Postgraduate Courses
We offer postgraduate courses of study that lead to a master’s degree. The graduate school consists of five study Programs: Biology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Applied Biology and Food Sciences, International Agriculture and Horticulture, and Agricultural and Environmental Engineering. After obtaining a master’s degree, a student may advance to the doctoral program of the United Graduate School of Agricultural Sciences, Iwate University (UGAS). Hirosaki University is a member of the United Graduate School.
Master’s Degree
This graduate program builds on the student’s undergraduate educational background and offers an interdisciplinary and internationally-oriented educational and research experience. By doing so, it aims to turn out highly competent graduates who can exercise their talents in the following areas:
- Specialists who can contribute to the development and growth of their communities
- Highly skilled engineers with the ability to work in locations throughout the world
- Researchers who can engage in the exploration of cutting-edge issues.
As a general rule, two years of study are required to obtain a master’s degree. There is also a teaching assistant (TA) program that provides opportunities for students to receive a salary while assisting professors with their teaching or experiments.
Course
| Programs | Courses | Research Fields |
|---|---|---|
| Biology | Basic Biology Course | Molecular Cytogenetics / Plant Molecular Physiology / Animal Physiology / Developmental & Reproductive Biology / Plant Cell Biology / Microbiology / Plant Physiology |
| Ecology, Evolution, and Environmental Biology Course | Evolutionary Ecology / Animal Ecology / Forest Ecology / Plant Taxonomy / Systematic Zoology | |
| Biochemistry and Molecular Biology | Basic Life Science Course | Molecular Biology / Immunobiology / Biochemistry and Molecular Biology / Natural Products Chemistry / Biochemistry / Developmental Biology, Regenerative Biology / Cell Biology, Virology / Plant Physiology |
| Applied Life Science Course | Enzymology / Environmental Microbiology / Bioorganic Chemistry / Applied Microbiology / Biological Chemistry / Plant Biochemistry, Enzymology / Microbial Chemistry | |
| Applied Biology and Food Sciences | Food Development Course | Plant Breeding / Plant Molecular Genetics / Molecular genetics of bacteria |
| Plant Protection and Environment Course | Comparative Endocrinology / Insect Science / Soil Science | |
| International Agriculture and Horticulture | Agriculture and Horticulture Course | Pomology / Animal Feeding / Physiology of Domestic Animals / Agricultural Machinery / Vegetable Science / Floriculture (Ornamental Horticulture ) / Crop Science / Crop Science & Stress Physiology / Recycle Engineering |
| Agricultural and Environmental Engineering | Agricultural Civil Engineering Course / Rural Environment Studies Course | Irrigation, Drainage & Hydraulic Engineering / Irrigation, Drainage Water Use Engineering / Agricultural Land Engineering / Agricultural Land Physics / Agricultural Land Conservation / Agricultural Information Engineering / Agricultural Facilities Engineering / Rural Energy Engineering / Rural Planning / Watershed-based Erosion Control Engineering |
Syllabus
Research
Biology Program
Basic Biology Course
| Research Field | Research Subject | Staff Name |
|---|---|---|
| Molecular Cytogenetics | Analysis of genetic diversity based on nucleotide sequences and/or chromosomes in vertebrates | Masaki KURO-O |
| Plant Molecular Physiology | Fundamental and applied studies on molecular physiology in photosynthetic organisms | Hiroshi OHKAWA |
| Animal Physiology & Molecular Evolution | Molecular evolutionary studies on muscle and nerve cell functions | Atsuo NISHINO |
| Developmental & Reproductive Biology | Mechanisms underlying regulation of reproductive switching between asexual and sexual reproduction in planarians | Kazuya KOBAYASHI |
| Plant Cell Biology | Molecular mechanisms regulating cell division and cell differentiation in plants | Michiko SASABE |
| Microbiology | Studies on endosymbiosis in protists at cellular and ecological levels | Sosuke IWAI |
| Plant Physiology | Physiological studies on chloroplast biogenesis in plants | Sho FUJII |
Ecology, Evolution, and Environmental Biology Course
| Research Field | Research Subject | Staff Name |
|---|---|---|
| Animal Ecology | (1) Ecology of fishes and birds (2) Conservation and restoration of ecosystem |
Nobuyuki AZUMA |
