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

Admission Policy

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

Profile of Prospective Students

The Division of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology (Master's Course) seeks students who have the following basic qualities for entrance into Okayama University: individuals with the practical ability to actively solve problems, the inquiry ability to identify issues, the ability to learn from mistakes, a systematic and basic specialized ability, a strong interest in events taking place around them, and a habit of independent learning
Based on this profile, the following are the requirements for each degree program:

【Degree Program in Mathematical, Physical, Electronic and Information Sciences】
This program seeks individuals who have the basic academic skills, language skills, logical thinking ability, and communication skills to master mathematical science, physics, computer science, statistics and data science, electrical and electronic engineering, and communication engineering, which form the foundation of mathematical information science. A candidate must be able to utilize this information and technology to acquire a broad range of knowledge and flexible thinking skills across different fields of study, and is eager to tackle issues to achieve the SDGs and realize a Society 5.0 in the future.

【Degree Program in Mechanical Systems and Urban Innovation Science】
This program seeks individuals who have acquired the basic academic skills and education in the fields of mechanics, robotics and intelligent systems, or urban environment, and who have a strong interest in technology development and applications in these fields. In addition, an individual must have a goal to become an advanced engineer and researcher contributing to the development of society.

【Degree Program in Innovative Chemistry】
In order to develop highly skilled individuals who can contribute to society based on their knowledge of chemistry, we are seeking the following candidates:
1. Individuals who are curious about chemistry, interested in the related fields of chemistry, have acquired basic knowledge, and are motivated to challenge the unexplored fields of science. In addition, an individual who is eager to contribute proactively to the development of science and technology and the creation of innovations in chemistry.
2. Candidates who have a strong interest in various issues related to the harmony between human society and nature, and who aim to solve the problems facing humanity, such as global warming, the environment, energy resources, and medical care, and are motivated to utilize their knowledge, technology, and experience they have learned.

【Degree Program in Earth, Environmental and Life Sciences】
This program provides a course of study and research which responds to various problems faced in the current world, such as population growth, food issues, global environmental changes, and natural disasters. While promoting the study of basic science, it is essential that solutions for basic problems such as clarifying the birth and evolution of planets, and a deepening of fundamental understanding of life sciences phenomena is addressed. This program would like to cultivate human resources who can deepen their basic knowledge, work independently to solve problems by integrating interdisciplinary academic knowledge, and is an active international leader. The program promotes understanding of natural phenomena itself or in the relevant academic fields relating to the earth, planets, environment, ecology, biological production, organisms and life sciences. For this vision, we are seeking the following individuals from a wide range of domestic and international fields.
(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 active internationally.
(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 sciences phenomena.

Based on these profiles of prospective students, the following are the abilities we expect prospective students to possess across all applicants throughout 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 a 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 sustainable development of the global environment and elucidation of life sciences 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 for the Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology (Master's Course)

This program seeks individuals who have basic academic skills in their respective specialized fields, as well as flexible thinking, logical decision-making skills, and cooperative abilities. They should not only be interested in learning about the latest academic insights in their specialized fields but also be curious about areas outside their specialty, acquiring this knowledge and skills. We welcome those who are motivated to tackle new challenges in their specialized fields and interdisciplinary areas. For each degree program, specialized basic academic skills, logical thinking skills, decision-making skills, expression skills, and motivation are evaluated according to the standards and weights set for each entrance examination type (Entrance Examination by Recommendation, General Entrance Examination, Entrance Examination for Adults, Entrance Examination for International Students, and Overseas Selection for International Students), and a diverse range of students from all faculties are accepted.

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

(1) Entrance Examination by Recommendation
This entrance exam is for students who strongly wish to enter graduate school and includes a document review and an oral test for each desired research area. In the document review, faculty members comprehensively check the expertise and career plan acquired up to the time of examination. In the oral test, faculty members evaluate the knowledge and understanding of specialized subjects and a candidate’s career plans.

(2) General Entrance Examination
This entrance exam is for a wide range of students who wish to enter graduate school, and includes a document review and academic ability tests (written and oral) for each desired research area. In the document review and oral test, faculty members comprehensively check the expertise acquired up to the time of examination. The written test comprehensively evaluates knowledge and understanding of specialized subjects.

(3) Entrance Examination for Adults
This entrance examination includes a document review and academic ability tests (written and oral) for each desired research area. In the document review and oral test, faculty members comprehensively check the expertise and career plan acquired up to the time of examination. The written test comprehensively evaluates the knowledge and understanding of specialized subjects.

(4) Entrance Examination for International Students
This entrance examination includes document reviews and academic ability tests (written and oral) for each desired research area. In the document review and oral test, faculty members comprehensively check the expertise and career plan, the condition of cultural adaptation prerequisite for studying*, and the financial situation* up to the time of examination. The written test comprehensively evaluates knowledge and understanding of specialized subjects, etc. *Does not affect pass/fail determination.

(5) Overseas Selection for International Students
This entrance evaluation includes a document review. In the document review, faculty members comprehensively check the expertise and career plan, the condition of cultural adaptation prerequisite for studying*, and the financial situation* for each desired Research Area. *Does not affect pass/fail determination.

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. In addition, it is expected that you have acquired the basic knowledge, skills, and ideas necessary to conduct research.