Our degree offers a broad education in fundamental and applied aspects of the biological sciences.  On this page you can find a list of courses available in English. 

 

Foundation-level Courses

Foundation level courses help students develop a broad view of biological sciences, allowing them to explore new subjects.

Introduction to Systematics and Evolutionary Bio (EB11151, FallC, Tue / Wed 2)

Outlines the phylogeny and evolution of living organisms, which are the basis of biology, along with textbooks. This lecture deals with the evolutionary mechanisms that created biological diversity, and the taxonomy of the entire biological world, in relation to the underlying phylogenetic tree and changes in the global environment. You will also learn about the history of evolutionary science and taxonomy and the international rules on taxonomy.

Introduction to Genetics (EB11351, FallC, Mon 1,2)

How the characters are inherited from parents to offspring? What kind of molecules are responsible for the mechanism of heredity? In this course we learn the genetic basis of life: sexual life cycles and meiosis, Mendelian genetics, linkage and chromosomes, nucleic acids and inheritance, expression of genes, control of gene expression, DNA technology, and the evolution of genomes.

Introduction to Ecology (EB11651, FallAB, Wed 5)

Explain basic knowledge of ecology.

Introduction to Animal Physiology (EB11751, SprAB, Wed 3)

Animals are living on Earth by adapting themselves to various environmental conditions well. It sometimes goes far beyond our common sense. In this course, we learn how living animals overcome difficulties which they encounter in changing environment and how they keep their activity and metabolism to survive in such environment. At first, focusing on issues concerning foods, body temperature, respiration, circulation, osmoregulation and excretion, we learn basic principles and diversity of mechanisms which animals evolved to solve these issues. Next, we learn the endocrine system and the nervous system both of which coordinately regulate animal behavior. We further go onto the mechanisms underlying alternation of generations (reproduction and development) and a defense mechanism (immune system) in animals.

Introduction to Plant Physiology (EB11851, SprAB, Thu 4)

This lecture describes the fundamentals of plant physiology, focusing on major physiological responses and their controling factors in plants that cause various physiological responses by various environmental stimulus.

Fundamental Biology Lab I (EB10063, SprC, Intensive)

The goal of this course is to develop the ability to observe life phenomena from a natural scientific point of view and to develop basic skills in experimental science. Basic experiments are conducted to observe the basic morphology and dynamic functions of living organisms and to understand the characteristics of their structures and constituent molecules.

Fundamental Biology Lab II (EB10073, SprC, Intensive)

The goal of this course is to develop the ability to observe life phenomena from a natural scientific point of view and to develop basic skills in experimental science. Basic experiments are conducted to observe the basic morphology and dynamic functions of living organisms and to understand the characteristics of their structures and constituent molecules.

Transferable Skills

These courses aim to develop students core skills essential to study at higher levels.

Statistics (EG02031, FallC, Tue 2, Fri 1)

This course introduces students to data distributions and parametric statistical techniques common in the biological sciences.  Students will develop a practical understanding of data presentation and interpretation techniques.

Technical English AI (EB12512, Spr AB, Wed 4)

This course encourages students to take a more active and assertive approach to their studies and provides an opportunity to develop practical skills in information searching and oral presentation.

Technical English AII (EB, FallAB, Wed 4)

Students take a groupwork approach to analyzing and understanding the stucture of scientific papera.

Technical English BI (EB, SprAB, Wed 4)

Students will write a scientific manuscript based upon a provided dataset and protocol.

Technical English BII (EB, FallAB, Wed 4)

In this course, students will learn the key skills reuquired to give a scientific presentation.

Science Communication I (EB13114, FallAB, Thu 2)

Starting from the discussion; what is science, students will learn and discuss about what is a scientific method and what scientific communication is effective to fulfill the role of science in society. Through active class discussions and practical assignments, students will consider the relationship between science and society, and how science is communicated with the public.

Science Communication II (EB13124, SprAB, Thu 2)

This course will explore informal learning environments and their importance for science communication. We will discuss the merits and pitfalls of some new media formats for communicators and researchers to share their science.

