Post-graduation Pathways

Post-graduation Pathways

Upon graduating from the undergraduate program

According to recent data, about 90% of undergraduate graduates from the Department of Chemistry continue their studies in graduate school, while the remaining 10% enter the workforce, including positions such as high school teachers, national or local government officials, or various roles in corporate development or general affairs departments. The industries these graduates enter span not only chemistry but also food, electricity, machinery, and sometimes even finance or service industries.

 

 

The importance of advancing to graduate school is increasing. This trend reflects the demand for training more skilled individuals through advanced research and education, indicating the students’ eagerness to delve deeper into their studies. Graduates from the master’s program (those with a master’s degree) are central to the scientific workforce in companies. In the field of chemistry, enrollment in the undergraduate program does not significantly affect job placement. This situation arises from the diverse knowledge and perspectives on “chemistry,” which are highly relevant to society, and the recognition that graduates have achieved a high level of proficiency.

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in individuals with a doctoral degree as high-tech talents who can drive innovation within companies. Graduates from the doctoral program are expected to excel in research positions within companies or academia (university institutions and research institutes). There is an increasing demand in innovative companies to introduce specialized professionals with doctoral degrees. These individuals refine their expertise through laboratory work and collaborative research, gaining rich experience in designing and conducting research, and eventually contributing to society as seasoned researchers.

Career Paths of Chemistry Classroom Graduates
Undergraduate student

Graduates of the academic years H30-R4 (5 years) totaled 260 students, with an average of 52 students per year.

Advanced studies
Nagoya University, Kyoto University, The University of Tokyo, Osaka University, Hokkaido University, The Graduate University for Advanced Studies,  Nara Institute of Science and Technology, etc.

Company
MUFG Bank, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, Toyota Motor Corporation, Toyota Boshoku Corporation, Honda Motor Co., Ltd., Chubu Yakuhin Co.,Ltd., Tomoe Engineering, Ube Exsymo Co.,Ltd., Tesk, Hoyu Co.Ltd, Dainichiseika Color & Chemicals Mfg. Co., Ltd., Japan Blood Products Organization etc.

Master's Program

Total of 219 graduates over the academic years H30-R4 (5 years), with an average of 43 graduates per year.

Advanced studies
Nagoya University, The University of Tokyo, Kyoto University, Osaka University, Tokyo Institute of Technology, The Graduate University for Advanced Studies,  Kwansei Gakuin University, etc.

Company
Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd., Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd., Asahi Kasei Corporation, Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation, Hitachi Chemical Company, Ltd., Daiichi Sankyo Company, Limited, Shionogi & Co., Ltd., Kyowa Kirin Co., Ltd., Fujifilm Corporation, Kao Corporation, Nippon Menard Cosmetic Co., Ltd., Takasago International Corp., Nagase & Co., Ltd., Toray Industries, Inc., Tosoh Corporation, NGK Insulators, Ltd., TOTO Ltd., Niterra Co., Ltd., Toyota Motor Corporation, Denso Corporation, Aisin Corporation, Takemoto Oil & Fat Co., Ltd., Futamura Chemical Co., Ltd., Nippon Shokubai Co., Ltd., Chubu Electric Power Company,Inc., Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd, Kioxia Corporation, Brother Industries, Ltd., etc.

Doctoral Program

Total of 57 graduates over the academic years H30-R4 (5 years), with an average of 11 graduates per year.

Academia
Nagoya University, Hokkaido University, University of Cambridge (UK), The University of Electro-Communications, Kwansei Gakuin University, etc. Research Institutes: National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), RIKEN

Company
Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd., Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd., Mitsui Chemicals, Inc., Resonac Corporation, Kureha Corporation, Toyota Motor Corporation, Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, Toray Industries, Inc., Tosoh Corporation, HOYA Corporation, Daiichi Sankyo Company, Limited, Sumitomo Dainippon  Pharma, Fujifilm Corporation, Ono Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., MicroBiopharm Japan Co., Ltd., Shionogi & Co., Ltd.,  Nippon Shokubai Co., Ltd., DIC Corporation, Harima Chemicals Group, Inc, Tokyo Chemical Industry Co., Ltd., Hitachi Metals, Ltd., etc

Master's degree candidates in the Master's program.

Upon enrollment, students attend lectures and conduct research under the guidance of one of the 11 laboratories/groups, aiming to obtain a master’s degree. In addition to core subjects that encompass the interdisciplinary knowledge promoted by the Graduate School of Science’s philosophy, there are specialized subjects to deepen their expertise in chemistry. It is required to earn credits in both areas.

Furthermore, students must obtain credits for seminar-based courses through research laboratory seminars and other related activities. They are expected to complete their master’s thesis within the standard two-year period after enrollment to be awarded the master’s degree. To encourage research and academic excellence among students, there is also an award system for outstanding master’s theses.

Doctoral degree candidates in the Doctoral program.

After obtaining a master’s degree, individuals may choose to remain in graduate school to pursue further studies in the doctoral program, aiming to become researchers, or they may enter various fields such as private companies. From the academic year 2019 to 2022, out of 174 master’s degree recipients, 39 continued to the doctoral program and 134 entered private companies or other organizations. It is not uncommon for individuals who have obtained a master’s degree from other universities to enter the doctoral program in the field of natural and life sciences. In either case, after the standard three-year period of study, completing a doctoral thesis and passing the degree examination results in the award of a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree, marking the emergence of a full-fledged researcher. Furthermore, there is an early graduation system in place for exceptionally outstanding students, allowing them to receive a Ph.D. degree before the standard three-year period. Post-graduation paths vary widely, including positions as researchers at universities or research institutions, in private companies, or as various types of postdoctoral researchers.

