SCIENCE in KYUSHU UNIVERSITY
Faculty of Science
Graduate School of Science
Kyushu University

HISTORY

are flights not only to Japanese cities but

Kyushu University has over 100 years of history since 1911 and during this time

and the US (Guam and Hawaii). As a

has developed 16 faculties, 18 graduate schools and 12 undergraduate schools;

result, approximately 3 million people

covering a wide range of research fields including Humanities, Social Science,

have travelled to Fukuoka from overseas

Natural Science, and Bio-medical Science. The Faculty of Science was establishedcountries in 2017. Fukuoka has numerous

in 1939 and initially consisted of the Department of Physics, Chemistry and Geology.
Two more departments were subsequently added, Mathematics in 1942 and Biology
in 1949. In 1990, the Department of Geology and the geophysics laboratories of the
Department of Physics were reorganized and expanded to become the Departmentof Earth and Planetary Sciences. In 2015, the Faculty of Science was moved to the
Ito-campus, our new main campus for further progress in research and education.

also to Asian countries, Europe (Finland),mountains in the south and a beautiful
coastline to the north. Thanks to thisdiverse and beautiful environment, a large
range of mouth-watering local cuisine
made with a variety of fresh fish, fruits,
and vegetables can be tasted in Fukuoka.
According to a survey ranking cities by growth-potential*, Fukuoka was deemed
to have the best growth-potential in Japan in 2017. In addition, the Japanese
government selected Fukuoka as the National Strategic Special Zone for Global
Startups and Job Creation in 2014. As such Fukuoka has been conducting a rangeof effective practices in this area including the incubation from academic research
to startup. The growing city of Fukuoka has so much to offer and is waiting to be
explored!
*Source: Ranking of city growth potential, Nomura Research Institutes

CITY OF FUKUOKA
Kyushu University is located in Fukuoka, one of the largest cities in Japan, having
a population of more than 1.5 million. Fukuoka is known as an accessible city, just
10 minutes by subway between the city center and Fukuoka airport where there
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Sakurai Futamigaura Beach
Photos: Fukuoka City

Fukuoka Castle

ORGANIZATION
Kyushu University has instituted a Graduate School and Graduate Faculty system.
This system is designed to separate the former Graduate School into what is called
the "Faculty" as the research body, and the "Graduate School" as the educational
body. The faculty members belong to the "Faculty", and promote their own research
activities, but are also flexible, in that they offer further assistance and educational

FACTS(As of May 1, 2018)

149 1238 392
Facultyopportunities to graduate students belonging to the "Graduate School.“
The Faculty of Science has four departments, the Graduate School has three,
and the undergraduate School has five. Additionally, the Department of Physics
within the School of Science is divided into two courses, a Physics Course and an
Informatics Course.

Undergraduate
Student

Graduate
Student

55

International
Student

Partner Institution with Faculty of Science based on Academic Cooperation Agreement(As of December 1, 2018)

Country

Name
China
Dalian University of Technology
Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese
Academy of Sciences
School of Resources and Environmental Sciences, Xinjiang University
Indonesia
Gadjah Mada University (Double Degree Program)Mongolia
Institute of Geography and Geoecology, Mongolian Academy of Sciences
School of Arts and Sciences, National University of Mongolia
Philippines
College of Arts and Sciences, University of San Carlos
ThailandInstitute of Science and Institute of Engineering, Suranaree
University of Technology
Vietnam
Faculty of Biology, Dalat University and Bidoup-Nui Ba National Park
Egypt
Faculty of Sciences and Graduate School of Sciences, Helwan
University
GhanaCollege of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana
Republic of South Africa Faculty of Science, University of Johannesburg
FranceUniversite des Sciences et Technologies de Lille
Germany
Max-Planck-Institute for Plasma Physics
RussiaInstitute of Cosmophysical Research and Radio Wave Propagation,
Far Eastern Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences
SwedenFaculty of Science, Lund University
United Kingdom
Department of Materials Science and Metallurgy, University ofCambridge
United States
College of Engineering and Physical Science, College of Life
Sciences and Agriculture, Environmental Research Group,
University of New HamoshireCollege of Science and College of Agricultural Sciences, Oregon
State University
BrazilInstitute of Geosciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais
Australia
IPS Radio and Space Services, Bureau of Meteorology

2DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICSDEPARTMENT OF CHEMISTRY

The Department of Physics covers a wide range of fields from elementary particle physics,
nuclear physics, and astrophysics to statistical physics, material science and soft matter/
active matter physics both in theory and experiments. The department offers the following
two courses:

The Department of Chemistry, which has about 40 members, covers a broad range

Physics Course
The study of physics encompasses both abstract and practical studies from mathematics,
chemistry, biology, earth and planetary science to engineering and medicine. No matter what
the object is, physicists always seek to understand how nature works. The Physics course
is a number of groups with different research areas. The theoretical elementary particle
physics group led by Prof. Suzuki is vigorously investigating novel nonperturbative methods
in quantum field theory, the basic language that describes elementary particles, in order topursue new theoretical possibilities. In 2017, Prof. Suzuki received the Yukawa-Kimura prize
for his recent outstanding work. In experimental nuclear physics, Prof. Morita is well known
for his successful synthesis of a new element, Nihonium, in collaboration with RIKEN. They
have recently initiated the synthesis of new elements to extend the periodic table to the asyet-unknown 8th row; which will be a crucial step towards the hypothetical "Island of Stability”
predicted by Nobel laureate G. T. Seaborg. The quantum condensed matter group develops
novel nanostructures and exotic materials to reveal the quantum properties of electron spins.
Novel intriguing phenomena such as ultrafast spin dynamics and giant magneto-caloric
effects have been demonstrated by using specially designed original equipment. These
new findings provide significant contributions to the development of future nanoelectronics
and energy harvesting devices. Soft matter and complex systems groups extensively study
colloids, liquid crystals, granular matter, glasses and biological materials. We are working on
a wide range of non-equilibrium systems both experimentally and theoretically. Please visit
our website for more detail.

of chemistry; dealing with atoms, molecules, molecular complexes, polymers,
macromolecules, and biological systems. Education of graduate and undergraduate
students is further promoted in collaboration with the Institute for Materials Chemistry
and Engineering, the Faculty of Arts and Science, the International Institute for CarbonNeutral Energy Research, and the Central Institute of Radioisotope Science and Safety
Management. The research subjects range from fundamental problems in chemistry to
problems with applications in the fields of coordination chemistry, inorganic synthesis,
organometallic chemistry, nano-materials chemistry, quantum chemistry, molecular
spectroscopy, surface and interface chemistry, soft-matter chemistry, biophysicalchemistry, organic synthesis, catalytic reactions, bioorganic chemistry, bioanalyticalchemistry, molecular and cellular biochemistry, structures and functions of biologicalsystems, geochemistry, radiochemistry, theoretical chemistry, computational chemistry,and so on. Our department, therefore, offers programs across all of the major chemical
disciplines (inorganic, analytical, organic, and physical chemistries) as well as recent
high-interest areas such as nano-materials, biochemistry, and chemical biology.
There are more than 30 classes to choose from within the undergraduate course. The
laboratory courses for sophomores and juniors complement these lecture courses. The
students spend a long time conducting laboratory works and writing reports. Each senior
joins one of the research groups and begins to learn practical techniques for research,

Informatics Course
All aspects of Information including its generation, transmission,
recognition and control are very important in present day society. In the"Informatics Course" information phenomena are studied on the basis ofmathematics and physics.

finally receiving a bachelor after an oral examination on his or her

https://www.sci.kyushu-u.ac.jp/e/departments/phys/phys.html

https://www.sci.kyushu-u.ac.jp/e/departments/chem/chem.html

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achievement. Most students will then proceed to a graduate schoolfor advanced research experiences in chemistry.

