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Student Voices
Advanced Materials Science and Technology
Takahiro Miura
2nd Year Ph.D. Candidate
Life and Food Sciences
Sayaka Kumagai
The laboratory I belong to engages in research pertaining to heat and fl uid
fl ow. Within that framework, I study, by using computer simulations, to accurately reproduce heat transfer in environments that exhibit turbulent
fl ow in order to elucidate this phenomenon and contribute to energy saving technology.
Given my aspirations to work as a researcher, I enrolled in this Doctoral program after completing an undergraduate program in Engineering and a Master’s program here at Niigata University. Research involves many aspects such as identifying issues, proposing possible solutions and presenting research results, and the diverse experience I have gained in the course of my studies has enabled me to acquire the necessary skills. I believe that failing to share research results with others renders the research undertaken meaningless, thus, presenting results is an extremely important aspect of research. Recently I attended an international conference in Washington D.C. to present my research. Niigata University offers fi nancial support for students to attend international conferences as well as lectures to prepare us to successfully present at such occasions, and these supports really helped me achieve my presentation at the conference.
I enrolled in a Master’s program in the Graduate School of Science and Technology after fi nishing my undergraduate studies in Science because I wanted to continue pursuing research activities in the laboratory where I spent my fi nal year as an undergraduate.
In our laboratory, we raise and breed mice, newts and other small animals and use their organs and cells to conduct immunological research. I think the experience I gained through the experiments using operative procedures and methods of analysis on a trial and error basis on mice we bred ourselves in addition to engaging in research using predetermined methods on purchased mice will be an invaluable asset for me in the future.
Daily interactions with professors and other students are somewhat different to those with people around me thereto, and I have been able to conduct my research in an atmosphere defi ned by responsibility and obligation yet warm and family-like. Furthermore, discussing results of experiments with fellow lab members has naturally enabled me to develop logical thoughts and the ability to make use of lessons I learned from my mistakes when planning experiments and grow as a budding researcher. I believe that the Graduate School offers an environment in which we can acquire both specialized knowledge and creativity through lectures, seminars and daily conversation.
Graduate School of
Science and
Technology
Features of the Graduate School of Science and Technology
Master’s Program
Postgraduate education under the Master’s Program is accomplished by taking part in the educational and research activities
of one of the educational/research groups, whose scope is closely related to majors from the specialized undergraduate
education. The Master’s Program, together with the specialized undergraduate education term, forms a consistent six-year
term of education at the same time the continuity of education in the Doctoral Program is envisioned. Thus, a stepwise
integrated educational pattern can be obtained. Educational and research activities supervised by different educational/
research groups are combined to meet the demands of wider-
fi
eld education of the Doctoral Program.
Doctoral Program
The Graduate School covers all majors in the
fi
eld of science and technology, envisioning education of an integrated type,
with smooth continuity from the Master’s Program toward the Doctoral Program. Students can consult with staffs who
belong exclusively to the Graduate School in order to obtain a consistent
fi
ve-year term of high-level specialization through
postgraduate education and research activity.
――
Vision
――
The Graduate School of Science and Technology is an independent, integrated type graduate school with two-year Master s and three-year Doctoral programs, with special emphasis on consistent postgraduate education during a continuing fi ve-year term.
The educational principle is not restricted to the preconceptions of the fi elds. The teaching staffs from different fi elds cooperate to educate and guide students. In addition to majoring in a specifi c fi eld, the educational principle of the Graduate School encourages students to pursue interdisciplinary studies to acquire broad-fi eld based knowledge and develop their creative thinking abilities. The aim of educational and research activities at the Graduate School is not restricted to educating students to be successful researchers. We also aim to foster individuals who can solve problems in their fi eld of research, and to thereby meet the increasing demands of society in terms of advanced and diversifi ed science, culture and technology.
The Graduate School strives to engage in creative and highly specialized research in science, engineering, agriculture and
all other
fi
elds related to science and technology from broad perspectives as well as research that meets the needs of society.
