About the College of Chemistry
Greeting from the dean
Professor
Welcome to our website.
Chemistry, if expressed in broad terms, is a discipline primarily concerned with the linking of atoms to form bonds. Most “substances” are constituted by the connection of “atoms,” which are made up of atomic nuclei and electrons, through various types of “bonds.” Chemistry seeks to create myriad substances and to elucidate their properties by "understanding the nature of bonds," "exploring how to form various bonds," and "clarifying the interactions between atoms and molecules." The scope of this field extends over a vast range, from atoms and molecules to molecular assemblies such as proteins formed by the aggregation of molecules, and even to solids like metals and semiconductors. The outcomes generated by chemistry serve not only as the fundamental scientific foundation for understanding the laws of nature, but also as a cornerstone in addressing the myriad challenges faced by society. Chemistry can thus be regarded as an indispensable foundational discipline for humankind. At the college of chemistry in the University of Tsukuba, students are afforded the opportunity to study a broad and diverse array of chemistry, primarily focusing on the three core areas: inorganic and analytical chemistry, organic chemistry, and physical chemistry, along with their interdisciplinary fields. While studying chemistry in high school, you may have often pondered, "Why does this occur?" Chemistry at the university level seeks to answer such questions, one by one. By delving deeply into various phenomena surrounding you, your perspective will expand significantly, bringing forth new discoveries and interests that you have yet to encounter. I encourage you to thoroughly enjoy the study of chemistry.
Upon reaching your fourth year, you will be assigned to a research laboratory, where you will begin your journey of actively engaging in research and creating cutting-edge chemistry. Research, the pursuit of an unknown world that no one has yet explored, is the very act through which those who study chemistry contribute to the advancement of humanity. The college of chemistry in the University of Tsukuba provides exceptional support for your research endeavors within one of the world’s premier research environments. I warmly invite you to visit us during open campuses held in the spring and summer.
Lastly, I wish to share my personal thoughts. Chemistry is a fascinating field, and one of the most creative disciplines. As a synthetic chemist, I have been captivated by chemistry because it is the only field where one has the privilege to create molecules. Together, let us create new and exciting chemistry. I eagerly anticipate the day when we may embark on the study of chemistry together at the College of Chemistry in the University of Tsukuba.
Code of Ethics on Education
Curriculum
In the College of Chemistry, faculty members put great effort into leading and educating students to improve their fundamental academic achievement and become international researchers. We train our students to acquire the broad and fundamental knowledge of chemistry—which is necessary to explore the universal laws of nature and unknown substances and phenomena—to create functional materials and develop new materials, solve environmental and energy problems, and elucidate biological phenomena at the molecular level. The program also aims to develop individuals with flexible thinking skills and the ability to work on a global scale, backed by this knowledge and understanding.
To cultivate a professional and working knowledge of chemistry over four years, we organize and implement a curriculum that builds upon the basics. The curriculum includes the core courses of lectures and experiments along with practical training courses and graduation theses for students to actively engage in learning and develop comprehensive skills in chemistry. In experiment classes, students are comprehensively evaluated for their achievements through reports, attitudes towards experiments, and performance in question-and-answer sessions.
- In the College of Chemistry, first-year students study common courses designed for all students at the University of Tsukuba and required basic courses designed for students of science majors. Second-year students study specialized courses, such as Inorganic Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, Quantum Chemistry, and Biological Chemistry, together with the Basic Experiments of Chemistry. Third-year students study specialized subjects for a deeper understanding of the chemical fields in which they are interested.
- In their third year, students spend more time on experiments. Experiments in Inorganic/Analytical Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, and Organic Chemistry are compulsory subjects, and these will take up three afternoons per week, training students in the experimental skills required for research. Second- and third-year students read technical books on basic and specialized chemistry written in English in the courses of Basic English in Chemistry and English in Chemistry, respectively. This helps prepare them for graduate research, which will require English academic reading.
- Fourth-year students mainly concentrate on their graduate research. The students are assigned to the laboratory and carry out their graduate research in an active atmosphere under a professor's leadership while maintaining close contact with faculty staff, graduate students, and researchers from Japanese and overseas institutions.
- Most graduates from the College of Chemistry go on to graduate school to enhance their research capability. After that, they work for universities, national research institutes, or the chemical industry, engaging in basic research and the development of advanced technology.
In addition, one of the distinctive features of the College of Chemistry is that we have plenty of time for experiments in the third year. Three afternoons a week are devoted to specialized experimental training in chemistry that allows students to acquire a broad range of laboratory techniques in various fields of chemistry, including organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, physical chemistry, and analytical chemistry.
- Each year, students voluntarily complete a class evaluation survey. We also conduct a university-sponsored survey. The results of these surveys and various issues related to the management of the school are discussed at the "Student-Faculty Roundtable," where students and faculty members meet. The results are made available to the public in the form of a report every year.
- The faculty members in charge of each course individually conduct questionnaires to help improve the effectiveness of education.
- Based on the questionnaires, we review the educational content and course linkages in each of the chemistry fields from time to time. In addition, we discuss in the Curriculum Committee to strengthen the linkages between each field.
- The results of the final exams and reports are comprehensively evaluated, and rigorous credit approval is carried out.
If you meet the requirements, you will be able to join the College of Chemistry from your second year.
For more information, please see the website of the School of Comprehensive Studies.
Degree Conferral Policy
The College of Chemistry confers the degree of Bachelor of Science on students who have acquired the knowledge and abilities required for achieving the educational goals of the University of Tsukuba’s Bachelor’s program and those who have attained the following goals, in accordance with the human resource development objectives of the University of Tsukuba.
- The acquisition of basic knowledge of the natural sciences and scientific ways of thinking.
- Understanding materials at the molecular, atomic, electronic, and chemical bonding levels.
- The acquisition of basic chemical knowledge on universal laws of nature, unknown substances and phenomena, creation of functional materials and development of materials, finding solutions to environmental and energy problems, and clarification of biological phenomena.
- Acquisition of flexible thinking skills and the ability to work internationally based on this knowledge and understanding.
- Ability to work cooperatively with others to solve chemistry-related problems.
Information materials of the College of Chemistry
Introduction by current students
Message
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My Interest in Chemistry ExpandedYumena Izukura (Enrollment for 2021)
In the Department of Chemistry, the University of Tsukuba, students learn about various fields of chemistry, including organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, and physical chemistry. Students can also learn the essential theories of things that were simply memorized in high school. In the experimental programs, you will be able to experience the fun of chemistry since you synthesize and measure compounds by yourself using the well-equipped facilities. I myself used to be not good at chemistry in high school, but I became interested in it and came to love it through in-depth study at the university. I hope you will enjoy a fulfilling life in chemistry at the Department of Chemistry, the University of Tsukuba!
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Dive Deeply into ChemistryShugo Tasaki (Enrollment for 2021)
In the Department of Chemistry, the University of Tsukuba, you can acquire specialized knowledge on physical chemistry, inorganic chemistry, and organic chemistry under the guidance of leading professors at the research forefront. You can also broaden your knowledge by learning about the interrelated roles they play in real life through examples such as materials and medicines. You will also be able to apply your knowledge in a rich program of experiments and hone your practical skills in cooperation with your peers. Come and join us here at the Department of Chemistry, the University of Tsukuba. You can learn as much as you want about chemistry.