Major Courses

Major courses allow students to explore a range of topics in biology at a deeper level, helping students decide the field for their research year.

Animal Systematics (EB50171)

Students will learn the methodology to understand the diversity of multicellular animals from the viewpoint of evolutionary biology. In particular, learn in detail the origin of the metazoans, the evolution of the diploblasts, mollusks, echinoderms, and chordates, and learn how to reconstruct the evolutionary history by comparing modern animals.

Plant Taxonomy (EB50211; Spring AB Fri2)

Diversity, classification, morphology, ultrastructure, life history and phylogeny  of non-green algae — glaucophytes, rhodophytes, cryptophytes, chlorarachniophytes, euglenophytes, dinoflagellates, haptophytes, and stramenopiles.

Plant Taxonomy II (EB50221; Fall AB, Fri2)

Diversity, classification, morphology, ultrastructure, life history and phylogeny  of green plants, including chlorophytes and land plants..

Protistology (EB59101; Fall C, Fri 2,3)

Topics in protistology. Cellular evolution, cell biology, sex and reproduction, phylogeny and ecology of protists will be the subjects of this lecture.

Vertebrate Morphology (EB59141; Fall C, Thu 4,5)

The morphology of various vertebrates is compared and its evolutionary biological background is explained. In particular, the ancestors of vertebrates, diversity of jawless fish, fin morphology of teleosts, morphological evolution associated with terrestrialization, diversity of mammals, and evolution of marine mammals are explained from a comparative morphological viewpoint

Vertebrate Evolution (EB59151; Fall AB, Mon 3)

This course looks at the major transitions during vertebrate evolution, particularly focussing on the transition between water and land, and the adaptations which facilitated that transition.  The diversification of animal life on land, and the subsequent return of some groups to water will be studied.  This course will have a strong evolutionary biology focus.

Programming I (EB60014; Fall AB, Thu 1)

In this lecture, students learn programing techniques for manipulating a variety of data. They will also learn simulation techniques with individual-based models. The programming language used is Ruby.

Genome Biology I (EB62011; Spr AB, Tue 1)

Lectures will cover basic knowledge on the structure and function of the genome, as well as technologies for DNA and genome analyses.

Molecular Evolution (EB63111; Spr AB, Mon 2)

Molecular evolution is a research field that aims to elucidate the evolution of organisms based on information macromolecules such as DNA and proteins. In this lecture, the basic concepts of molecular evolution and the basics of molecular phylogenetic methods will be explained.

Evolutionary Developmental Biology (EB63141; Fall C, Wed 4,5)

This course will focus on how molecular evolution of the genome and evolution of the morphology are related. After learned about several kinds of molecular evolutionary processes, students will learn how the genome construct the 3D morphology during embryogenesis. Combining what they learned about molecular evolution and developmental biology, students will learn several topics where the morphological evolution is linked with the molecular evolution of genome.

Biometry II (EB64021; Fall AB, Fri 3)

This lecture introduces the dark side of statistics.  Starting with  randomization techniques, students learn relationships among different domains of statistical ideas: parametric, nonparametric, null hypothesis significance testing, information-theoretic methods, and the Bayesian methods.

Theoretical Ecology (EB64111; Spr AB, Thu 1)

This course illustrates theoretical aspects of ecology with examples of laboratory experiments to connect mathematical expressions with ecological phenomena in nature.

Cell Biology III (EB71931; Fall AB, Thu 3)

Proteins are in a dynamic state, which is regulated by protein synthesis and degradation pathways. 
Each protein is degraded in a degree of selectivity, and its regulation is essential for the cell homeostasis and viability.
In this class, we will learn the latest findings on the molecular mechanism of selective protein degradation and its physiological importance.

Developmental Biology II (EB72121; Fall AB, Tue 3)

A goal of this course is to understand several important topics about animal developmental biology. Lectures in this course particularly focus on sex determination, gametogenesis, metamorphosis, axis specification, neural development, and diseases.