To achieve this goal, the Graduate School aims to pioneer and develop interdisciplinary integrated
fi
elds of research in a
broad range of academic disciplines that will not only deepen research in the basic and conventional
fi
elds, but also actively
promote research that goes beyond the framework of traditional research
fi
elds.
With contribution to the region and international society in mind, the Graduate School pursues world-class research
that adequately projects the presence of Niigata University. The School proactively participates in the Center for
Transdisciplinary Research of Niigata University and implements projects. It also aspires to propel pertinent research
projects by organizing core stations af
fi
liated to the Institute of Science and Technology where interested researchers can
collaborate.
Research Objectives and Features
Master’s Degree Program
Fundamental Sciences
Based on an educational system systematically composed of educators in the related fi elds of physics, chemistry, and mathematics, we provide education and conduct research at the leading edge, from the level of the universe to microscopic elementary particles. Our aim is to nurture individuals who can play an important role in society with basic understanding of the characteristics of materials and mechanisms of nature and various skills for conducting experiments, as well as to nurture educators and scientists who can effectively use the perceptions and originality they gained from the experience of leading-edge research.
Physics
In the field of quantum science, we conduct advanced research on the analysis of the physical properties of electrons and ions of condensed matters at the quantum levels using the latest quantum science approaches, and on the exploration of new substances and prediction of the physical properties of new substances. We carry out research and exploration at the leading edge of quantum science to provide the intellectual foundation for conducting advanced research on IT, nanotechnology and biotechnology of the 21st century. At the same time, we conduct joint experimentation and research with top scientists in Japan and abroad. In the field of particle physics and astrophysics, we undertake exploratory research on elementary particles and atomic nuclei as the basic components of substances, the universe as an aggregation of these substances, and the Big Bang scenario, based on the forces of elementary particles and the basic quantum laws governing such forces. Our aim is to foster educators and scientists with basic understanding of various structures of substances and to develop students’ ability to collect information through their experience at the cutting edge of research.
Chemistry
We elucidate, based on experiments and theories, the chemical properties, structures, and reactions of various substances, including atomic nuclei, inorganic and organic substances, and biopolymers, at the atomic and molecular levels. We provide and carry on education and research on elucidation of the nuclear and chemical properties of heavy elements; elucidation of the ion-molecule reaction mechanism and controlled reaction in laser field; elucidation of the structure and dynamics of solid-state and liquid-state substances and phase transition; elucidation of the basic processes of chemical reactions for each quantum state and use of data analysis; development of new functional materials through control of electron and spin; separation of trace metal ions and development of a method for determining trace metal ions by concentration, based on the reaction and structure of trace metal ions in solution; development of a new synthetic method and creation of functional substances based on the structure and reaction mechanism of organic compounds; use of genomic information to elucidate the functions of biopolymers; and elucidation of the higher functions of body tissues.
Mathematical Science
Through the study of mathematics, we nurture in students the ability to think orderly and logically and solve problems. We promote education and research on the theories and application of mathematical science and information science, including algebra, geometry, analysis, and information mathematics. In particular, we provide education and conduct research on the structures of the Banach space and function space and operators on the space; the geometry of algebraic manifold and algebraic structure; the theories and application of number theory, topology, and differential geometry; algebraic theories including computer algebra, cryptography and coding theory; the theories and application of mathematical statistics, including time series analysis and mathematical finance; and mathematical programming, operational research, and optimization theories.
Advanced Materials Science and Technology
Faculty members are professionals in materials science and engineering, chemistry, and mechanical engineering. We provide education and conduct research on creation of advanced materials through interdisciplinary integration of technology; design, development, and assessment of new functional substances and new materials; chemical development of high-functionality materials; environmentally harmonious production processes; and the science of mechanical infrastructure, production systems, and material control. We nurture individuals who can identify problems and who have advanced, comprehensive scientifi c knowledge of intellectual materials research and development, applied development of commercial products, and development of materials suitable for disposal and recycling of resources used in our society.