Financial Support During Enrollment

During their enrollment, students receive financial support, such as scholarships from the Japan Student Services Organization. Over a three-year period from the academic years 2019 to 2022, out of 133 students who enrolled in the master’s program, 52 applied for and received the first type of scholarship. All applicants in the doctoral program received financial support.

Additionally, there is a Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) special research fellow program to support outstanding doctoral students. Those selected receive a monthly stipend (¥200,000 in the academic year 2022) and research funds (up to ¥1.5 million annually) starting from their enrollment in the doctoral program. Over the three-year period from 2019 to 2022, 18 students were selected for this program.

Graduate students also actively participate in teaching and research as Teaching Assistants (TAs) or Research Assistants (RAs). TAs assist in undergraduate courses and chemical experiments, and are recruited annually from master’s students. RAs participate in research projects in various laboratories, assisting in equipment management and promoting effective research activities, and are recruited annually, with about five doctoral students selected each year. Graduate students receive valuable training as they earn rewards for their work, preparing them to become leaders in education and research.

Campus Life

Campus Life

Facility / Lecture Room
Institute of Transformative Bio-Molecules (ITbM)

The World Premier International Research Center Initiative (WPI) at Nagoya University, which houses research laboratories as well.

Rinokan Building

The building houses research laboratories, student experimental laboratories, and the chemistry administrative office. It is the building with the highest number of research laboratories in the chemistry department.

Student Laboratories

Student experiments for third-year students are conducted in the afternoons from Monday to Friday. These experiments cover a range from synthesis and analysis to measurements and biological experiments.

Research Center for Materials Science

The building houses research laboratories, lecture rooms, and a chemistry lounge.

Lecture Room

An auditorium with a seating capacity of 120. It is used for thesis presentations, seminars, and lectures. There is also space available for poster presentations and events.

Chemistry Gallery

On the 1st floor, there is a shield commemorating the American Chemical Society's 'Historical Chemistry Paper Award (2021)', and on the 2nd floor, there is a special exhibition room dedicated to Professor Noyori's Nobel Prize. A life-sized figure of Professor Noyori greets visitors.

Nobel Prize Exhibition Room

There is an exhibition room dedicated to Dr. Osamu Shimomura, who won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2008, Dr. Makoto Kobayashi, who won the Nobel Prize in Physics, and Dr. Toshihide Maskawa.

Chemistry Office

The Chemistry Office handles administrative tasks related to the Chemistry Department, including academic affairs, accounting, and general affairs. Located within close proximity to students, it serves as a supportive presence alongside faculty members, providing assistance to students as the unsung heroes.

First Lecture Room

Classes for third-year students and graduate students are held here. Located in the Faculty of Science Building A.

Second Lecture Room

This is where classes for 2nd and 3rd year undergraduate students are held. Located in the Faculty of Science Building B. In the evening, students can be seen studying on their own, working on reports, and doing homework.

Third Lecture Room

This is where classes for 2nd and 3rd year undergraduate students and graduate students are held. Located in the Faculty of Science Building C. It is also used for self-study until late at night and is well-maintained.

Faculty of Science Library

In addition to book usage, there are study spaces available. Students from the Chemistry Department also frequently use this facility. The Central Library is located in the West Campus area.

Faculty of Science Academic Affairs Student Section

This is a department specializing in academic affairs for the entire Faculty of Science. Various official documents related to students, such as certificates, can be obtained here. Additionally, applications for university-wide notifications are also processed here.

Cafeteria / Dining Hall
Seattle’s Express Café

You can also take out items such as café lattes and lunch menus. Starbucks is located inside the Central Library in the West Campus area.

chez Jiroud

It is a French bistro-style restaurant. It is sometimes used for research meeting social gatherings and is also available for lunch.

Dining Forest

A cafeteria-style student dining hall. It gets very lively after morning classes. Dinner is also served. With its daily changing menu, it satisfies the appetites of Faculty of Science students.

Hananoki Restaurant

A Japanese cuisine restaurant. Lunch sets are available, and they also sell lunch boxes.

Shop
Books Fronte

A bookstore specializing in science and engineering books. They also sell paperback books, magazines, stationery, and daily necessities.

Rikei Shop

It is a shop that sells bread, rice balls, drinks, and snacks. Buy a boxed lunch and take it to the laboratory.

Convenience Store

It is open from 7:00 to 23:00. It is the closest FamilyMart to the Chemistry Department.

Exchange between faculty and students in the Education and Research Enhancement Project

The research laboratories in the chemistry department actively engage in various educational and research activities funded by external sources, often in collaboration with other departments. Students play important roles in some of these projects. While students typically focus on research and studies within their laboratories, they also participate in research seminars and exchange events on and off campus as part of these projects.

Cross-disciplinary interactions between faculty and students are encouraged, allowing students to gain a wide range of experiences. Students in the Chemistry Department have many opportunities for such active exchanges, enhancing their campus life experience.

Examples of past activities include participation in retreat camps and presentation sessions of the “Transformative Chemistry-Life Fusion Research Graduate School (GTR)” program, where students had the chance to listen to and interact with researchers from various fields. Through the International Leading Research – International Joint Research Acceleration Fund, symposiums between Nagoya University’s Institute for Advanced Research and the University of Münster in Germany have been held, and students have been actively involved in international exchanges (visiting research, joint research) as key participants.

The Voices of Faculty and Students Participating in GTR
The IRCCS-IRTG-GTR Joint Symposium

GTR Retreat CampIRCCS-University of Münster Exchange Symposium