Master's Program in Biological Sciences Course
See Also→ Department of Biological Science [Master's Course]
Molecular, individual, and population viewpoints are vital for understanding various life phenomena. This program provides education and research on phenomena at the levels of genes, molecules, cells, individuals, populations and communities, with the aim of fostering research which is rich in creativity and has a broad perspective. Each course aims to construct a unique specialty by integrating multiple research fields that mutually complement each other. Highly advanced education and research on biology are carried out in both courses as the basis of natural science, while being oriented to the transition to interdisciplinary research which exists in the methodologies common to both courses. This program is expected to nurture a balance between micro and macro phenomena as well as advance the scientific discipline of biology, and so maintains its original specialty. The Molecular and Cell Biology Course places emphasis on education and research which analyzes life phenomena at the molecular and cellular levels. The Individual and Population Biology Course focuses on education and research which analyzes life phenomena at the individual and population levels.
Introduction of Department
In terms of the objects of study, Biology today is developing in two directions: one is from the cell to organic molecules and the other from an individual organism to an ecological population and a global environment. The divergence of analytical means and procedures between the two objects continues to grow. However, there are still many points at which researchers in different fields of Biology meet on common ground in order to open up new fields through interdisciplinary approach.
Considering these types of progress and features of modern Biology, we offer two courses in our Department: one is the course of Molecular and Cellular Biology and the other Integrative Biology. We are convinced that a highly individual and professional process of education will be produced through the mutual interactions of these different fields of Biology.
Educational Philosophy
Revolutionary technological advances in molecular and cell biology have provided a greater understanding of the structure of genes and their various mechanisms, as well as an understanding of genomes. This in turn has led to new insights into the structures and functions of cells, and development and behavior of individual organisms.
At the same time, there is an increasing demand for efforts targeting issues deeply related to the biological sciences, for example relating to the environment, biotechnology, and "bioethics."
The Department of Biological Science at Nara Women's University provides students with the basic concepts, knowledge, and experimental methods required to understand various biological phenomena in the context of these rapid developments. At the same time, we will provide guidance throughout the process of research in individual themes, ensuring that the student acquires the ability to seek out themes, select research methods, analyze data, and discuss the results in a logical scientific framework.
Expectations of Students
The Department of Biological Sciences expects potential students to have a fundamental knowledge of biology and basic skills in reading and writing English. Equally important, however, is a strong desire and enthusiasm to gain a better understanding of various forms of living organisms, and to unravel the riddles of life.
Faculty and Research
In this Unit, we study fundamental life processes at molecular and cellular levels to elucidate how the collective behavior of biomolecules and cells contributes to the characteristics of living organisms. Our research interests include: cell-cell interactions and sexual reproduction, genome structure and dimorphism, biomembrane biogenesis and transport, evolution of developmental complexities, plant-microbe interactions and nitrogen fixation, and molecular phylogeny and classification. These subjects are investigated using bacteria, yeasts, algae, and protists, applying a broad range of techniques, such as molecular biology, biochemistry, cell biology, genomics, cell imaging, and electron microscopy.
Molecular and Cellular Biology
In this Unit, we study the mechanisms by which living organisms work, and examine them at molecular, cellular, and whole-organism levels. Our research interests include: mammalian reproduction, cancer formation, photoreception, plant morphogenesis, proliferation and differentiation of plant organelles, water transport in plants, and animal behavior. These subjects are investigated by employing many approaches, such as molecular biology, molecular genetics, physiology, morphology, and behavioral biology.
Plant Physiology
In this Unit, we study the mechanisms by which living organisms work, and examine them at molecular, cellular, aOur ecological research within this unit is diverse. Our areas of research activities include: animal ecology, aquatic ecology, behavioral ecology, conservation biology, limnology, and plant biology. We adopt three approaches: field studies, laboratory studies, and theoretical studies, to explore both basic and applied ecological issues.