Materials Science and Technology
We promote general education and research with the goal of fostering individuals with the ability to explore and elucidate physical properties of the generation functional materials as well as design, develop, and assess materials towards creation of the next-generation functional materials. Our education and research cover basic theories and technology of materials science, including quantum phenomena governing superlattice and mesoscopic properties, thin-film solar cells and optoelectronics materials, development and application of metal-hydrogen materials, and energy materials for recovery of low-grade energy, etc. They also cover basic theories and technology of materials science in relation to the creation of high added-value, environmentally friendly energy conversion materials, precision structure materials, hybrid materials, biocatalytic materials, and nano materials for tissue engineering, etc.
Applied Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
In the field of applied chemistry, we promote education and research on the design and synthesis of atoms and molecules and their aggregation; development of new, high functionality substances and materials composed of inorganic, organic, macromolecular elements and their composites based on functional analysis; conversion of solar energy into chemical energy; chemical conversion that does not generate any waste; and application of chemical technology in environmental impact analysis and assessment for reduction of environmental impact. In the field of chemical engineering, we train scientists and engineers who contribute to a sustainable society through the processing of high performance materials and the development of production technology with reduced environmental impact. For this purpose, we conduct education and research with overlooking approaches for designing and developing higher structures of various materials, industrial scale production technology in consideration of energy and environmental issues, and environmental protection technology.
Advanced Mechanical Science and Engineering
We provide education and conduct research with an aim to foster in students the ability to deal with the challenges of technology development related to machinery, materials, and production systems, from the nanoscopic to macroscopic levels; development of material control technology; supra-functionality of devices and machinery; development of high-functionality devices based on biomechanical engineering; and assessment of the safety and stability of machinery and devices. We promote design, manufacture, development and application of high-functionality materials; integrated analysis of the dynamic characteristics of machinery and structure systems that make up a production system; and development of innovative features and functions through MEMS. We nurture individuals who can meet the needs of society.
Electrical and Information Engineering
We foster individuals with extensive, specialized knowledge and ability to apply the knowledge in one of the fi elds of mathematical science, information science, information and communications, electrical and electronic engineering, mechanical engineering, or medical engineering. We cultivate students to have a breadth of view, a high standard of humanity and ethics, and ability to communicate effectively and to play an active role in the world as professionals engaging in intellectual and creative work, such as education, research, development, design, manufacturing, planning, and management, with a high standard of expertise. We nurture them to contribute to creating a safer and healthier world and to the development of the industrial world.
Information Engineering
In this course, through education and research on information processing and information and communications technology, we aim to nurture individuals who can contribute to society and the industrial world and who can play a leading role in the advanced information society. In the field of intelligence and informatics, we focus particularly on the analysis and generation of media information, human-computer interaction, ar tif icial intelligence, natural language processing, machine translation, spatial infor mation systems, and establishment of analytic and compositional methods based on mathematical approaches. In the field of information and communications, we focus particularly on mobile communications, network engineering, ad-hoc networks, wireless mesh networks, and wave engineering.
Electrical and Electronic Engineering
For increasing students’ expertise, we educate and research basic and applied electrical and electronic engineering that contributes to the development of society, focusing on power and energy systems, electronics, and information communication systems. In particular, we carry on advanced research on power and energy appliances, plasma science and engineering, superconductive power systems, applied superconductivity engineering, thin film engineering, organic electronics, bioelectronics, molecular and optoelectronic devices, nanophotonics, quantum electronics, optical measurement, optical image processing, communication systems, signal processing, image engineering and visual information engineering. At the same time, we provide education to nurture engineers and scientists who can play a leading and versatile role in the field of electrical and electronic engineering.
Human Sciences and Assistive Technology
To respond to the declining birthrate and rapid ageing of society, we aim to develop in individuals in the related fields of electronics, information, and mechanical engineering, literacy in healthcare, bioengineering, and social welfare, and in individuals in the related fields of healthcare, long-term nursing care, and social welfare, literacy in biomedical engineering, health science, and assistive technology. In relation to healthcare and assistive technology. and life support science and engineering, which enhance the living conditions of all people and help senior citizens and physically disabled persons live more independently, we promote education and research on biometry and biological control, biophysiological engineering, biomedical signal processing and interpretation, human interfaces, medical equipment and appliances, and biomechanics, mechatronics, assistive technology, analysis and optimum control of living and social environment, sports science, wellness, ergonomics, universal design, and rehabilitation engineering.
