Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University

UNDERGRADUATE COURSE

Chemical research covers a wide range of fields. In the undergraduate program, comprehensive basic education is provided on various subjects such as organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, analytical chemistry, physical chemistry, and biochemistry. In the fourth year, students are assigned to research laboratories and engage in advanced research.

“I learned that any difficult problem can be solved by great effort.”

― Osamu Shimomura (Chemistry Department alumnus)

First-year student

At the Faculty of Science at Nagoya University, first-year students do not belong to any specific department and study a wide range of subjects. In terms of chemistry lectures, courses such as Basic Chemistry I, Basic Chemistry II, and Chemistry Laboratory are offered, all taught by chemistry department faculty. In particular, experiments and observations are the foundation of research. By valuing the time spent in experiments, students develop an attitude of conducting experiments carefully, pursuing even simple questions until they are fully understood. It is possible to take lectures and practical training in mathematics, physics, biology, and other subjects necessary for the foundation of chemistry (some are mandatory). Proficiency in languages such as English is essential in today’s global society. It requires daily practice!

Second-year student

From the second year, students are assigned to each department (Chemistry Department: capacity of 50 students), and in addition to general education, they begin to receive specialized education in chemistry. Through primarily elective compulsory courses, students thoroughly study the fundamentals of organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, analytical chemistry, physical chemistry, and biochemistry. Seminar and exercise-style classes (“Chemistry Colloquium”) are offered, providing detailed guidance in small groups. To start the graduation research in the laboratory in the fourth year, students must pass most of these courses. It is also recommended to take education-related courses as early as possible.

Third-year student

In the third year, advanced lecture menus are prepared to allow students to acquire advanced knowledge in their respective fields. Students take elective courses on specific themes in each field, aiming to develop advanced knowledge and analytical skills through in-depth discussions. In the afternoons from Monday to Friday, there are “Student Experiments” (required courses), where students acquire basic skills in chemical experiments (organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, analytical chemistry, physical chemistry, and biochemistry) and have the opportunity to experience reactions and synthesis of substances firsthand.

Fourth-year student

As the fourth year approaches, students who meet the requirements are assigned to a laboratory and conduct their graduation research (special experiment). This marks the beginning of a full-fledged research life leading to graduation. Students who wish to advance to graduate school and continue their research activities will take the graduate school entrance exam in the summer of their fourth year.

Lecture

In the Chemistry Department, we gather a wide range of knowledge to address issues related to substances. Therefore, our basic approach is to ensure that students systematically and thoroughly learn chemistry at the university level. We provide education using a wide range of world-standard university textbooks in organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, physical chemistry, biochemistry, and other subjects, dedicating considerable time to this endeavor.

Organic Chemistry I

Organic Chemistry I aims to develop a basic understanding of organic chemistry by capturing the characteristics of a wide range of organic compounds, classifying them into compound groups, and learning the fundamental logic behind their structures, properties, reactions, and synthesis. It also aims to cultivate a broad perspective on material science and synthetic chemistry. [Textbook] Modern Organic Chemistry by Robert V. H. Booth and Simon O. Roauer, 8th Edition (Kagaku-Dojin)

Inorganic Chemistry I

All compounds are made up of combinations of elements from the periodic table. Inorganic Chemistry I teaches the fundamental concepts necessary to understand the structure, properties, and reactivity of inorganic compounds. Topics include the properties of atoms, molecular bonding, molecular orbitals, molecular structures, properties of atomic nuclei, molecular symmetry, and the basics of crystal structures in metals and ion solids. [Textbook] Housecroft Inorganic Chemistry (Part 1)

Quantum Chemistry I

Quantum Chemistry I teaches the principles of quantum mechanics to describe the microscopic world of atoms and molecules. It applies these principles to various chemical problems, aiming to understand how atoms and molecules are formed and what structures and properties they exhibit. Students learn how quantum mechanics is used to describe the mechanisms that determine the style of chemical bonding and the shape of molecules. [Textbook] Physical Chemistry: A Molecular Approach by Donald A. McQuarrie and John D. Simon, Volume 1

Biochemistry I

Biochemistry I aims to understand the structure, properties, and reactions of substances that constitute living organisms, and to acquire a foundation for understanding life phenomena at the molecular level. [Textbook] Fundamentals of Biochemistry by Donald Voet, 5th Edition

3rd Year Student Experiment

The essence of the chemistry department’s curriculum is the “3rd-year Student Experiment,” a phrase heard from all graduates. From Monday to Friday afternoons, 3rd-year students engage in this student experiment to deepen their understanding of the textbook material. They learn basic attitudes, techniques, and safety precautions for experiments before joining a research laboratory.

In the 3rd Year Student Experiment, students submit reports, which helps them develop the ability to summarize their findings. This skill is also essential in the real world. Therefore, the fundamental principle is to ensure that students systematically and thoroughly learn chemistry at the university level.

Third-year student's one-year student experiment

April

Orientation
Safety training
Glasswork practice

April to May

Analytical Chemistry Experiment

May to June

Inorganic Chemistry Experiment

June to July

Organic Chemistry Experiment

October

Biochemical Experiment (Biochemistry and Bioinorganic Chemistry)

November to January

Physical Chemistry Experiment (Physical Chemistry, Photo-Physical Chemistry, Quantum Chemistry)

4th Year: Lab Assignment

Upon meeting the requirements for advancement to the 4th year, students are assigned to a laboratory based on their preferences. They then engage in a special experiment, commonly known as their graduation research. Under the guidance of a laboratory instructor, they conduct research on specific chemical problems.

This period offers a valuable experience in discovering truths from natural phenomena. From April, they will spend approximately one year in research activities.

At the end of February, they are required to submit a report (graduation thesis) summarizing their year-long research. In early March, an presentation session is held where they orally present their findings.

ICT system

At universities, an online educational support system called TACT (Teaching and Learning Assistance for Chemistry) is provided and utilized in chemistry courses. This system offers convenient ICT environments for distributing electronic materials, submitting reports, and sending questions or messages to instructors.

The Tokai National Higher Education and Research System has entered into a comprehensive licensing agreement with Microsoft, allowing students at Nagoya University to use various software and services included in the agreement.

TACT

Chemistry Department Course Tree (Academic Year R5)

And the path to graduate school...

The progress of science and technology is remarkable, and if you aspire to work in leading chemical research after graduation, it is strongly recommended to continue your studies and research activities in graduate school. According to data compiled from 2019 to 2021, over 85% of chemistry department graduates have gone on to graduate school. This high rate of continuation is not only due to the eagerness of educators to cultivate the next generation of chemists and the motivation of students but also reflects societal demands, especially from public research institutions and industries that expect rich creativity and innovative thinking.

The graduate school of chemistry education exists as one area of the Faculty of Science. Its educational program is called the doctoral course, which consists of a master’s program and a doctoral program. Those who complete the master’s program are awarded a Master’s degree, and then they can undergo a doctoral thesis examination in the doctoral program, which takes about three years to obtain a Doctor of Science degree. The entrance examination for the doctoral program is held in July to August. Students take the exam in their fourth year of undergraduate study and enter graduate school the following year. The entrance exam is also open to students from other universities.

The creation of individuals with a “Doctorate” is one of the important missions of our graduate education. We aim to cultivate individuals who can actively conduct advanced academic research, and for this purpose, an excellent research system has been established. Additionally, you can apply for scholarships such as the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science Special Researcher Program and our university’s Fusion Frontier Fellowship Program to support future doctoral researchers.