| Ecology and evolution of animal behavior in fish | Atsushi SOGABE | |
| Evolutionary Ecology | Studies of evolution and biodiversity using invertebrates such as insects and earthworms | Hiroshi IKEDA |
| Forest Ecology | Ecological studies on plant adaptive and evolutionary mechanisms | Kiyoshi ISHIDA |
| Plant-animal interactions | Akira YAMAWO | |
| Plant Taxonomy | Life history of plants, Plant taxonomy and biological conservation | Hiroki YAMAGISHI |
| Systematic Zoology | Systematics, taxonomy, zoogeography and studies on the biodiversity of invertebrates, mainly insects. | Takeyuki NAKAMURA |
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Program
Basic Life Science Course
| Research Field | Research Subject | Staff Name |
|---|---|---|
| Molecular Biology | Structure and function of intermediate-size non-protein-coding RNAs (is-ncRNAs), Functional RNomics | Chisato USHIDA |
| Biochemistry, Molecular Biology | Molecular mechanism of translation, Ribosome maturation pathway, Novel stress response pathway involved in ribosome | Hyouta HIMENO |
| Biochemistry | Structure and mechanism in protein synthesis, Molecular mimicry in translation | Daisuke KURITA |
| Natural Products Chemistry | Chemical studies on bioactive natural products | Noboru TAKADA |
| Immunobiology | Study on metastasis of cancer, The establishment of murine tumor cell line, Image analysis of the cell movement | Koki HATAKEYAMA |
| Developmental Biology Regenerative Biology | Organ-level regeneration such as limb regeneration and skin regeneration mainly using an amphibian model system, Xenopus | Hitoshi YOKOYAMA |
| Cell Biology, Virology | Studies of virus and host cell interactions that regulate viral pathogenesis (http://nature.cc.hirosaki-u.ac.jp/lab/moritalab/index-e.html) | Eiji MORITA |
Applied Life Science Course
| Research Field | Research Subject | Staff Name |
|---|---|---|
| Enzymology | Structure, function, and application of carbohydrate-degrading enzymes | Takashi YOSHIDA |
| Environmental Microbiology | Research on environmental microorganisms | Akio TONOUCHI |
| Bioorganic Chemistry | Isolation and structural determination of biologically active metabolites, organic syntheses, and their applications | Masaru HASHIMOTO |
| Applied Microbiology | Characterization and application of microbial function for sustainable production of chemicals and fuels | Tomonori SONOKI |
| Biological Chemistry | Mechanisms of oxygen independent mitochondrial electron transfer | Kimitoshi SAKAMOTO |
| Plant Biochemistry, Enzymology | Analytical and applied studies on metabolic production mechanisms in plant and microbe | Shigeki HAMADA |
| Microbial Chemistry | Research on metabolism, enzymes, and genes of microorganisms involved in the degradation of lignocellulosic biomass | Yudai HIGUCHI |
Applied Biology and Food Sciences Program
Food Development Course
| Research Field | Research Subject | Staff Name |
|---|---|---|
| Plant Breeding | Rice genomics and genetics, Development of genetic resources | Ryuji ISHIKAWA |
| Plant Breeding | Genetics in rice and melon, Utilization of Genetic Resources | Katsunori TANAKA |
| Plant Molecular Genetics | Seed pigmentation phenomena in yellow soybeans | Mineo SENDA |
| Molecular genetics of bacteria | Experimental evolution of RNA bacteriophage and bacteria | Akiko KASHIWAGI |
Plant Protection and Environment Course
| Research Field | Research Subject | Staff Name |
|---|---|---|
| Comparative Endocrinology | Insect endocrinology, Programmed cell death | Yu KANEKO |
| Insect Science | 1) Locust phase polyphenism 2) Edible insect | Ryohei SUGAHARA |
| Plant Pathology | Taxonomy and phylogeny of microfungi (Ascomycota) | Kazuaki TANAKA |
| Soil Science | Soil production, cultivation system | Nobuhiko MATSUYAMA |
Agriculture and Horticulture Program
Agriculture and Horticulture Course
| Research Field | Research Subject | Staff Name |
|---|---|---|
| Pomology | Studies on the genes of flower bud formation and parthenocarpy in apples | Norimitsu TANAKA |
| Pomology | New apple cultivation technologies, carbon/water budget in apple orchards | Daiyu ITO |
| Animal Feeding | Research aims: 1) Improvement of animal performance through nutritional manipulation in early life 2) Better utilization of unused biomass materials in animal feeding |
Masatoshi MATSUZAKI |
| Physiology of Domestic Animals | Analysis of taste systems in domestic animals such as chickens, cows, pigs, and sheep | Fuminori KAWABATA |
