8 research fields

Taxonomy & Evolution

Organisms have evolved for over three hundred million years since the birth of life, and they have formed the modern-day divesity of "trees of life". In this field, we will explore the evolutionary principles that generate diversity at the level of molecules, cells, individuals, and taxonomic groups. We will cultivate the ability to study biological phenomena by promoting an understanding of the phylogenetic evolution of living organisms.

Ecology

We investigate the fundamental aspects of ecology while scaling up from physiology, behavior, population dynamics, community dynamics, to material circulation including abiotic factors. Furthermore, we tackle current ecological proprems (e.g., the reduction of biodiversity and the progress of global warming) based on our applied researches for conservation of forest and coastal ecosystems.

Plant development & physiology

photosynthetic organisms possess a unique biological systems. We aim to understand how photosynthetic organims grow and reproduce offspring, and how diverse the structure of plant tissues is. In this field, we focus on physiological phenomena (such as photosynthesis regulation, flowering induction, and environmental response etc) and aim to lead to useful materials and molecular breeding.

Animal development & physiology

Developmental biology and animal physiology are one of advanced research fields in current biology, and a new academic field that integrates molecular biology, genetics, and neurobiology are being formed. In this field, we promote diverse research and education at molecular and cellular levels using Drosophila, Sea squirt, C. elegans, Newt and Mouse.

Molecular cell biology

This field focus on the structure and function of cells, which is the basic unit of life. We use divese organims including protists, plants and animals, and conduct fundamental reseach on acquisition, regulation, and failure of cell function. We aim to cultivate researchers who have an ability to explore the universal biological activity and fundamental molecular pathology in cells as well as individuals.

Genome informatics

This field aims to understand the university and diversity of biological phenomenone in "tree of life" based on the genomic information. We investigate mechanisms of gene heredity and gene expression at the molecular, cell, and individual levels.

Advanced cell biology

We will conduct educational research on cell biology that is being developed with full use of advanced technologies and also applied to medicine, engineering, and agriculture. Collaboration with research institutes with high standards such as RIKEN, AIST, NIAS, NIID, and Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, etc. Researchers belonging to these institutions will be in charge of graduate students.

Advanced molecular biology

We will conduct educational research on molecular biology that is being developed with full use of advanced technologies and also applied to medicine, engineering, and agriculture. Collaboration with research institutes with high standards such as RIKEN, AIST, NIAS, NIID, and Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, etc. Researchers belonging to these institutions will be in charge of graduate students.

Other courses, programs

Double Degree Program (DDP)

Using the overseas bases of University of Tsukuba, our degree program has established a double degree program with College of Life Sciences, National Taiwan University. The purpose of this DDP is to enhance students’ adaptation to international social environment and to provide a broader academic education. DDP applicants will work on their master’s research in University of Tsukuba for two semesters and in National Taiwan University for two semesters. Upon submitting their master’s thesis to both universities and passing the final defense, students will be awarded a “Master of Science” degree from both University of Tsukuba and National Taiwan University. *After admission, applicants must pass the selection process (English score and interview) within the program.

Certificate Program in Science Communication

The purpose of this academic certificate program is to foster excellent communication skills and to develop an interdisciplinary perspective. Good communication skills are useful in a variety of areas, such as finding a job, obtaining grants, and presenting research achievement. This certificate program consists of six credits and is offered concurrently with master’s or doctoral studies. Upon completion, students receive Certificate in Science Communication, in addition to their master’s or doctoral degree (website link)