Introduction to the Graduate School

The United Graduate School of Agricultural Sciences, Iwate University (UGAS) is one of the six united graduate schools in Japan dedicated to doctoral courses in agricultural sciences. These six schools composing 19 universities, operate cooperatively without the insular character that is often seen among the traditional graduate school systems. UGAS is the northernmost school among the six units and is blessed with the rich natural environment of the Tohoku area in Japan. The home of the three constituent universities-Hirosaki University, Yamagata University and Iwate University-is also a key area for food production in Japan, and its value for the nation’s agriculture has been increasingly recognized in recent years. In such an environment, achieved important successes in the development of human resources that can contribute to a broad range of research and industrial fields. In addition we have also been aggressively promoting the enrollment of international students and working students. At UGAS, with biological research in cold climates as the main focus, advanced and academic research of various themes is pursued in the three majors ; Bioproduction Science, Bioresources Science, Regional Environment Creation.

We look forward to the enrollment of people who meet the following requirements.
・Those who have basic knowledge of their research area cultivated from academic experiences.
・Those who not only conduct research activity based on advanced research and technical knowledge but also have high motivation for acquiring a wide variety of knowledge related to agriculture in cold climates.
・Those who have interests in enhancing their English skills in science through international research exchanges and reporting research results to the world.
・Those who have desire to network and communicate actively with researchers and technical experts from wide range of research fields in the world.
・Those who have aspirations to build up their ability to disseminate their own knowledge and the outcome of their research to the general public in an easily comprehendible manner.

Our Human Resource Development Goals and Knowledge and Skills We Expect Students to Obtain

With a solid education system supported by the cooperation among the four constituent universities, partner graduate schools, and other united graduate schools of agricultural sciences, as well as graduate schools and universities overseas, UGAS provides our students with the opportunity to develop expertise in the fields of agricultural sciences designed for cold regions. Our goal is to develop researchers who can conduct advanced, global-level research , academic staff with deep interest and abundant knowledge in agricultural sciences, and professionals with flexible, high-level problem-solving abilities.

Bioproduction Science

Students learn the way to produce agricultural organisms and useful bioresources and the knowledge and abilities in the biological systems and gene resources. From these studies, we can train students to search and resolve the advanced challengings and technologies.

Bioresources Science

Students learn the basics about the function of useful bioresources and agricultural organisms and control of genes and biotic environment, their biological functions, development of biotechnology and application to foods. From these studies, we can train students to challenge some tasks as a professional in the bioscience research area.

Regional Environment Creation

Students learn to resolve the environmental factors regarding the sustainable use of bioresources and utility of regional resources. From the studies, we can train students to be technicians or regional leaders who revitalize the first primary industry and agricultural, fishery village and experts in creation of sustainable regional environment.  

Admission Policy

The United Graduate School of Agricultural Sciences, Iwate University (UGAS) is one of six united graduate schools in Japan dedicated to doctoral courses in agricultural sciences. These six schools overcome the typical nature that is often seen among the traditional graduate school systems. UGAS is the northernmost school among the six units and is blessed with the rich natural environment of Tohoku area in Japan. The home of the three constituent universities, Hirosaki University, Yamagata University and Iwate University, is also a key area for food production in Japan.

Iwate UGAS promotes cooperation with its UGAS constituent universities, as well as other five united graduate schools of agricultural sciences and the universities in overseas under the agreement. As a part of the cooperation, we offer various education from multi perspectives to students. UGAS faculties provide students to obtain an ability to find community-based challenges, foresee the challenges from a global perspective and obtain high technical knowledge especially in cryobiosystem research area. UGAS aims at encouraging future researchers who develop advanced, international-standard research, becoming university faculties who have high concerns and huge knowledge in agricultural area and procreate advanced professionals who have an ability to resolve tasks challengingly.

We look forward to the enrollment of people who meet the following requirements.

• Those who have basic knowledge of their research area cultivated from academic experience.
• Those who not only conduct research activity based on advanced research and technical knowledge but also have high motivation for acquiring a wide variety of knowledge related to agriculture in cold climates and resolving regional challenging.
• Those who have interests in enhancing their English skills in science through international research exchanges and reporting research results to the world.
• Those who desire to expand their network and communicate actively with researchers and technical experts from wide range of research fields in the world.
• Those who have aspirations to build up their ability to disseminate their own knowledge and the outcome of their research to the general public in an easily comprehensible manner.

Doctoral Thesis Evaluation Standards

United Graduate School of Agricultural Sciences, Iwate University
Doctoral Thesis Evaluation Standards

Approved November 29, 2013 by the Board of Representatives
United Graduate School of Agricultural Sciences, Iwate University

Evaluation of Doctoral Thesis
Doctoral theses are evaluated by members of an examination committee consisting of one chief examiner and at least three additional examiners.

Evaluation Elements
1．The significance of the subject matter and findings of the doctoral thesis
The research subject matter of the doctoral thesis is described clearly in the context of previous agricultural research carried out in the field, and the research theme has significance and originality as a doctoral thesis.

2．Understanding and presentation of previous research
The doctoral thesis must contain a thorough evaluation of previous research demonstrating both comprehensive and accurate understanding of the subject. The doctoral thesis must describe these previous studies in relation to the theme of the thesis.

3．Publication of key findings as main papers
In accordance to the bylaws regarding doctoral theses enacted by the United Graduate School of Agricultural Sciences, at least a part of the doctoral thesis must have been published as an article in an academic journal.

4．Appropriateness of the research methods
All experiments, surveys and/or literature reviews conducted for the doctoral thesis should be appropriate to the subject matter. In particular, research ethics and safety issues must be given proper consideration.

5．Appropriateness of arguments and conclusions
There must be a logical and cohesive connection between the thesis statement articulated in the beginning, the arguments and evidence introduced in the body of the thesis, and the conclusions.

6．Overall appearance and structure
The language and rhetorical structure must be clear and precise. All charts, graphs and citation of references must be well-ordered and written correctly.

Evaluation Criteria
The doctoral thesis must satisfy all of the six criteria above to be considered acceptable.

Dean, Assistant Dean, Board of Representatives

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