| Agricultural Machinery | 1) Non-destructive measurements for agricultural product quality 2) Applications of image processing and sensing technology for agriculture |
ZHANG Shu-huai |
| 1) Application of remote sensing technology in agriculture 2)Development of quality evaluation technologies for agricultural products using optical sensing |
YE Xujun | |
| Vegetable science | Studies on the relationship between cultural conditions and contents of phytochemicals in vegetables | Tomoo MAEDA |
| Floriculture (Ornamental Horticulture) | Hybridization breeding and the use of tissue culture techniques to raise hybrids of ornamental plants. Study of plant reproduction to utilize and conserve native wild plant species. | Kazushige HONDA |
| Crop Science | Studies on the responses of staple crop such as rice, wheat and soybean to global environmental changes | Hiroki KOBAYAKAWA |
| Crop Science and Stress Physiology | Physiological study on the abiotic stresses in crops and decontamination of radionuclides using phytoremediation | Kang, Dong-Jin |
| Recycle Engineering | Study on recycling technology for agricultural, forestry and fishery waste | Takashi HIROSE |
Agricultural and Environmental Engineering Program
Agricultural Civil Engineering Course / Rural Environment Studies Course
| Research Field | Research Subject | Staff Name |
|---|---|---|
| Irrigation, Drainage Water Use Engineering | Research on the required water quantity and quality for crop production in multiple field using hydrological approach, irritation and drainage system design | Atsushi MARUI |
| Agricultural Land Engineering | Studies on the influence of percolation patterns in seepage water on several phenomena in a layer | Choichi SASAKI |
| Agricultural Land Physics | To develop soil environment management techniques for agricultural land, I’m studying the behavior of inorganic nitrogen in agricultural land soil that can be recommended from both the environmental aspects of soil and groundwater and the crop growth. | Akira ENDO |
| Agricultural Land Conservation | Studies on land conservation and predictions of soil physical environment, including soil water, heat and gas conditions in agricultural fields | Chihiro KATO |
| Agricultural Information Engineering | Studies on the utilization of agricultural land information and management of irrigation and drainage structures and facilities | Koh KATO |
| Agricultural Facilities Engineering | Study of the evaluation of static-dynamic stability and performance based design for agricultural hydraulic structures with soil foundations | Hiroshi MORI |
| Rural Energy Engineering | Research on winter growing methods in greenhouses utilizing groundwater | Shigeoki MORITANI |
| Rural Planning | Studies on sustainable rural development, especially for farm land consolidation, rural tourism, etc. | Hiroyuki FUJISAKI |
| Watershed-based Erosion Control Engineering | Studies on earth surface processes and geological phenomena for sediment -related hazard reduction and environment conservation | TSOU, Ching-Ying |
| Irrigation, Drainage and Hydraulic Engineering | Studies on fish passages in rivers using hydraulic approach | Kenichi YATAYA |
Graduate School of Agriculture and Life Science -Master’s Program-
Admission Policies
Graduate School of Agriculture and Life Science
1．Overview
The graduate school provides a platform for graduate students to move into careers in a number of different capacities: 1) Highly specialized experts who can demonstrate a broad understanding of technologies and contribute to local community development; 2) Highly skilled engineers with an international perspective; 3) Researchers who can challenge the frontiers of research and stay ahead of the needs of the times.
2．The Type of Students We Are Looking For
- Students who are inquisitive about their academic field
- Students motivated to master a broad range of specialized subjects outside of their own academic field
- Students who are willing to acquire technical skills, who want to learn to collect and organize data and other information, and who are motivated to think critically and to solve problems
3．Pre-admission Requirements
Fundamental academic background in the agricultural, biological, and environmental sciences.
4．Policies on Student Selection
Students are selected based on the cumulative results of submitted applications, written examinations, and oral examinations, all of which assess fundamental academic skills in the agricultural, biological, and environmental sciences, as well as the candidate’s intellectual curiosity and drive to do research.