Life and Food Sciences
Covering a broad disciplinary area from basic biology to agriculture and applied science in related industries and based on the awareness of the modern trend of genome to post-genome life sciences, we train students to be able to fundamentally understand life phenomena and to be a pioneer in a variety fi elds for development of new technology and improvement of regional industries and the environment. We welcome students who show strong interest in “food and agriculture” and in “harmony with the environment,” regardless of their fi elds of specialization in undergraduate education.
Life Sciences
In this age of life sciences, we provide education and conduct research at the leading edge of basic biology from the level of individual organisms to molecules, on such topics as the development and morphogenesis of plants and animals, organ and cell differentiation, cellular interactions, environmental responses, expression of genetic information, organelles, intracellular supramolecular structures, and proteins and sugar chains. Instead of focusing too narrowly on individual fields of specialization, students are expected to acquire broad knowledge and perspective on life phenomena.
Applied Life and Food Sciences
In this course, we aim to help students acquire specialized knowledge and skills on bioscience and biotechnology and nurture competent individuals in bioscience-related fields. With the objective of addressing various issues related to bioresources, food, and the environment through the application of the useful functions of living organisms, we carry on advanced research on genomic functions of plants and microorganisms and the control of such functions, physiologically active substances produced by microorganisms, advanced use of enzymes and enzymatic genes, development and breeding of useful plants, high-quality, high-yielding cultivation, fertilizer management, interactions among soil, microorganisms, and plants, higher functions of insects, preservation and restoration of the global environment, development and effective use of wood biomass, sustainable agricultural and forestry production, food ingredients, processing and manufacturing technology, nutritional and physiological functions, safety, and development of functional food ingredients.
Agriculture and Bioresources
By conducting technological research on basic agricultural sciences, field science, and biotechnology, we carry on necessary research for solving various issues related to improvement of the mechanisms of plant and animal resources production, which provides the foundation of agriculture, improvement in productivity, and maintenance of complex ecosystems, as well as rural development, sustainable development of agriculture, and development of related industries, such as distribution and retail of agricultural produce and forest products. To achieve these goals, we have introduced three fields of the food and resource economy, plant production, and animal production.
Environmental Science and Technology
We train students to develop their originality and become capable of exploring the environment and structure of broad areas, from the land of Niigata facing the Sea of Japan and one of the regions with the heaviest snowfalls in Japan, to northeast Asia and the whole globe; of understanding, from a global perspective, the interrelation between the geosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere and the human society; and of creating urban and rural environment from the natural environment based on the experience of leading-edge research. We also foster individuals with an international outlook who can communicate effectively with scientists from other countries.
Natural Environmental Science
We foster individuals who can use knowledge acquired from the study of basic sciences, such as physics, earth science, chemistry, and biology, to elucidate from a global perspective and from a wide range of angles the mechanism by which the environmental system is maintained. To achieve this objective, we promote education and research to foster in students the ability to physically analyze the processes of atomic and molecular reaction within the upper atmosphere as well as the atmospheric and oceanic phenomena; to understand the physical and chemical properties of functional materials and light energy conversion substances; and to elucidate the circulation of substances and energy, including environment-related substances. At the same time, we nurture in students the ability to understand the environment in the lithosphere and biosphere through the elucidation of the processes of geologic formation and various phenomena of earth science that accompany such development, the genetic diversity of living organisms, and the mechanism of how biodiversity adapts to the environment on earth.
Environmental Science for Agriculture and Forestry
By thinking of a watershed as a unit in which people carry on their lives and in which circulation of resources takes place and by conducting research on forest science and agricultural engineering, which help preserve the forests, which provide the foundation for human existence, and the farmland and agriculture, on which human work to obtain food, we aim to accumulate knowledge and develop technology to enable symbiosis of human and nature. On the other hand, in the land of Niigata, one of the world’s heavy snowfall regions where unique forms of water circulation and habitat for animals and plants can be found, we carry on advanced research on the changes in the circulation of water and substances, on the agricultural and forest environment, and on agricultural production and the ecosystem, which are likely to be strongly affected by the global warming. The course consists of the following fields of research: forest ecology, preservation and utilization of forest resources, regional management engineering, agricultural system engineering, agricultural environment informatics, changes in water circulation, and changes in the ecosystem.
