Foundation of Biology

Basic concepts in microbiology, plant biology and animal biology will be introduced as a team-taught course. There will be strong emphasis on text book reading and assignment work. The course assumes preliminary knowledge equivalent to high school biology.
 

Introduction to Biology

To learn about the fundamental properties of life. Living organisms and non-living ones, the cell as the fundamental unit of life, reproduction and development, biological regulation and response to the environments. The content of lecture is not premised on the completion of high school biology.
 

Laboratory in Foundation of Biology

Various basic experiments on life phenomenon. Microscopic observation, Field observation and various experiments on plant and animal structure, function or behaviour.
 

Foundation of Biochemistry

To study chemical basis of life. Introduction to the chemical nature and biological properties of low-molecular-weight substances and biopolymers as well as the biochemistry of basic cellular metabolism.
 

Basic Concepts in Cell Biology

The basic components of the cell are presented, including the plasma membrane, mitochondria, chloroplasts, the nucleus and the endomembrane system. There is a strong emphasis on function. Prerequisite: FOUNDATION OF BIOLOGY or INTRODUCTION TO BIOLOGY.
 

Basic Concepts in Genetics

Genes are the basic replicating feature of living organisms. Already there is a substantial amount known about genes and complex mechanisms by which genetic information is expressed and regulated. During the development of the field of Molecular Biology, the techniques for examining the fine structure ofgenetic elements (genes) have established. Such techniques are now helping us gaining a clear understanding of life.
 

Biostatistics

Study of the basic concepts of biostatistics and the fundamental statistical methods used to analyze experimental data.
 

Ecology

General and basic concepts (theories) and methods of ecological studies.
 

Basic Concepts in Animal Developmental Biology

Basic process and mechanism of development including growth, differentiation and morphogenesis in animals. Genetic basis of development in animals is also presented.
 

Basic Concepts in Plant Physiology

Basic concepts of plant physiology, especially focusing on photosynthesis and plant growth and development. Recommended to be taken after INTRODUCTION TO BIOLOGY or FOUNDATION OF BIOLOGY.
 

Field Study in Biology

Through field observations in the field, or obserevation and drawing using microscope in laboratory, classifications, anatomy and ecological relations of plants, animals and insects are studied. (Preregistration in Spring term; field work in Summer recess; official registration is done in Autumn term by staff.)
 

Laboratory in Biology

Fundamental experiments on biological materials using basic techniques for biochemical experiments. Prerequisite: LABORATORY IN FOUNDATION OF BIOLOGY.
 

Marine Field Study

Through observations and experiments in the field, classification of marine invertebrates and fish, and their morphology, development and ecology are to be studied.(Preregistration in spring term; field work in summer recess; official registration is done in autumn term by staff.)
 

Biochemistry I

Bioenergetics, metabolism and the biosynthesis of carbohydrates and lipids. Recommended to be taken after BASIC CONCEPTS IN BIOCHEMISTRY.
 

Biochemistry II

Nitrogen cycle in the biosphere, biological nitrogen fixation, biosynthesis and catabolism of amino acids, proteins, nucleic acids, porphyrins, etc. Recommended to be taken afterBASIC CONCEPTS OF BIOCHEMISTRY.
 

Biotechnology

Basic and application methods of Biotechnology from the molecular biological approach.
 

Cell Dynamics

The course covers the cytoskeleton and cell division. There is an emphasis on the dynamics of intracellular movement such as the distribution of organelles during cell growth and chromosome movement during cell division. In addition, the cytoskeletal basis of whole cell movement is discussed. Prerequisites: FOUNDATION OF BIOLOGY and BASIC CONCEPTS IN CELL BIOLOGY.
 

Animal Development and Evolution

Cellular and molecular mechanisms of morphogenesis and pattern formation in animal development, and evolutionary aspects.
 

Animal Physiology I

Animal structure and function, digestive system, respiratory system, osmoregulation, excretory system, endocrine system, and reproduction.
 

Animal Physiology II

Nervous system, sensory system, motor system, and defense system. Recommended to be taken after Animal Physiology I.
 

Neurobiology

Basic cell physiology focusing on the physiological properties of the cell membrane and the physiology of the neuron.
 

Animal Biology

Living organisms show diversity from body structure to behavior. To understand the diversity, "symbiotic relationship" is a key concept. This course deals with diverse invertebrate body structure, endocrine control or related life history from the view point of symbiotic relationship. Recommended to be taken after FOUNDATION OF BIOLOGY or INTRODUCTION TO BIOLOGY.
 

