The specialized study areas in this department are molecular biology, botanical resources, molecular functions and applied biochemistry. Students move on to acquire technological skills through hands-on experience with experiments and laboratory work. The educational approach here is offered in a small-class environment for the purposes of practical learning and research. The five targets for students of this department are social understanding, basic mathematical skills, advanced specialized knowledge, communication ability and problem solving ability. To reach these targets, we assist our students in acquiring the practical skills necessary to grow as individuals who can play an active role in the society of the future.

Characteristics of the Department

Offering intensive small-class education with great instructor diversity

This department provides personalized small-class education with a ratio of one instructor to two students each year, in order to provide instruction suitable for individual students. Approximately one-third of the instructors can draw on their work experience in private companies, and therefore offer a more practical learning environment through real-life perspectives they have acquired.

Providing excellent support for experiments and laboratory work with cutting-edge laboratory equipment and affiliated facilities

This department is equipped with the latest experimental technology, including a gene analysis device and facilities in natural surroundings. The affiliated Research Center for Bioresources Development has an administration/research building, conservatory, plant field and rice paddy in its extensive grounds to provide easy access to field experience.

Promoting research to showcase to the world

Basic research related to food, pharmaceuticals, the environment and botanical resources is conducted in this department with the aim of introducing its achievements to the world. It especially promotes research that involves local collaborations combining use of its own advanced knowledge and characteristics of Fukui, in order to contribute to the revitalization of Fukui.

All alumni of this department can acquire certification recognizing them as trained engineers.

Internationally certified education program

As the educational program in this department has been accredited by JABEE (Japan Accreditation Board for Engineering Education), all graduates acquire certification recognizing them as trained engineers. JABEE-certified students receive an exemption for the first stage of the Professional Engineer examination.

JABEE is a non-government organization that provides evaluation of educational institutions, including universities, which conduct engineering education, to accredit them to a socially and internationally accepted standard, in a professional, neutral and fair manner as a third party institution. As it is also a signatory to the Washington Accord, the JABEE certification guarantees the quality of education our graduates have received and completed.

Qualifications offered through this department

• High School Teaching License (1st Class Category, Science/Agriculture) *Acquirable through completion of a teacher-training course.
• Trained Engineer *Certified by JABEE (Japan Accreditation Board for Engineering Education) and obtained at the time of graduation

Qualification for food sanitation supervisors and food sanitation inspectors (Eligibility)
*Employers refer to possession of the qualification and allocate positions as needed.

Four-Year Curriculum of the Department of Bioscience

First Year
Study of the basics of biology and chemistry

The first-year curriculum of this department covers a wide range of general subjects. Science subjects, well-developed as an introductory program, are offered to forge a deeper understanding of the basic principles of biology and chemistry.

Second Year
Acquisition of practical skills through laboratory work and hands-on training

During their second and third years of study, students conduct experiments and practical exercises in the fields of biology, chemistry, microbiology, food biochemistry, biophysical chemistry, molecular biology, plant resources and environmental science, in order to foster their practical skills. They are given opportunities to visit research institutions inside and outside the prefecture to learn about their roles within the prefectural administration and the details of research and production facilities within the private sector.

Third Year
Strengthening of practical skills and preparation for graduation thesis

Students acquire further practical skills through specialized laboratory work and practical exercises. A wide variety of specialized subjects are offered in preparation for work on a graduation thesis.

Fourth Year
Graduation thesis

Students work throughout this year on a graduation thesis based on their chosen theme. The method of instruction for this important work is one-to-one tutorials with their instructor.