Architecture and Civil Engineering
With the goal of comprehensively building a sustainable system of coexistence among urbanity, humans, and the natural environment, we nurture engineers and architects with the basic knowledge of social infrastructure engineering, architecture, and urban engineering and who can demonstrate an outstanding ability for planning and analysis for environmental creation. Specifi cally, our education and research cover construction technology for social infrastructures and buildings to increase the security of cities, architecture, and humans against various forms of disasters; approaches to and the legal system for spatial composition, design, and planning of housing, architecture, and cities for a pleasant, safe living environment as well as coexistence with nature; physical behavior of rivers and other water areas and technology for the analysis and assessment of water quality; and formation of cityscape and techniques for assessing, planning, and utilizing the historical changes in cities.
Earth Science
We try to elucidate the origin, forms and active processes of the lithosphere and the biosphere from the viewpoint of geology, a fi eld of science about the Earth’s history since its birth some 4.6 billion years ago. Our investigation is based on fi eld studies on rocks, soils, minerals and fossils from land sections, seafl oor cores or even from meteorites. These lead us to understanding of the dynamic changes of varied scales recorded in the earth’s crust and the upper mantle, including the nano-scale structures of minerals, magmatic processes of ocean fl oors, continental growth, seismicity, volcanic activity, surface environments, and diversity and evolution of life. As these form the fundamental elements of the environments that affect the human life, our students will have contribution to a wide range of fi elds, including land exploitation management, disaster prevention, exploration for mineral/petroleum resources, and other global environmental issues.
Natural Disaster and Environmental Science
Education and research in the course are based on understanding histories and mechanisms of natural disasters in densely populated urban and hill-slope areas. Comprehensive prediction and mitigation measures to reduce damage by natural hazards are examined using basic knowledge. Complex hazardous phenomena caused by effects of snow avalanches, fl ooding, volcanic eruptions, landslides and other geologic processes are targeted. Proper attention is paid to variation of hazardous phenomena as a result of rapid environmental and social change. The course will nurture student’s integrated ability to fi nd out, solve and explain problems related with hazardous phenomena.
Doctoral Degree Program
Fundamental Sciences
Continuing from the education and research in the master’s program, we further provide education and conduct research to explore the laws of various natural structures and elucidate mysteries. We aim to nurture scientists with a breadth of view who can, at their own initiative, address various issues related to elucidation of the mechanisms of reaction of substances, exploration of new materials, and elucidation of various mathematical phenomena as well as carry on original research.
Physics
In the field of quantum science, we conduct advanced research, transcending the existing framework of condensed matter physics and using large-scale apparatuses installed on the university campus, including the helium liquefier, high-field magnet, x-ray crystallography apparatus for structural analysis, NMR spectrometer, and PC cluster for parallel computation. In the field of particle physics and astrophysics, we explore the laws of natural phenomena in the universe, elementary particles as the basic components of materials, and the properties of materials in the various strata of the atomic nucleus and the microscopic mechanisms contributing to the development of these properties, based on the forces of elementary particles and the basic quantum laws governing such forces. In the field of material science of baryons, we are promoting education and research of advanced material science on a variety of baryons, using RIKEN’s heavy-ion accelerator.
Chemistry
We elucidate, based on experiments and theories, the chemical properties, structures, and reactions of various substances, including atomic nuclei, inorganic and organic substances, and biopolymers, at the atomic and molecular levels. We provide and carry on advanced-level education and research on elucidation of the nuclear and chemical properties of heavy elements; elucidation of the ion-molecule reaction mechanism and controlled reaction in laser field; elucidation of the structure and dynamics of solid-state and liquid-state substances; elucidation of the basic processes of chemical reactions for each quantum state and use of data analysis; development of new functional materials through control of electron and spin; separation of trace metal ions and development of a method for determining trace metal ions by concentration, based on the reaction and structure of trace metal ions in solution; development of a new synthetic method and creation of functional substances based on the structure and reaction mechanism of organic compounds; use of genomic information to elucidate the functions of biopolymers; and elucidation of the higher functions of body tissues.