Microbiology

Principles of evolution can provide an overarching theme to the course. The cellular structures, metabolic pathways, regulatory signals, and genetic exchange mechanisms exhibited by microorganisms at present are the products of natural selection. In addition, evolutionary processes can be observed in the microbial world today, in cases such as antibiotic resistance, xenobiotic biodegradation, and the coevolution of hosts and pathogens. Recommended to be taken after FOUNDATION OF BIOLOGY, BASIC CONCEPTS IN BIOCHEMISTRY and BASIC CONCEPTS IN GENETICS.
 

Plant Development

Development of plant tissue from meristems. Prerequisites: FOUNDATION OF BIOLOGY , BASIC CONCEPTS IN CELL BIOLOGY and CELL DYNAMICS.
 

Plant Physiology

Plant growth and development, and their regulation mechanisms controlled by genes, environmental factors and plant hormones. Recommended to be taken after INTRODUCTION TO BIOLOGY or FOUNDATION OF BIOLOGY.
 

Laboratory in Animal Development

Preparation and observation of tissue samples of animal embryos.Experiments on regulation of animal development.
 

Laboratory in Animal Physiology

Animal dissection and observation of cells.¡¡Basic experiments on cell and animal behavior. Strongly recommended to be taken simultaneously with or after ANIMAL PHYSIOLOGY I.
 

Laboratory in Biochemistry

Experiments on the metabolism of carbohydrates and lipids. Isolation of related enzymes and their reactions. (Preregistration in Autumn term; laboratory work in Autumn recess; official registration is done in Winter term by staff.)
 

Laboratory in Molecular Genetics

Understanding of basic and molecular genetic aspects; Molecular biological experiments of conjugation, transformation, transduction and mutation using microbial systems. Prerequisite : Basic Concepts in Biochemistry, Basic Concepts in Genetics and Basic Concepts in Cell Biology. (Preregistration in Winter term; laboratory work in Spring recess; official registration is done in Spring term by staff)
 

Laboratory in Microbial Genetics

This lab course focuses on the investigative nature of microbiology to promote understanding of various biological systems in microbes, such as responses to environmental changes and stresses, through experiments using microbial cells, bacteriophages, DNA, and essential techniques such as asepsis. Recommended to be taken after : FOUNDATION OF BIOLOGY, BASIC CONCEPTS IN GENETICS, MICROBIOLOGY and LABORATORY IN BIOLOGY.
 

Laboratory in Plant Physiology

Experiments on photosynthesis, water relationships, regulatory mechanisms of plant growth and development, etc. (Preregistration in spring term; fieldwork during Summer recess; official registration is done in Autumn term by staff)
 

Laboratory in Plant Experimental Science

Experiments related to plant symbiosis. Participants will learn axenic culture of legumes and the preparation of rhizobia bacteria for inoculation. Training given for all aspects of experimentation, including aseptic techniques and the safe use of chemicals and instruments. Soil-dwelling rhizobia from local soils and legumes will be isolated and applied to legumes in the axenic system. There is a strong emphasis on controls.
 

Advanced Seminar in Biology I

Independent study of topics of special interest and value to the student in his/her major field. Permission of the instructor(s) is required. Language of instruction differs by section.
 

Advanced Seminar in Biology II

Independent study of topics of special interest and value to the student in his/her major field. Permission of the instructor(s) is required. Language of instruction differs by section.
 

Advanced Seminar in Biology III

Independent study of topics of special interest and value to the student in his/her major field. Permission of the instructor(s) is required. Language of instruction differs by section.
 

Advanced Studies in Biology I

Students will study how biological research is conducted by reading original reseach papers.Language of instruction differs by section.
 

Advanced Studies in Biology II

Students will study how biological research is conducted by reading original reseach papers.Language of instruction differs by section.
 

Advanced Studies in Biology III

Students will study how biological research is conducted by reading original reseach papers.Language of instruction differs by section.
 

Concepts in Chemistry

Origin and occurrence of the chemical elements, atomic structure and the periodic table. Atomic approach to the structure of materials and fundamental properties of inorganic and organic compounds.
 

Introduction to Chemistry

Covers the basic concepts necessary for chemistry which is the study of matter. Knowledge of high school chemistry or advanced mathematics are not required.
 

Senior Thesis

Senior students, under the guidance of an advisor, will select a subject related to their major and prepare a senior thesis. The final product should represent the efforts of one year of sustained and rigorous thinking, research, and writing. Required of all students in their senior year.