Marine Biology I (EB72911; Spr AB, Wed 3)

Lecture will give you several topics on physical, chemical and biological properties of ocean to understand the physiology,  reproduction, development, biodiversity and ecology of marine invertebrates and fish. This class will especially focus on the following aspects of marine life:  life cycle, locomotion, sensory reception, biomineralization, biogeochemical distribution, photosynthesis, respiration, calcification, nitrogen fixation and the impact of climate change. We will give examples of marine organisms under planktonic and benthic conditions and coral reef. The history and present situation of marine biology research will be also included.

Marine Biology II (EB72921; Fall AB, Wed 3)

Lecture will provide several topics on marine organisms, including fertilization, cilia and flagella, gene-manupulation, development, self-non-self recognition, evolution, animal behavior, population ecology and marine environment. The teaching staff of Shimoda Marine Research Center will tell you about recent progress of their own research.

Plant Physiology I (EB74111; Spr AB, Fri 1)

In this lecture, the relationship between various physiological phenomena and the environmental factors in the life history of higher plant will be overviewed for the understanding from the viewpoint at whole plant to cell levels with adding the latest molecular biological findings.

Plant Physiology II (EB74131; Fall AB, Fri 1)

This lecture introduces several important topics for your further understanding of plant physiology, which includes recent advances in the research of vegetative and reproductive development, and symbiosis with microorganisms in higher plants.

Metabolic and Physiological Chemistry I (EB74211; Spr AB, Thu 1)

The main topics for this course will be photosynthetic energy conversion, primary and secondary carbon metabolism including C3, C4 and CAM metabolisms, photorespiration, and mitochondrial respiration.

Metabolic and Physiological Chemistry II (EB74221; Fall AB, Thu 1)

This course provides an overview of metabolism, which supports all life activities. In the first part of the course, we will discuss the following four topics; (1) Catabolism and Anabolism, (2) Energy conversion, (3) Nutrient transport and Assimilation, (4) Regulation of metabolic pathways. At the latter part, we will explore the environmental regulation of photosynthesis (light response, CO2 response) with the goal of understanding plant adaptations to different environments. We are welcome the students who did not take Metabolic Biochemistry Course I.

Chemical Ecology (EB82131; Fall AB, Fri 4)

This lecture introduces chemical aspects of relationships between individual insects, animals, plants and microorganisms of the same (pheromone) or different (allelochemicals) species.

Plant Biotechnology (EB83141; Spr C, Intensive)

Lectures will cover topics on plant biotechnology including control of flowering time, circadian rhuythms, photoperiodic responses, organ size and responses to environmental stresses.

Biotechnology Literacy (EB83161; Spr C, Intensive)

Topics covering ethical, legal and social issues in life & environmental sciences.

Lab and field courses

Practical work is an essential component of your training in biology.  We offer a range of lab-based and field courses aimed at developing your skills as a biologist.

Laboratory and Field Studies in Marine Biology (EB16013; Spr Vac; Shimoda Marine Research Center)

This course aims to understand biodiversity through the collection of coastal and planktonic marine organisms and  observation of their body plan and development.

Laboratory and Field Studies in Biology (EB16063; Spr Vac; Sugadaira Research Center)

The aim of this course, through animal tracking, bird watching, collecting insects, is to provide genuine experience of the qualities of nature and wild animals in snowy areas.

Laboratory and Field Studies in Fungi Taxonomy (EB16263; Sum Vac; Sugadaira Research Center)

Search for fungi and pseudofungi in the field, feel their vast diversity, and learn the bases of phylogenetic classification to  understand them systematically. For macro-fungi such as mushrooms, lichens, slime molds, etc., students will acquire the techniques for field collection, classification and identification by microscopic observation. For micro-fungi such as molds, yeasts, and aquatic fungi, students will acquire the techniques for field sampling and their culture.

Laboratory and Field Studies in Marine Ecology (EB16313; Spr Vac; Shimoda Marine Research Center)

Learn the basics of field survey and data analysis method for marine ecology. Field survey are conducted on various environments such as rocky reef and offshore water to study the inter- and intraspecific interactions and environment-organisms relationship.