Mathematical Science
We provide education and conduct research with the objective to teach students to be able to view mathematical structures used in information science and mathematics as well as complex natural and social phenomena as mathematical subjects and elucidate such structures and phenomena from the perspective of mathematics and information mathematics. This will include education and research on the structures of the function space and operators on the function space and the structure of the ring consisting of operators and functions. It will also include education and research on theories of algebraic geometry, number theory, topology, and differential geometry, as well as their application in various fields of information science. Furthermore, we promote education and research on algebraic theories including computer algebra, cryptography and coding theory; the theories and application of mathematical statistics, including time series analysis and mathematical finance; and mathematical programming, operational research, and optimization theories in the field of information science.
Advanced Materials Science and Technology
The contents of education and research in this course consist of interdisciplinary integration of technologies to create advanced materials. It includes: design, development, and evaluation of new functional materials; chemical synthesis of high-functionality materials; development of environmental-friendly chemical production and disposal/recycling processes; and the basic science of mechanical engineering, mechanical production systems, and material control. The education is offered by professionals in materials science and engineering, chemistry, and mechanical engineering. The students will get ability to identify problems and solve them with advanced, comprehensive scientifi c knowledge of materials, from basic research to create new materials, through application and production, to harmless disposal or recycling to establish sustainable society.
Materials Science and Technology
We conduct basic research for the exploration and elucidation of physical properties as well as for the design, development, and assessment of materials for creation of the next-generation functional materials. Our research focuses mainly on a variety of functional nanotechnology materials, including superconducting materials, magnetic materials, photovoltaic semiconductor materials, metal-hydrogen materials, low-energy recovery materials, energy conversion materials, organic and inorganic materials, hybrid materials, separating materials, biomimetic materials, biocatalytic materials, and tissue engineering materials. Through our general education and research, we aim to teach our students advanced technology related to the exploration and elucidation of physical properties at the atomic and molecular levels and the design, development, and assessment of materials, and help them become researchers and engineers who can become leaders in contributing to society in their respective fields.
Applied Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
Now, materials are required to have added value, super functionality, or new functionality by nanosizing. In this course, we promote comprehensive education and research for the creation of such strategic, advanced materials from the following viewpoints: creation of advanced functional substances at the microscopic level of molecules and atoms as well as creation and optimization of elemental functions from the point of view of the latest nanotechnology; exploration of new functional substances from natural materials and methodology for assessing those substances; and development of environmentally harmonious systems to produce materials and components that are indispensable for our modern society as well as development of environmental protection technology to establish sustainable society. Through these activities, we aim to nurture capable researchers and engineers in this field.
Advanced Mechanical Science and Engineering
From the nano to macro levels, we focus on the integrated science of machinery, appliances, materials, structures, and so on. For example, we pursue innovative miniaturization of production systems by making machinery and appliances supra-functional and miniaturized. We also develop manufacturing technology that has less impact on the environment, and assess the safety and stability of newly developed apparatuses and applications. Moreover, in an interdisciplinary effort, we apply nanotechnology in the medical field and promote the development of nanomedicine based on biomechanics. From this integrated science perspective, we aim to nurture individuals to be able to advance the next-generation core technology in the interest of society as a whole.
Electrical and Information Engineering
We nurture scientists and professionals who can theoretically elucidate complex, diverse phenomena in the fi eld of electrical and information engineering, which forms a part of the core of science and technology in the 21st century, who can analyze complex phenomena, who can design, operate, and develop technology, functions, parts, and systems based on electrical and information engineering in ways useful to society, and who have a high level of expertise and breadth of view in regard to electrical and information engineering.
