Education

Earth-Life Science
Graduate Major

Earth-Life Science: origins, evolution, habitability,
and sustainability of living planets

We will foster students who wish to tackle fundamental questions in natural science such as the origin and evolution of living planets, and solve global issues such as the environment, climate, water, and resources that are essential to our long-term survival. The interdisciplinary and international research capabilities of the Earth and Life Science Institute (ELSI) — a World Premiere International Research Center (WPI) — will benefit the education of graduate students.

Objectives

Become an inter-disciplinary leader capable of transformative breakthroughs rooted in the study of natural systems

In addition to specialized skills in the fields of planetary science, biology, and chemistry, students will develop the following skills: 1) the ability to integrate understanding across different spatial and temporal scales, 2) the ability to tackle global issues facing humanity and complex problems such as the origin of life, including extraterrestrial life, and 3) the communication skills necessary to demonstrate international leadership.
In doctoral dissertation research, students explore and expand frontier research areas relevant to the origin and evolution of planets and life. In addition to working in focus areas that form the bulk of a doctoral thesis, students work across fields and are exposed to knowledge through inter-laboratory internships, internships in the private sector, and those at overseas research institutions, and develop the leadership skills necessary to become global leaders.

Ideal Candidates

Master's Degree Program

  • Those who possess and utilize fundamental knowledge in Earth-Life Science
  • Those who have the ability to understand the earth and planets from the perspective of molecules and life
  • Those who have the ability to identify and set problems, and formulate research plans for complex global issues

Doctoral Degree Program

  • Those who have advanced specialized knowledge in Earth-Life Science
  • Those who have the ability to explore the frontiers of basic science on their own
  • Those who have a deep understanding of issues and solutions in different research fields, as well as the commonalities with their own specialized field and methodology, and have the practical ability to lead fusion research
  • Those who have the ability to exercise international leadership in the field of Earth-Life Science

Competencies Developed

Master's Degree Program

  • The specialized academic skills necessary to gain an understanding of molecules, life, Earth, and the planets
  • The ability to tackle complex problems, develop research plans, and identify and formulate solutions
  • The communication skills necessary for conducting globally acclaimed research

Doctoral Degree Program

  • The ability to see the key components of complex phenomena in the earth and life sciences, frame solutions, and discover and explore new questions
  • The ability to find the boundaries of knowledge in different fields and formulate plans to transcend them
  • To find commonalities with one's own specialized field and methodology, and the ability to lead fusion research across disciplines
  • The broadcasting of internationally visible leadership contributions

Potential Career Paths

  • Technical research at business enterprises, etc.
  • Research and technology development at business enterprises, etc.
  • Education at schools
  • Research and education at universities, etc.

Degree Offered

Department of Earth and Planetary Sciencesouter
Master's Degree Program
Master of Science, Master of Philosophy
Doctoral Degree Program
Doctor of Science, Doctor of Philosophy
Department of Chemical Science and Engineeringouter
Master's Degree Program
Master of Science, Master of Engineering, Master of Philosophy
Doctoral Degree Program
Doctor of Science, Doctor of Engineering, Doctor of Philosophy
Department of Life Science and Technologyouter
Master's Degree Program
Master of Science, Master of Engineering, Master of Philosophy
Doctoral Degree Program
Doctor of Science, Doctor of Engineering, Doctor of Philosophy

Departments with Graduate Major in Earth-Life Science

Earth and Planetary Sciencesouter / Chemical Science and Engineeringouter / Life Science and Technologyouter