DEPARTMENT OF EARTH AND PLANETARY SCIENCES DEPARTMENT OF BIOLOGYThe Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences comprises a multidisciplinary group

The Department of Biology is engaged in various fields of biology including molecular,of nearly 40 scientists seeking to determine how the Earth and planetary systems were

cellular and population biology. Diverse aspects of modern biological sciences are studied

formed, their evolution into their present state, and what changes they will undergo in theemploying a wide range of innovative methods. After understanding the structure of DNA in

future. Current research areas include the Earth's deep interior, near-surface geology and1953, developments in molecular genetics have provided fundamental knowledge about life

geochemistry, ocean, atmosphere, Earth’s upper atmosphere, and the solar-planet system.

and useful tools for analyzing various life phenomena. The mechanism underlying formation

The department also encompasses research into the origin and evolution of life and ourof body pattern, for example, is being understood at the genetical and cellular levels. Studies

planet. Research methods are diverse including: field-based, experimental, observational,

on dynamics of animal and plant populations have become active areas of research thanks

computer simulation, analytical, and theoretical methods. The department maintains active

to the introduction of genetic tools and mathematical models. The application of biologicaleducational ties with the Institute of Seismology and Volcanology, International Center for

research used to be limited, but modern biological science is closely related to society

Space Weather Science and Education (ICSWSE) and Kyushu University Museum.

and industry through the development of biotechnology and environmental conservation
activities.

The undergraduate education aims to foster a broad understanding of the past, the present,
and the future of the earth and planetary systems. The curriculum includes fundamentals in

The Department of Biology aims to produce graduates who can play a leading role asgeophysics, geochemistry, and geobiology, along with mathematics and computer science.

professionals; having advanced knowledge in biological science, from not only biological

The graduate school education seeks a deeper understanding in a specific researchresearch but also other areas such as medical science, public health, food production,area related to Earth and planetary science. We have 16 research areas: solar terrestrial

energy resources development, and environmental conservation. We offer basic lecture

physics, space and earth electromagnetism, atmospheric and geophysical fluid dynamics,

courses and experimental training, focused on basic and modern biology areas; both of

meteorology and climate dynamics, deep earth physics, dynamics of the earth’s interior,which have seen dramatic developments in recent years. The lectures and experimental

petrology and volcanology, Earth’s geologic evolution, paleo environmental science,

training encompass animal physiology, developmental biology, plant physiology, ecology,

observational seismology and volcanology, formation and evolution of planetary systems,

genetics, molecular genetics, biophysics, biochemistry, mathematical biology, cell biology,

organic geochemistry and Cosmo chemistry, inorganic geochemistry for the biosphere,

and marine biology.

mineralogy, earth and planetary mineral science, mineralogical study of
extraterrestrial materials, paleontology and mineral history. We welcome

At the graduate school level, students will study at the Graduate School

graduate students who have an interest in these fields to join ourof Systems Life Sciences.

graduate program.
https://www.sci.kyushu-u.ac.jp/e/departments/geo/geo.html

https://www.sci.kyushu-u.ac.jp/e/departments/bio/bio.html
http://www.sls.kyushu-u.ac.jp/en/

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STUDENT VOICE
Baruti Yemba Yemba

Gabriela Bunga Naenfrom Democratic Republic of the Congofrom Indonesia

Doctoral Course Student

Master Course Student

Department of Chemistry

Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences

I appreciate my life here in Japan and the chance to experience this great culture,

My research is related to volcanoes, especiallythe local mindset and the beautiful of the cities. Fukuoka is really a nice city, although

the product of caldera formed by super big

it is very urbanized, it is also a green city where you can enjoy the beauty of thenature. In my spare time, I take my family to explore every corner of Fukuoka, It isa wonderful way to spend time together. I am so grateful to have this opportunity

eruptions. My experience as the member ofpetrology and volcanology group has mademe very happy and comfortable. Laboratory
members will always help each other, which

to be here at Kyushu University, not only to learn science but also to enjoy life as amakes for a great learning atmospherewhole. After three years of living here I have now really settled in and closed the gap

conducive to laboratory activities. This study

between Japanese culture and that of my home country. The Fukuoka city offers
several support services for international students and families to make living heresmooth and enjoyable.
I am a Ph.D. student now, after completed myfield requires all of the members to conduct
field activities, both for rock sampling andobservation of volcanic products. I have visited several volcanoes both in Japan and abroadwith my supervisor and several laboratory members. I get really excited to join the fieldwork,
all activities are arranged very well and on time. The cooperation between each member inthe field also makes these activities very enjoyable.