Biology Program
1．Overview
The universality observed in the basic life activities of all organisms and the biodiversity that is observed in the morphology and behaviors of individuals are formed by the interaction between the genetic information coded in DNA and the surrounding environment. This graduate program focuses on research related to understanding the factors supporting basic life activity processes and their mechanisms, including development, energy metabolism, adaptation and evolution, as well as research on dynamic and composite biological and ecological systems formed through the interaction of individuals, the environment, and biodiversity. Graduates of this program will move on to careers as researchers in biological fields, biotechnology experts knowledgeable in agriculture and food products, and specialists who can work towards the conservation of ecosystems.
2．The Type of Students We Are Looking For [A1]
- Students with a strong interest in the life sciences who are willing to take on challenging research in order to advance their understanding of basic biological phenomena
- Students interested in ecology and the evolution of organisms, who are dedicated to solving environmental problems through biology
- Students who demonstrate great creativity, individuality, and curiosity, as well as a general proactive attitude towards research and learning
3．Pre-admission Requirements
Undergraduate-level knowledge of the mechanisms of basic biological phenomena, biodiversity, adaptation to the environment, and evolution
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Program
1．Overview
Life is constantly sustained by the many chemical reactions of biological molecules (enzyme reaction system). Technologies that utilize such systems are expected to play an important and multifaceted role in the near future. This graduate program is designed to turn out researchers, highly-specialized experts, and Ph.D. candidates with an international perspective who can succeed in and contribute to society by applying their specialized research knowledge and technical skills related to biological functions and reaction mechanisms, as well as the production and control of matter by organisms.
2．The Type of Students We Are Looking For
- Students with a passion for understanding biological functions at a molecular level
- Students willing to actively challenge new academic disciplines
- Students holding high ideals for serving mankind through research and academic achievement
- Students with work experience as experts or researchers, who want to master higher levels of technology and obtain greater knowledge
3．Pre-admission Requirements
Fundamental knowledge of biochemistry
Applied Biosciences Program
1．Overview
This graduate program is designed help graduate students become skilled specialists in the research and development of breeding technologies for new food plant varieties, soil and pest management in food plant production, and food product function and safety that ensure a sufficient, environment-friendly, and sustainable food supply.
2．The Type of Students We Are Looking For
- Students with a strong interest in the development and use of biological resources and control of the production environment
- Students willing to learn new problem-solving skills relating to biological resources and environment-related problems
3．Pre-admission Requirements
Fundamental knowledge of general biology, biochemistry, and molecular biology
Agriculture and Horticulture Program
1．Overview
The program focuses on research that leads to the revitalization of agriculture, the development of better agricultural production techniques, and the improvement of food production systems and the environment, with the ultimate goal of establishing sustainable and multi-functional agriculture and human livelihoods. Graduate students will acquire specialized expertise and knowledge in agricultural production and agricultural management, economics and distribution, and develop the ability to independently identify and solve problems in several areas of expertise.
2．The Type of Students We Are Looking For
- Students interested in local- and national-level problems related to food and agriculture
- Students willing to pursue comprehensive solutions to problems from the perspectives of agricultural technology and socio-economics
- Students who want to contribute to industry, education, culture, and local communities by utilizing the knowledge and theoretical understanding gained from this program
3．Pre-admission Requirements
A strong interest in agricultural production technologies and socio-economics as well as fundamental knowledge of agriculture and horticulture
Agricultural and Environmental Engineering Program
1．Overview
Challenges that will arise in the 21st century include the need for sustainable agricultural practices that are appropriate for the natural environment and climate of northern Tohoku, the development of the region as a food base and the promotion of suitable conditions for rural communities. The consideration of “soft” issues such as business planning and the selection of agents for these programs will also be necessary. This graduate program therefore addresses topics such as the management and development of production infrastructure, the maintenance of suitable living environments for local residents, and the development of planning methods. This program will strive to turn out graduates with highly specialized expertise, advanced technical skills, and proactive problem-solving skills who are able to work towards the protection and conservation of the natural environment.
