S u b j e c t

I n t r o d u c t i o n Features of the Faculty of Science

Faculty of Science

With a base in basic research to explain nature and investigate the unknown, the Faculty of Science is trying to make 21st-century peace and an enriched environment by enquiring into the truths of the natural world. Through the education outlined below, the faculty will train individuals who can be proud of both their studies and their character development. 1 Cultivation of the basic learning for natural sciences through Fundamentals of Science (Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Geology). 2 Enhancement of expertise in all elds of science through a systematic and graded lesson system, and cultivation of the capacity for an integrated comprehension of knowledge. 3 Acquisition of the basics of information science and the ability to apply it. 4 Cultivation of a viewpoint of international exchange, through the development of expressiveness and basic communication ability. 5 Study of the scientists ethics from a specialist viewpoint with a subject entitled Science, Technology and Society. 6 Cultivation of the ability to resolve problems by researching issues. 7 Participation in internships focusing on cooperation with society.

Who We Seek
Individuals with an interest in mathematics and science Individuals who are aiming for an occupation that makes use of the natural sciences Individuals who study not only mathematics and science, but also humanities Individuals with a constant desire for improvement Individuals with strong individuality who can express their ideas assertively In addition to the above, each department seeks students who are a match for its own educational philosophy and objectives.

Research Themes
The Faculty of Science offers you the chance to learn about the following:
Department of Mathematics Study Geometry to investigate shapes, Analysis to investigate the infinite, Statistics to understand information, various optimizations, and the nature and application of whole numbers, etc. Department of Physics Study the properties and structure of matter, research relating to the creation of new matter, research into the origin and organization of matter in space, etc. Department of Chemistry Study Nuclear/Radiochemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Condensed Matter Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Biochemistry, Quantum Chemistry, Green/Sustainable Chemistry, etc. Department of Biology Study the foundations for life sciences that lead to all applied sciences, Medicine/Pharmacy/Agriculture, with a good balance between animals/plants/molecules. Department of Geology Study rocks (igneous/metamorphic/sedimentary), minerals, strata, fossils, geologic folds, faults and active faults, the history of the globe and environmental change, extinct plants and animals, the nature of the ground and research into the movement of earthquakes, etc. Department of Environmental Science Study understanding the circulation of matter and tracking changes in matter in the geosphere, atmosphere and biosphere, the creation of biodiversity and mechanisms to preserve it, the basic principles of matter/energy conversion, etc.

Student Voices

Supporting the mutual prosperity of mankind and nature

Department of Physics

The pursuit of intellectual interest as pure science Contributing to the resolution of social challenges Cultivating an abundance of knowledge about nature.

Hiroto Suwabe
from Miyagi Prefecture

Department of Geology

Ikumi Natsui

from Niigata Prefecture

Philosophy
The Faculty of Science will equip students with a broad outlook and an in-depth education, along with a rich sense of humanity and a high sense of ethics, and will train internationally and socially competent individuals with the ability to investigate challenges and make comprehensive decisions. The Faculty of Science will train individuals who can leverage basic science to make a contribution to regional and global society in the elds of industry and education. The Faculty of Science will train individuals who will inherit the traditions of basic science and shoulder the burden for its future development.

What is your dream? I have always been interested in space, and dreamed of becoming a researcher, so I joined the Department of Physics. Physics carefully investigates the worlds universal problems to find the truths hidden within. I am now studying those methods. Everyone studies diligently at the Department of Physics, and many students join study groups, which makes for natural motivation, so I can concentrate on my studies. The atmosphere is one where we all encourage each other to move towards our dreams as we build character by working hard. I think this is the biggest appeal of the Department of Physics. When I was assigned to a laboratory, I chose Astrophysics, so I hope to get a little closer to my dream. I believe this place has the power to make dreams more than just dreams, so Ill ask you again: What is your dream?

I became interested in geology and transferred to Niigata Universitys Department of Geology from junior college. A feature of the department is its focus on fieldwork; students carry out many field surveys over the period until they become 3rd-year students. Initially I was a bit bewildered because I had never done it before, but the teachers and TAs were very kind and showed me what to do. Eventually, I will be able to acquire the basics of doing a geological survey. The Department of Geology has only a few members, so you can get to know the teachers and older students well. You can build strong relationships with classmates, seniors/juniors and professors, so I think you can enjoy a fulfilling university lifestyle.