Laboratory and Field Studies in Biodiversity (EB16363; Sum Vac; Sugadaira Research Center)

There exist markedly various types of forests in natural fields. How do these various forests establish, change and function? In this field course, students walk into various natural forests, each of which is dominated by Pinus, Quercus and Fagus, at different successional stages. They first learn how to identify 40 tree species that represent Japanese cool temperate. They then measure diversity of vascular plants; measure density, diameter and height of seedlings and mature trees; and observe forest canopy by rope climbing. They summerise data to understand how each forest functions and will regenerate. Through these activities, students deepen dynamics of each forest under the background of nation-wide historical vegetative change ongoing in Japan.

Laboratory in Marine Animal Embryology (EB16413; SprC; Shimoda Marine Research Center)

Using marine invertebrate chordate ascidians, we will examine cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying animal development. Molecular and genetic methods to investigate mechanisms of development will also be instructed.

Animal Systematics Laboratory (EB50153; Spr B; Mon/Tue 4-6)

In this course you learn about comparative anatomy of echinoderms (sea urchin, starfish and sea cucumber), molluscs (bivalves, gastropods, and cephalopods), and vertebrates (lamprey, hagfish, turtles). You also observe embryogenesis for some species to learn evolution of larval forms. In addition, you learn basic statistics in taxonomy.

Plant Systematics Laboratory (EB50263; Spr B; Thu/Fri 4-6)

Collecting, observing, identifying and culturing unicellular freshwater protists (algae and protozoa). Students will use light and electron microscopes and a few basic molecular techniques.

Laboratory and Field Studies in Highland Ecology (EB51353; Fall A; Sugadaira)

Many of plants and animals on the verge of extinction in Japan had originally spread from the continent during the glacial period and survived in limited number of refugia throughout the post-glacial period. Through the quantitative examination of these biota in semi-natural grasslands, the students will learn: (1) how to collect, sample, and roughly classify flower-visiting insects, (2) characteristic patterns of association between plants and insects, and (3) biological diversity of communities maintained by interactions among humans, flowers, and insects, through engaging activities for conservation of wildflowers as well as the examination of impacts of mowing on biodiversity.

Laboratory and Field Studies in Biodiversity of Model Organism (EB59053; Spr C; Intensive)

Much of modern biology’s research is supported by what are called “model organisms,” such as yeast, drosophila, arabidopsis, and mites. In this exercise, we will spend time outdoors and look for a variety of related species of model organisms. This will help us discover the natural ecosystem that has evolved the intriguing life phenomenon and its relationship to various organisms.

Laboratory and Field Studies in Ecology [Terrestrial] (EB64153; Fall AB; Intensive)

Students learn theoretical thinking in the field in Japan by comparing results of field experiments and observation with those generated by computer simulations.

Molecular Biology Laboratory (EB71153; Spr A; Thu/Fri 4-6)

Learn experimental techniques for molecular cell biology, such as gene knockdown experiments using nematodes by feeding RNAi method, gene expression analysis using mouse embryo and stress response analysis of cells.

Developmental Biology Laboratory (EB50153; Spr A; Mon/Tue 4-6)

Using a typical model organism, Drosophila melanogaster, we deepen the understanding of the functions of genes that control developmental processes and techniques for pursuing them. Mainly, we conduct in situ hybridization and immunohistochemical staining to examine the spatio-temporal expression pattern of genes and the localization of proteins in the ovaries and early embryos, In addition, we observe what kind of abnormalities occur due to the inhibition of the function of genes required for development, and discuss the relationship between genes and development.

Plant Physiology Laboratory (EB74163; Fall A; Mon/Tue 4-6)

This course aims to provide an understanding of the roles of hormones, proteins, polysaccharides and genes in plant development and functions. It also covers basic laboratory skills for plant physiology and moelcular biology.

Metabolic and Physiological Chemistry Laboratory (EB74273; Fall A; Thu/Fri 4-6)

Experimental measurements of gas metabolism in photosynthesis, photorespiration and respiration, and glycolate metabolism by microlagae. Mechanisms for acclimation to CO2 stress, N-limitation and P-limitation at molecular level in microlagae. Analysis of the function of selenium in marine coccolithophorids using radioactive Se-125.