2．The Type of Students We Are Looking For
- Students interested in local issues, both in Japan and abroad, including issues that pertain to rural and environmental issues
- Students who are flexible and willing to learn about the wide-range of issues that may be required of them, even those beyond their undergraduate area of specialization
- Students willing to study theory by working on practical problems
3．Pre-admission Requirements
Independent problem-solving skills, critical thinking skills, and fundamental knowledge of agricultural and environmental engineering
Graduate School of Agriculture and Life Science -Master’s Program-
‘Policies on Curricula and the Granting of Degrees
Graduate School of Agriculture and Life Science
1．Curriculum Targets
- Mastery of research methods built on the knowledge and skills acquired from specialized courses, and an ability to develop deep, original reasoning and research skills
- Mastery of problem-solving skills built on the knowledge and skills acquired from specialized courses, and an ability to propose practical solutions as a highly skilled professional for sustainable community development
2．Policies on Curriculum Organization
Building upon the basic courses taken as undergraduates, graduate students will further develop their critical thinking skills and acquire the advanced expertise needed for careers as researchers and technical experts. Exceptional students will be encouraged to pursue doctoral degrees at the United Graduate School of Agricultural Sciences at Iwate University.
- An “academic research program (researcher-oriented)” and an “academic research program (technical expert-oriented)” are offered in each Course to match diverse students needs.
- In addition, a “practice-oriented research program for part-time students,” with a reduced course load required for graduation, is available for part-time students who are employed but wish to continue or resume their education.
- Interdisciplinary “cross-courses” and courses designed to fill the gaps between different academic fields, referred to as “sub-courses,” are offered to meet changing societal needs, and enable students to customize their study program to extend beyond the boundaries of their respective graduate coursework.
- “Specialized courses” and “sub-courses” in each Course are offered evenly in both spring and fall semesters so that students entering the program in the fall will not be disadvantaged. Students will be able to take all available “common courses” the semester they enter the program.
3．Assessment Criteria
Credits are generally granted based on examination results. However, some Courses will grant credit based on performance in class and/or the results of reports or other projects. Grades for each course will strictly adhere to the criteria stipulated below.
| A (100–90) | Is able to relate and apply highly specialized knowledge and skills to other academic areas |
|---|---|
| B (89–80) | Has acquired highly specialized knowledge and skills, and is able to apply them |
| C (79–70) | Has acquired fundamental and specialized knowledge and skills |
| D (69–60) | Has acquired a minimal level of specialized knowledge and skills |
| F (59–0) | Did not acquire a minimal level of knowledge or skill |
4．Master’s Thesis Defense
To obtain a Master’s Degree in this program, students are required to study for at least 2 years and earn at least 32 course credits. They must also, after having received the necessary research supervision, pass the thesis review and a final examination.
Part-time students who continue to hold down a job while pursuing a master’s degree may choose, with the approval of their supervisor, to substitute a research report for the master’s thesis.
Evaluation of the master’s thesis or research report will be conducted through a strict review of the thesis and a final examination to be conducted by one primary reviewer and two co-reviewers.
The master’s thesis must be at a level suitable for publication in scientific journals and as such must impart new knowledge. The research report must reinforce or reaffirm previous knowledge.
Biology Program
1．Curriculum Overview
The universality observed in the basic life activities of all organisms and the biodiversity that is observed in the morphology and behaviors of individuals are formed by the interaction between the genetic information coded in DNA and the surrounding environment. This graduate program focuses on research related to understanding the factors that support basic life activity processes and their mechanisms, including development, energy metabolism, adaptation and evolution, as well as research on dynamic and composite biological and ecological systems formed through the interaction of individuals, the environment, and biodiversity. Program graduates will move on to become researchers in biological fields, biotechnology experts knowledgeable in agriculture and food products, and specialists who can work towards the conservation of ecosystems.