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Department of Mathematics
Steady support for 21st century science
The essence of natural and social phenomena is described with mathematics. The Department of Mathematics trains individuals who have acquired the mathematical mindset and a high capacity for information-processing, and who have the ability to think f lexibly that enables those features to be applied to a variety of elds.
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Department of Biology
Tackling the mysteries of the living world
Education at the Department of Biology involves research at the molecular/ cellular/organism levels concerning the various life phenomena of plants and animals, and covers from the basics of life sciences to the latest expertise. The 4th-year research assignment (graduation research) is a compulsor y subject, and students are able to receive one-on-one guidance after being assigned to their various laboratories. A presentation of the research is held in February the following year, and the entire curriculum, including its plentiful coursework (right-hand photo), is assembled with this objective in mind.
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Nihonkai Mathematical Journal

Fluorescence Activated Cell SorterFACS

The Department of Mathematics publishes the Nihonkai Mathematical Journal, a specialized mathematics magazine in English, in which the latest research results from national and international researchers are published. It is exchanged with other specialized mathematics magazines published nationally and internationally, and is highly regarded.

The f luorescence - activated cell sor ter is a device that can instantaneously analyze and isolate the f luorescence pattern and intensity, and cell size and internal structure complexity of individual cells marked with laser light. The device in the photo is shared inside the Department of Biology, and its ability to analyze a maximum of 70,000 cells in one second makes it useful in cell biology research.

Department of Physics
Tackling the mysteries of nature
Ele c t r o m a g n e t i s m , q u a nt u m m e ch a n ic s , statistical mechanics - why not try acquiring the basic knowledge and mindset for physics, which supports modern science and technology, and spreading your wings in the fields of advanced industry, or research or scientic education at a university or research institute?
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Department of Geology
Join us at the frontier of Earth exploration!
Under the objective of Producing students who can do fieldwork, education at the Department of Geology involves the acquisition of techniques for practical outdoor geological surveys and using those as a basis to pursue the mysteries of the Earth from rocks, minerals, strata, fossils and faults. Give geology a try, and experience the excitement of the moment you understand the structure and history of the earth based on observations you have made yourself!
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Student Experiment

Course choice system

Exper i ment s a re i nd ispensable for i nqu i r i ng i nto t he f u nd a ment al laws that cont rol mat ter and ma k i ng new proper ties of mat ter clear. 3rd-year physics students spend a year carefully engaging in physics experiments as a compulsory subject. The items of equipment in the photos are the scanning electron microscope (left) and vacuum pump (right) located in the Student Experiment Room.

Students entering their 3rd year will elect to choose one of two courses. Both courses have as their foundation the acquisition of capacity in terms of general science and basic geology. The Geology Specialist Course is intended for students who want to study a wide range including natural science, humanities and social science fields. The Geological Engineering Course takes a multifaceted approach to geology. Students in this course will receive accreditation from the Japan Accreditation Board for Engineering Education (JABEE), and on completion of the course, students will be able to apply for the National Qualification of Associate Professional Engineer.

Department of Chemistry
Chemistry clears the way for 21st century dreams
Chemistry investigates the causes for characteristics and reactivity in a wide range extant matter, from the void of space to the inside of the human body, making clear the foundations of the material world, while also aiming for the creation of previously non-existent matter with new features. In particular, the Department of Chemistry is putting its weight behind education and research in the area of Green/ Sustainable Chemistry, which aims for the realization of a sustainable society.
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Department of Environmental Science

The Irreplaceable Earth
Through the acquisition of basic knowledge in Physics, Chemistry, Biology and the earth sciences, and the cultivation of the ability to comprehensively understand natural phenomena from diversified viewpoints, the Department of Environmental Science aims to produce individuals with the broad practical capacity and problem-solving ability that will enable them to tackle environmental problems on a global scale.
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Student Experiment

In addition to lectures, 1st to 3rd-year students carry out a variety of chemistry experiments as part of their practical coursework. In addition to the techniques for experiments, students can acquire the ability to construct logical sentences and examine reference documents through report writing.

Observing acidication of the atmosphere and snowfalls at the Mt. Yahiko environmental observatory

At Niigata Universitys Science Facultys Mt. Yahiko environmental observatory, an investigation is being carried out, by collecting aerosols with a highvolume air sampler and analyzing them, to nd out what kind of chemical components are arriving in Niigata, and by what route. Furthermore, there are also plans to install devices that measure wind direction and speed in order to investigate weather trends and the causes of weather hazards in the Niigata region.
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