Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Doctor’s Course: Diploma Policy
The doctor’s degree is awarded to students who have acquired the abilities to become
internationally active researchers or advanced engineers. In other words, doctor’s degree isawarded to those who have mastered the most advanced academic knowledge in theirspecialization, who have knowledge and skills in fields related to their field of specialization, whohave acquired the ability to independently identify and solve problems related to their field ofspecialization. The doctoral dissertation, which summarizes the results of their own research,should be rich in academic significance.

Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Doctor’s Course: Curriculum Policy.
In the Doctor’s Course of the Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, five divisions
are designed to nurture highly creative and independent international researchers or engineers
by acquisition of cutting-edge academic knowledge in specialized fields and fostering ability toindependently identify and solve problems related to specialized fields, as stated in the Diploma
Policy. The divisions are Mathematics and Physics, Earth, Life and Molecular Sciences,
Interdisciplinary Science, Industrial Innovation Sciences, and Applied Chemistry. Students areprovided with systematic and sequential education in specialized fields through course planningand guidance by supervisor and co-supervisor.
In addition, in order to enhance and improve graduate school education, we are continuously
working to improve our educational methods, such as enhancement lesson plans and FD
activities, mainly through the Academic Affairs Committee.
【Acquisition of logical problem-solving skills】
For learning leading-edge knowledge and skills deeply in academically specialized fields,
students are assigned seminars in the education and research field to which they belong as
compulsory subjects from the first year. In order to broaden academic base and acquire appliedability and perspective that allow a broad view of human society, in addition to the courses
offered by the students’ own division, the courses offered by other divisions (including othergraduate schools or graduate schools in other universities) can be included in the requirements
for completion. By taking courses according to the course method determined for each divisionor course, we expect students to acquire logical problem-solving skills.
【Fostering the ability to independently identify and solve problems related to the field ofspecialization】
In order to recognize and solve problems faced by modern international society, science andtechnology, students will conduct scientific research which they have planned under theguidance of their supervisor, and give presentation at domestic and/or international conferences
and write (an) academic paper(s) to return their achievement results to the society. Throughout
1these activities, this course aims to cultivate the ability to independently identify and solve
problems related to their specialized fields. In addition, it is compulsory that the guidance bysupervisor and co-supervisor for students’ research plan is formulated annually as researchguidance documents, so that mutual checking can be possible within the school.
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 also 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 examination of theirdissertation, which based on the evaluation standards of the Degree Examination Committee,
and the final examination.
Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Doctor’s Course: Admission Policy
Basic Policy for Selection of ApplicantsWe accept students from both domestically and internationally who have acquired advanced
knowledge and skills in their specialized fields, as well as basic academic skills in fields otherthan their specialized fields and who can fuse those to make full use.

In addition, we are looking

for those who are motivated to make rapid progress in science and technology and to open up
new academic fields by demonstrating abundant creativity, the ability to set original challenges,
deep insight, and high communication skills. The entrance examination selection is madethrough document screening and oral examination to evaluate professional basic ability,problem-setting ability, and problem-solving ability.

The selection is made based on the criteria

and importance specified for each division or course and for each type of entrance examination(General Selection and Overseas Selection for International Students).
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 an2

active role internationally.
5. Having an interest in fields other than their area of specialization and a desire to acquire abroad range of knowledge and perspectives.
Entrance Examination
The Doctor’s Course of the Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology conducts thefollowing entrance examinations to accept a diverse range of students.
(1) General Entrance Examination
A document screening and an oral examination are required. In the document screening,
multiple faculty members check from various perspectives the expertise and career plans
acquired by the time of application. In the oral examination, basic academic skills and the ability
to set and solve problems are comprehensively evaluated.
(2) Overseas Selection for International Students
A document screening is required. In the document screening, multiple faculty members checkfrom multiple perspectives the expertise acquired by the time of application, career plans, andthe status of cross-cultural adaptation and financial status as a prerequisite for school
attendance.
Table of the three components of academic ability
Entrance

Knowledge and skills

examination

Ability to think, judge,

Attitude to learn byand express oneself

taking initiative andclassification

working with diversepeopleGeneral◎

Document

Entrance

screening

Examination

Oral Examination

Overseas
Selection for☆

Document○

Oral Examination☆

Oral Examination◎Document○Document

Screening

Screening

Screening

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

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