2．Curriculum Targets
① Knowledge and Understanding
- Acquiring and understanding advanced knowledge and the critical thinking based on this knowledge needed for R&D related to the diverse biological phenomena of biological individuals and groups
- Acquiring and understanding advanced knowledge and the critical thinking based on this knowledge needed for R&D related to the protection and conservation of the natural environment
② Discipline-Specific Abilities
- The ability to plan, implement, and assess the results of R&D pertaining to the understanding of the diverse biological phenomena of biological individuals and groups
- The ability to plan, implement, and assess the results of R&D pertaining to the protection and conservation of the natural environment
- Understanding and capacity to use advanced scientific English
③ General Abilities
- The ability to collect and organize information pertaining to R&D
- The ability to cooperate with others as well as to act independently in R&D activities
- To actively participate in academic debates
- To present research at academic conferences and to publish papers in scholarly journals
- To plan, implement, and assess the results of R&D to solve pressing social problems
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Program
1．Curriculum Overview
Life is constantly sustained by the many chemical reactions of biological molecules (enzyme reaction system). Technologies that utilize such systems are expected to play an important multifaceted role in the near future. This program is designed to educate future researchers, highly specialized experts, and Ph.D. candidates who, through their international perspective and specialized knowledge and skills related to research in biological functions and reaction mechanisms and the production and control of material by organisms, can flourish in and contribute to society. In this program, graduate students will gain specialized knowledge and learn technologies that will help them develop an understanding of life functions at the cellular, genetic, and molecular levels as well as master material production control skills. Through their independent research, graduate students will gain in-depth knowledge and develop advanced skills that will enable them to excel in professions that require highly specialized expertise, and ultimately contribute to the development of society as a whole.
2．Curriculum Targets
① Knowledge and Understanding
To acquire a fundamental knowledge of organic chemistry and biochemistry as well as the fundamental and specialized knowledge needed to understand biological functions at the molecular level
② Discipline-Specific Abilities
To acquire fundamental academic skills necessary for the study of molecular biology, cellular biology, natural products chemistry, enzyme chemistry, and applied microbiology, and an ability to plan, implement, and assess the results of R&D pertaining to related academic fields
③ General Abilities
Willingness to challenge new academic fields, and the acquisition of problem-setting and problem-solving skills that can help contribute to the betterment of humankind
Applied Biosciences Program
1．Curriculum Overview
This program is designed to turn graduate students into skilled specialists who can conduct research on breeding technologies for new food plant varieties, soil and pest management in food plant production, and food product function and safety to ensure a sufficient, environment-friendly, and sustainable food supply.
The program therefore requires that graduate students take courses that enable them to enhance their technical English and presentation skills and to master the research methods necessary to conduct research that results in publication. Relevant up-to-date knowledge will be conveyed in specialized courses. Research topics will be provided to graduate students, who will conduct research for two years in “Special Research I” and “Special Research II.” Through this research, students are expected to develop practical R&D and communication skills.
2．Curriculum Targets
① Knowledge and Understanding
- Mastery and understanding of the advanced knowledge needed for R&D related to plant breeding
- Mastery and understanding of the advanced knowledge needed for R&D related to a diversity of functions and food product safety
- Mastery and understanding of advanced knowledge, especially soil chemistry and soil microbiology, needed for research and development related to soil environments that ensure healthy crop growth
- Mastery and understanding of the advanced knowledge, especially mycology, plant pathogenic microbiology, and insect physiology needed for research and development related to plant pest controls that ensure healthy crop growth
② Discipline-Specific Abilities
- Ability to plan, implement, and assess the results of R&D pertaining to plant breeding
- Ability to plan, implement, and assess the results of R&D pertaining to the diversity of functions and food product safety
- Ability to plan, implement, and assess the results of R&D pertaining to soil environments that ensure healthy crop growth
- Ability to plan, implement, and assess the results of R&D pertaining to plant pest controls that ensure healthy crop growth
③ General Abilities
- Collect information pertaining to research and development
- Cooperate and act independently in research and development activities as a member of the research and development (R&D) team
- Actively participate in academic debates
- Present research at academic conferences, publish papers in scholarly journals, and reach out to the general public to share research results
Agriculture and Horticulture Program
1．Curriculum Overview
The program focuses on research that contributes to the revitalization of agriculture, to advances in agricultural production techniques, and to improvements in the environment with the aim of establishing sustainable and multi-functional agriculture, food systems and human livelihoods. Graduate students will acquire specialist expertise and knowledge in agricultural production and agricultural management, economics and distribution, and will develop the ability to independently identify and solve problems in several areas of expertise.