Information Engineering
In this course, we provide education and conduct research on advanced intelligence and informatics, which are essential for the development of our advanced information society, as well as on information and communications. In the field of intelligence and informatics, we focus particularly on the analysis and generation of media information, human-computer interaction, artificial intelligence, natural language processing, machine translation, spatial information systems, and establishment of analytic and compositional methods based on mathematical approaches. In the field of information and communications, we focus particularly on the advanced technology of mobile communication, ad-hoc networks, wireless mesh networks, and wave engineering. Our aim is to nurture engineers and scientists who can work competently on the international stage.
Electrical and Electronic Engineering
We educate and research power and energy systems, electronics, and information communication systems in the field of electrical and electronic engineering, both distinguished and progressive, and its interdisciplinary fields to contribute to the development of society. In particular, we carry on advanced research on power and energy appliances, plasma science and engineering, superconductive power systems, applied superconductivity engineering, thin film engineering, organic electronics, bioelectronics, molecular and optoelectronic devices, nanophotonics, quantum electronics, optical measurement, optical image processing, communication systems, signal processing, image engineering and visual information engineering. At the same time, we provide education to nurture engineers and scientists who can play an active role globally in the field of electrical and electronic engineering.
Human Sciences and Assistive Technology
Our education and research focus on three f ields: biomedical engineering, which encompasses biometr y and biological control, biophysiological engineering, biomedical signal processing and interpretation, visualization of biological information, human interfaces, medical equipment and appliances, and biomechanics; assistive device engineering, which covers systems for assisting and expanding human functions through the use of mechatronics devices and other technology for measurement and control as well as sophisticated information systems and other systems for assisting senior citizens and physically disabled persons live more independently; and life support science, which includes analysis and optimum control of living and social environment, sports science, wellness theories, ergonomics, universal design, and rehabilitation as a means to assist senior citizens and physically disabled persons in their daily lives and to support people maintain and improve their health.
Life and Food Sciences
To elucidate not only the basic principles of life but also life phenomena at the levels of molecules to individuals and their applications in a wide range of fi elds as well as to address the serious social issues related to the changes in the global environment and the issues of food, we train students to be able to fundamentally understand life phenomena and to be a pioneer in a variety fi elds for development of new technology and improvement of regional industries and environment. We welcome students who show strong interest in the wonders of life and in sustainable production of living creatures in harmony with the environment.
Life Sciences
We promote education and research on diverse life activities of a variety of living creatures from a wide range of angles and from the level of molecules to individuals. The fields we cover correspond to biochemistry, molecular genetics, molecular biology, cytology, embryology, physiology, and immunobiology. By systematically connecting these fields and introducing state-of-the-art technology, we comprehensively provide education and conduct research from basic to advanced science. Instead of adopting a passive stance of receiving education, students are expected to take on a positive stance of learning by inquiring into the questions they set for themselves.
Applied Life and Food Sciences
In this course, we aim to nurture outstanding individuals capable of engaging in the analysis of life phenomena based on the latest bioscience and biotechnology and in the development of technology for the production, processing, and use of agricultural, forest, and livestock products. With the objective of improving and enhancing the functions of plants and microorganisms by genomic control, we conduct advanced research on genomic functions of plants and microorganisms and the control of such functions, nutrient absorption and metabolic regulation of plants, regulation of organelle genesis, physiologically active substances produced by microorganisms, and elucidation of enzymatic functions. With the objective of developing, manufacturing, and supplying safe, high-value-added foods, realizing sustainable agricultural and forestry production, and preserving and restoring the global environment, we also carry on advanced research on the physiological and nutritional functions of foods and useful components, development of food ingredients and technology for advanced use of such ingredients, regulation of autophagy in animals, useful functions of microorganisms and insects, interactions among soil, microorganisms, and plants, and development and effective use of wood biomass.
Agriculture and Bioresources
By conducting technological research on basic agricultural sciences, field science, and biotechnology, we elucidate, from the molecular, individual, and ecological levels, the mechanisms of plant and animal resources production, which provides the foundation of agriculture. At the same time, we carry on necessary research for solving various issues related to maintenance of complex ecosystems, rural development, sustainable development of agriculture, and development of related industries, such as distribution and retail of agricultural produce and forest products. We also aim to promote partnership with regional communities and contribute internationally towards solving the issue of agriculture and forestry in Asia. To achieve these educational and research goals, we have set three fields of the food and resource economy, plant production, and animal production.
