Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Master’s Course: Diploma Policy
The master's degree is awarded to those who have acquired the basic skills to become
independent researchers or advanced engineers. In other words, the master's degree is awarded
to those who have acquired advanced academic knowledge in their specialized fields, a broad
perspective based on interdisciplinary and comprehensiveness, the ability to apply basic
knowledge and skills acquired in related fields. The master's thesis, which summarizes theresults of their own research on issues related to their specialized fields, should containacademic novelty.
Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Master’s Course: Curriculum Policy
In the Master’s Course of the Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, there areseven divisions for developing personnel with the basic ability as an independent researcher andadvanced engineer as listed in our Diploma Policy. The divisions are Mathematics and Physics,
Molecular Sciences, Biological Sciences, Earth Science, Mechanical and Systems Engineering,Electronic and Information System Engineering, and Applied Chemistry. We offer systematic andsequential education according to the fields of specialization.
In addition, in order to enhance and improve graduate school education, we are continuously
working to improve our educational methods, such as the enhancement lesson plans and FD
activities mainly by the Academic Affairs Committee.
【Acquisition of a broad perspective based on interdisciplinary and comprehensiveness】
In the first year after entering the university, students are given introductory courses in order
not only to connect undergraduate and graduate education, but also to learn the relationshipbetween research conducted in the graduate school/division and cutting-edge science andadvanced technology.
【Acquisition of advanced academic knowledge in specialized fields】
We offer coursework which students systematically learn basic knowledge and skills in related
fields along with their positioning, in addition to advanced academic knowledge in the fields ofnatural science and industrial technology in which they specialized.

Taking lectures andcourses according to the course method determined for each divisions and courses, , students
are expected to acquire a broad perspective to gain a bird's eye view of the natural sciences
including interdisciplinary fields, and to acquire advanced knowledge and skills in theirspecialized fields.
【Acquisition of the ability to conduct research and summarize research results by oneself】
In order to develop problem-seeking and problem-solving ability to solve current issues byapplying the acquired academic knowledge and skills, students will conduct research work
consisting of seminars or exercises and special research. Students are expected to acquire theability to think and implement their own research plan and summarize the research results.
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In addition, the Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology has established a systemof cross-school study and advanced study (Cross-School Flex BMD Course) in order to respondto various demands of study and is working to provide credits for practical study such asinternships and conference presentations.
Credit for each course is awarded strictly based on a combination of various factors, including
examinations, research reports, presentations and reports, attendance, and class attitude. In
addition to earning the required credits for coursework and research work determined for eachdivision or course, students are judged to have passed also by the examinations of their thesesand final examinations.

Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Master’s Course: Admissions Policy
Basic Policy for Selection of Applicants
We accept students who have basic academic skills in their field of specialization, flexible
ideas, logical thinking, good judgment, and the ability to cooperate, as well as the desire to learn
advanced academic knowledge in their field of specialization. Moreover, we are also looking
for those who have interest in acquiring knowledge and skills in fields other than their field ofspecialization, and take on the challenge of solving new problems in their field of specialization
or in interdisciplinary fields. There are four types of entrance examination which includes
Entrance Examination by Recommendation, General Entrance Examination, Entrance
Examinations for Adults, and Entrance Examinations for International Students. By written
examinations of specialized subjects, document screening, and oral examinations, each divisionand course evaluate applicant basic academic skills, thinking ability, judgment ability, expressiveability, and motivation in accordance with the criteria and importance for each selection. We
accept a wide variety of students regardless of the faculty they graduate from.
What we are looking for
Based on the objective of Okayama University, which is "constructing a new paradigm for thesustainable evolution of human society (constructing new paradigm as a fountainhead ofknowledge) ", we are seeking students with the following awareness and motivation;
1. Having an interest in the relationship between humans and nature, and a strong desire tocontribute to local and international society
2. Are capable of mastering the fundamentals of their major field of study and having a strong
sense of purpose to take on the challenge of advanced research fields
3. Having a strong desire to learn and who can think and act independently.
4. Are capable of demonstrating leadership in research and having a strong desire to play anactive role internationally.
5. Having an interest in fields other than their area of specialization and a desire to acquire a2

broad range of knowledge and perspectives.
Entrance Examination
The Master’s Course of the Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology conducts thefollowing entrance examinations to accept a diverse range of students.
(1) Entrance Examination by Recommendation
It is the entrance examination for the students who strongly desire to enter graduate school,and consists of a document screening and an oral examination. In the document screening,
multiple faculty members check from various perspectives of the expertise and career plans
acquired by the time of application. In the oral examination, multiple faculty members evaluate
the applicant's knowledge and understanding of specialized subjects and career plans.
(2) General Entrance Examination
It is an entrance examination for students who wish to enter graduate school, and consists ofa document screening and an academic examination (written and oral). In the document
screening, multiple faculty members check the expertise acquired by the time of application fromvarious perspectives. In the academic examination, knowledge and understanding of specialized
subjects are comprehensively evaluated.
(3) Entrance Examination for Adults
It consists of a document screening and an oral examination. In the document screening,
multiple faculty members will check the expertise and career plans acquired by the time ofapplication from various perspectives. In the oral examination, knowledge and understanding ofspecialized subjects will be comprehensively evaluated.
(4) Entrance Examination for International Students
It consists of a document screening and an academic examination [written and oral (orinterview)]. In the document screening and interview, multiple faculty members will check fromvarious perspectives such as the expertise acquired by the time of application, career plans, andcross-cultural adaptation and financial status that are a prerequisite for school attendance. In
the written academic examination, knowledge and understanding of specialized subjects will becomprehensively evaluated. In the oral academic examination (or interview), the applicant's
expertise acquired by the time of application, career plan, and cross-cultural adaptation andfinancial status that are a prerequisite for school attendance will be evaluated.
(5) Overseas Selection for International Students
It consists of a document screening. In the document screening, multiple faculty members will
check from multiple perspectives the expertise acquired by the time of application, career plans,and cross-cultural adaptation and financial status that are a prerequisite for school attendance.

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Table of the three components of academic ability
EntranceKnowledge and skills

examination

Ability to think, judge,

Attitude to learn byand express oneself

taking initiative andclassification

working with diverse
peopleEntrance☆

Document

Examination by

Screening

Recommendation

Oral Examination

General Entrance◎

Examination

Document☆

Oral Examination◎

Oral Examination☆

Oral Examination○

Oral Examination◎Academic○

Academic

Screening
WrittenExamination
Oral Examination

Entrance☆

Document

Examination for

Screening

Examination

Examination

AdultsAcademic（Essay and Oral

（OralExamination

Examination）

Examination）（ Essay andOral
Examination）
Entrance☆

Document◎

Academic○Academic

Examination for

ScreeningExamination

ExaminationInternationalAcademic（ Written（OralStudents

Examination

Examination andExamination (or（ Written

Oral Examinationinterview)）

Examination(or interview)）

and OralExamination）
Overseas
Selection for☆

Document◎

Screening

Document
Screening○Document
Screening

International
Students(Note) ◎, ○ , ☆ denote factors of special importance, importance, and overall judgment,
respectively.

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