master degree in bioorganic chemistry. I feelhonored that I was accepted as a doctoral
student. I decided to continue to work in myfield of study which is the synthesis of natural
products in order to deepen my knowledge
and to develop my skills in both the field
and laboratory. The challenge is of a new level but I know I will succeed by putting
more effort into my work. I appreciate the work environment and the laboratoryorganization that I am in. My colleagues are really supportive and even help mewith the little things in everyday life. I feel encouraged and receive support andsound advice from my sensei (“teacher” in Japanese) when I need it.
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Besides that, I am currently in the English debating group as a teaching assistant. One of theobjectives of this activity is to improve the ability and courage of Japanese students whencommunicating in English. In this activity, we are divided into several groups to discuss andexchange information about different phenomena that occur in nature. A relaxed and funlearning atmosphere makes studying with students from Japan and the other international
students a pleasure.
In my daily life as an international student, I have found life in Fukuoka to be very comfortable,in terms of the social life, transportation convenience and weather. Although communication
is sometimes difficult because of language obstacles, I am very grateful because people here
are always trying to help as best as they can. Please do not ever hesitate to join Kyushu
University and to feel its comfortable learning atmosphere.

CLASS IN ENGLISH

Student Support TeamThe Faculty of Science is offering the following classes in English. For theinternational students meet students from the same country, as well as complete theinformation of classes in Biology module, please visit the web site of the Graduate

required paperwork for opening bank accounts and starting life in Fukuoka. They

School of Systems Life Sciences.

may also be able to assist in gaining other support you may need.

DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICS• Nonequilibrium Statistical Physics

Student Salon• Advanced Physics

The Faculty of Science is holding Student Salon during lunch time in which• Quantum Statistical Physics• Quantum Field Theory

international students, Japanese students, and Japanese support staff can casually• Semiconductor Physics• Physics of Elementary Excitations

talk about any topics over lunch.

• Theoretical Nuclear Physics• Experimental Particle Physics

DEPARTMENT OF CHEMISTRY• Advanced Organic Chemistry• Advanced Nanomaterials and Interfaces• Advanced Quantum Chemistry• Advanced Organic Chemistry• Advanced Inorganic Chemistry• Advanced Biological Chemistry• Advanced Analytical Chemistry• Advanced Material Chemistry

The team consists of Japanese and international students ready to help new• Advanced Physical ChemistryCounseling and Health Center
If international students feel sick, anxious, or nervous, they can consult doctors andcounselors at the center for physical and mental care.
Japanese Language Class
If international students want to learn Japanese, they have the opportunity to attend
Japanese Language classes where they can communicate with Japanese students.

DEPARTMENT OF EARTH AND PLANETARY SCIENCES• Evolution of Early Solar System• Organic Geochemistry and Biogeochemistry• Mineral Physics and Chemistry• Earth Environment• Middle Atmosphere Physics• Fluid Dynamics• Solar Planetary System Physics• Dynamic Meteorology• Science of the Troposphere• Dynamics of the Earth's Interior• Space Electrodynamics

STUDENT SUPPORT
Studying without any trouble is our focal point. Kyushu University therefore offers a
range of support services to international students.
International Student and Researcher Support Center
The center supports international students before/after coming to Japan in areas
such as visa procedures, housing information, and residential assistance.

New library opened in 2018

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Faculty of Science, Graduate School of Science
744 Motooka, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka, 819-0395, Japan
https://www.sci.kyushu-u.ac.jp/e/2019.1