Environmental Science and Technology
We train students to develop their originality and become capable of exploring the structure of broad areas, from the globe to the land of Niigata where Niigata University is located, facing the Sea of Japan in the corner of northeast Asia with a mild climate and heavy snowfalls, and understanding, from a global perspective, the interrelation between the geosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere and the human society, and creating urban and rural environment from the natural environment. We also promote advanced, interdisciplinary, multidisciplinary research.
Natural Environmental Science
We provide education and conduct research to scientifically clarify address various issues related to the environment by elucidating, from the perspective of basic science, including physics, earth science, chemistry, and biology, the mechanism of how substances and energy circulate in the earth’s atmosphere, hydrosphere, and geosphere as well as the mechanism of how biodiversity is maintained in the biosphere. Specifically, our education and research focuses on the understanding and application of the mechanism of the circulation of substances and energy on earth, which includes understanding of the circulation of substances and elucidation of atmospheric and oceanic phenomena, elucidation of the origins of pollutants, and development of functional materials and new energy sources. On the other hand, we also focus on the understanding of the biosphere in which we live and the environment, including elucidation of the process of geologic formation, the causes of geologic disasters and various other phenomena, and the mechanism of how biodiversity is maintained and adapts to the environment on earth.
Environmental Science for Agriculture and Forestry
By thinking of a watershed as a unit in which people carry on their lives and in which circulation of resources takes place and by conducting research on forest science and agricultural engineering, which help preserve the forest that provides the foundation for human existence and the farmland and agriculture on which human work to obtain food, we aim to accumulate knowledge and develop technology to enable symbiosis of human and nature. On the other hand, in the land of Niigata, one of the world’s heavy snowfall regions where unique forms of water circulation and habitat for animals and plants can be found, we carry on advanced research on the changes in the circulation of water and substances, on the agricultural and forest environment, and on the ecosystem, which are likely to be strongly affected by the global warming. The course consists of the following fields of research: forest ecology, preservation and utilization of forest resources, regional management engineering, agricultural system engineering, changes in water circulation, and changes in the ecosystem.
Architecture and Civil Engineering
With the goal of comprehensively building a sustainable system for coexistence of urbanity, humans, and the natural environment, we promote education and research on engineering techniques, architecture, urban engineering, and civil engineering. Specifically, our education and research cover technology for construction of social infrastructures and buildings that secure the safety of cities, architecture, and humans from various forms of disasters; approaches to spatial composition, design, and planning of housing, architecture, and cities to realize a pleasant, safe living environment as well as coexistence with nature; physical behavior of rivers and other water areas and technology for the analysis and assessment of water quality; and formation of cityscape and techniques for assessing, planning, and utilizing the historical changes in cities.
Earth Science
We investigate the origin, form and active processes of rocks, minerals and fossils that record the evolution of the Earth’s upper mantle, crust and its surface in various scales. Our geology-based, sophisticated approaches contribute to form synthesis on the nature of the geosphere and biosphere and their interactions from the viewpoint of the history of the Earth.
Natural Disaster and Environmental Science
With a temperate climate, intensive snowfalls and active tectonic movements, Niigata is one of the most disaster-prone areas on the Japanese archipelago, as shown in a series of natural disasters caused by earthquakes, torrential rainfalls and intensive snowfalls in recent years. On the basis of clear understanding of the regional characteristics of Niigata, the course aims at education and research for clarification of histories and mechanisms of natural disasters in densely populated urban and hill-slope areas. Comprehensive prediction and mitigation of natural disasters caused by effects of snow avalanches, f looding, volcanic eruptions, landslides and other geologic processes are targeted. The course is focusing on comprehensive study on prevention and mitigation of natural disasters, with due consideration on variation of hazardous phenomena as a result of rapid environmental and social change.