2．Curriculum Targets
① Knowledge and Understanding
- Mastery and understanding of the advanced knowledge needed for research and development in each specialized field of study
- Mastery and understanding of the advanced knowledge needed for R&D and for the identification and solution of agricultural production problems
- Mastery and understanding of the advanced knowledge needed for research and development related to food and agricultural functions in cultural, social, and natural contexts
② Discipline-Specific Abilities
- Ability to plan, implement, and assess the results of research and development pertaining to technical characteristics and modern problems in agricultural production of individual products
- Ability to plan, implement, and assess the results of R&D that relate to improvements in agricultural production efficiency
- Ability to plan, implement, and assess the results R&D pertaining to the application of agricultural production technologies at work sites
- Ability to plan, implement, and assess the results of R&D pertaining to agricultural management, economics, and distribution
- Ability to plan, implement, and assess the results of R&D that lead to a comprehensive understanding of problems in food and agriculture from the perspectives of the natural and social sciences
- Ability to plan, implement, and assess the results of R&D in order to initiate policies that can help solve agricultural and horticultural problems through the practical and knowledge-based abilities outlined in the five points above.
③ General Abilities
- To be able to collect and organize information relevant to R&D activities
- To be able to cooperate and act independently in R&D activities
- To be able to actively participate in academic debates
- To present research at academic conferences and to publish papers in scholarly journals
Agricultural and Environmental Engineering Program
1．Curriculum Overview
The program is designed to help graduate students become highly skilled experts with independent problem-solving skills and the highly specialized knowledge and skills necessary for the management of production infrastructure, the maintenance of a living environment for local residents, and development of planning methods, all with the aims of protecting and conserving the natural environment. All programs therefore require that students take courses on research methodology and presentation skills. Required courses also include research, hands-on exercises, and seminars customized for each academic discipline, as well as courses on water, soil, infrastructure, and the environment that are specifically designed for this Course.
2．Curriculum Targets
① Knowledge and Understanding
- Structured and expert understanding of agricultural engineering and the rural environment
- Comprehensive understanding of local issues
- Expert understanding of water, soil, infrastructure, disaster prevention, and the environment
② Discipline-Specific Abilities
- Ability to scientifically analyze rural community issues
- Knowledge for planning solutions to problems based on an understanding of agricultural engineering, the local community, and the environment
- Specialized and comprehensive knowledge and skills for the identification of solutions and the implementation of policies
③ General Abilities
- Ability to view local issues at both domestic and global levels
- Aptitude for learning theories by working on practical problems
- Self-management and communication skills, mindfulness and understanding of others and the practicing of social responsibility
Graduate School of Agriculture and Life Science -Master’s Program-
Assessment Criteria for the Master’s Thesis
The master’s thesis will be evaluated by one primary reviewer and two co-reviewers. The degree candidate will make a master’s thesis presentation and will also undergo an oral examination. The thesis must satisfy the criteria listed below (with a total of 60 points or higher out of a total of 100 points). Part-time students may request that evaluation criteria be modified and with the approval of the supervising faculty member may substitute the thesis with a research report.
(1) Expertise
A mastery of sufficient knowledge in the field of agriculture and life sciences, a multifaceted analysis of issues, and the ability to propose solutions must be reflected in the thesis.
(2) Appropriateness of the Research Theme
The research theme for the master’s thesis (or research report) must be appropriately established and the objective for and awareness of the problem must be expressed adequately.
(3) Appropriateness of the Thesis
Appropriate organization of the thesis (primary paragraphs, figures, tables, references, etc.) is expected, and the conclusions drawn should not demonstrate flaws in logic or be “inflated.” Figures and tables must be used effectively to enhance the reader’s understanding of the content.
(4) Originality
The master’s thesis must be at a level suitable for publication in scientific journals and as such, must provide new knowledge. The research report must reinforce or reaffirm previous knowledge.
(5) Appropriateness of Supplementary Documents
Past literature and relevant research must be comprehensively reviewed through appropriate methods and this review must show thorough understanding. Furthermore, sources must be accurately and adequately cited. Copyright violation (plagiarism, citation without permission), particularly for information sourced from websites, is not permitted. The author of the thesis must also pay close attention to research ethics.
Contact
- 3 Bunkyo-cho, Hirosaki, Aomori 036-8561, JAPAN
- Phone: +81-172-36-2111 (Hirosaki University)
- Fax: +81-172-39-3750 (Faculty of Agriculture and Life Science)
- E-mail: jm3748@hirosaki-u.ac.jp