Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology (Doctor's Course)

Admission Policy

The Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology (Doctor's Course) seeks individuals who have acquired the following abilities:

Profile of Prospective Students

The Department of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology (Doctor's Course) seeks students with basic qualities and motivation based on Okayama University's objective of “constructing a new paradigm for the sustainable evolution of human society (as the foundation of knowledge)” and the desired image of human resources, individuals who can collaborate with various surrounding stakeholders, have practical skills that lead to problem-solving, with logical and multi-faceted inquiry skills.

Based on this perception, the following are the requirements for each degree program:

【Degree Program in Advanced Science and Technology】
Advanced science and technology study encompasses areas such as mathematical sciences, physics, computer science, statistics and data science, electrical and electronic engineering, communication engineering, mechanical engineering, intelligent systems, urban environment, and social infrastructure engineering. The program is seeking individuals who have specialized knowledge in one of these fields. They should have the motivation to expand and deepen their knowledge in other fields, develop the ability to set innovative research goals, and significantly progress science and technology by exploring uncharted academic areas.

【Degree Program in Innovative Chemistry】
The doctoral program seeks internationally-minded individuals who can set innovative research goals by synergistically utilizing advanced knowledge and technology in chemistry and have fundamental abilities in related fields. They should also have a global perspective, high communication ability, excellent leadership, and a keen interest in exploring new research areas.

【Degree Program in Earth, Environmental and Life Sciences】
This program implements education and research areas to respond to various problems faced by the current world, such as population increase, food problems, global environmental changes, and natural disasters while promoting basic science. To challenge these issues, it is essential to solve various issues, such as clarifying the birth and evolution of planets and deepening basic understanding of life phenomena. The program seeks to develop human resources who can deepen their basic knowledge, work independently to solve problems by integrating interdisciplinary academic knowledge, and be an active international leader. For this purpose, we are seeking the following individuals domestically and internationally.
(1) Individuals with a rich sense of culture, ethics, and specialization necessary for the sustainable development of civilization, and who possess language skills to be internationally active.
(2) Individuals with a strong motivation to acquire advanced specialization based on scientific insights for sustainable development of the global environment and the elucidation of life processes.

【Degree Program in Interdisciplinary Science】
To solve complex and serious problems facing modern society, we need individuals who have advanced research abilities to create and promote research themes independently from multiple perspectives based on a general knowledge of natural sciences. We are seeking those who have a strong motivation not only to deepen traditional academic systems or to strengthen research in a particular area but can also open up new research areas that do not fit into the framework of traditional academic systems and create a source of science and technology innovation.

Based on these profiles of prospective students, the following are the abilities we expect from prospective students across all degree programs.

Abilities Expected of Prospective Students

1. Individuals with an interest in the relationship between humans and nature, and have a strong motivation to contribute to regional and international communities.
2. Individuals who have acquired the basics of their field of study and have a strong sense of purpose to challenge advanced research areas.
3. Individuals with a strong motivation to learn, who can think and act independently.
4. Individuals with a strong motivation to demonstrate leadership in research and to be active globally.
5. Individuals with a rich culture, ethics, and specialization necessary for the sustainable development of civilization, and who possess language skills to be active internationally.
6. Individuals with a strong motivation to acquire advanced specialization based on scientific insights for the sustainable development of the global environment and the elucidation of life phenomena.
7. Individuals with an interest in fields outside their specialty, and a motivation to acquire a wide range of knowledge and perspectives.

Screening Policy of the Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology (Doctor's Course)

The doctoral program seeks globally-minded individuals who are motivated to significantly progress science and technology or to explore uncharted academic areas by exhibiting rich creativity, unique problem-creation abilities, deep insight, and advanced communication ability. In addition, the candidate must show an ability to master cutting-edge knowledge and skills in their specialized field and acquire basic academic skills in fields other than their specialty. Entrance examinations and select students are given a document screening, an oral examination. Candidates will be evaluated on their specialized basic academic skills, research question creation, and problem-solving skills. The standards and weights set for each degree program and entrance examination type are stated below. (General Entrance Examination and Overseas Selection for International Students).

Screening Types and Specific Approaches of the Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology (Doctor's Course)

(1) General Entrance Examination
The entrance examination includes a document review and oral interview. In the document screening, several faculty members confirm the specialized knowledge acquired at the time of application and career plans. At the oral examination, the basic specialized academic skills, research question creation, and problem-solving abilities are comprehensively evaluated for each desired research area.

(2) Overseas Selection for International Students
This entrance examination includes a document review. In the document review, faculty members confirm the specialized knowledge acquired at the time of application, career plans, the condition of cultural adaptation prerequisite for studying (※), and financial situation (※) in a multifaceted manner for each desired research area.
(※ These do not affect the pass/fail decision.)

Prior to Enrollment

English is essential to obtain the latest information in each research field and to disseminate research results Since it takes time to learn a foreign language, you should always aim to improve your English skills before enrollment.