take in High School?
What made you interested in the Biological Science – School of Science program?
Nagoya University’s G30 program is one of the only few in Japan that offer biological studies in English! Its focus on molecular biology and research excellence was what eventually led me to choose Nagoya University.
Why Japan/Nagoya?
I have a personal connection to Japan through my cultural background, but never had the chance to experience it firsthand. Studying in Japan is a unique opportunity for me to reconnect with many things I have missed out on, like the culture and the people.
What doing in spare time?
I really enjoy event planning and am actively participating in NUFSA! When I am not doing that, I really like to knit.
What courses did you take in High School?
I studied both the Indonesian national and Cambridge AS & A Level curriculum. However, due to several difficulties with the COVID-19 pandemic, I couldn’t take the A level exam and applied to the university with my Indonesian final exam results instead. I chose to stream in science and had classes in Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Mathematics graduating with an average of 90+.
Message to future students
Stay curious! During my time here, I’ve had the chance to experience many new things, meet amazing people, and explore my interests more deeply. And yet, there’s still so much to discover for both me and you! I hope you will enjoy the journey as much as I am enjoying mine!
Our program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in biological science, focusing on applied bioscience related to microorganisms, plants, animals, and biological chemistry. Students learn not only the basic scientific principles but also how to apply those principles to solve issues in agriculture, food and pharmaceutical industries. Besides theoretical foundations, our program offers extensive hands-on training in experimental skills over a 1-year training period before students join a laboratory of their choice for their graduation thesis research. Laboratory is chosen after a series of lab visits and optional lab internships. Our program provides an excellent starting point for various career paths, including basic and applied research, as well as careers in food, pharmaceutical, and chemical industries. Our Bio-Agri alumni have successful careers working in both, academia and industry, and are readily available to help current students navigate career choices, alongside professors who provide recommendations and training on job search and graduate school applications.
Student Voice
Ever since I was young, Japan has always been a big part of my life—electronics, food, TV shows—everything came from Japan. Naturally, this made Japan one of my top choices for university. I chose the G30 program at Nagoya University because of its use of English as the primary language and its wide range of courses. Among many, I chose the Bioagricultural Sciences program as it aligned with my future plans to work in the food or cosmetics industry. In my spare time, I enjoy pursuing my personal hobbies or participating in student organizations and circle activities. For new students, studying in a foreign country is quite the rare opportunity. Aside from focusing on your studies, making connections and enjoying your time here is important too! It is normal to be anxious about your new life here but rest assured—there will always be people around to help.
What made you interested in the Biological Science – School of Agricultural Sciences program?
What made you interested in the Biological Science – School of Agricultural Sciences program?The Biological Science – School of Agricultural Sciences program has a broader range of field choices to specialize in so it will allow me to explore lots of topics of Biology that I am interested in.
Why Japan/Nagoya?
Why Japan/Nagoya?Amazing food and serene place for a university student to start living abroad alone.
Message to future students
Message to future studentsLiving abroad in Japan has so far been such a pleasant experience. Adulting with your friends is so much fun and you’ll definitely learn a lot of new things, adapt to a new lifestyle, and most importantly get one step closer to what you think you would like to be doing in your future. Build connections here and there and avoid procrastinating as much as possible 😀
