Curriculum Policy

The United Graduate School of Agricultural Sciences, Tottori University, builds and implements a systematic curriculum to foster human resources envisioned in the Diploma Policy in accordance with the following policy:

1. We provide a diploma program education through which learners can obtain broad knowledge, education, and morality built on social responsibility, which form the core of every accomplished researcher with a comprehensive viewpoint in agriculture and related academic areas.

2. In each of the Courses of Bioproduction and Bioenvironmental Sciences, Bioresource and Life Sciences, and Global Dryland Science, we provide a professional education focusing on the acquisition of expertise in the specialized area and in-depth knowledge of the related areas, as well as the capacities to identify and solve advanced problems and communicate effectively. The courses further offer diploma program education focusing on practical skills, such as the ability to complete researches.

3. Through the guidance of several expert faculty members, students will learn to carry out independent and original research.

4. The departments have developed their own criteria for assessing examinations, grading, and evaluating doctoral dissertation. The departments further examine the effectiveness of the courses based on the students’ academic performance.

Admission Policy (New Student Admission Policy)

The United Graduate School of Agricultural Sciences, Tottori University, widely accepts people who: (1) have the basic knowledge and scholastic ability equivalent to the master’s degree, which is required in each of the Courses of Bioproduction and Bioenvironmental Sciences, Bioresource and Life Sciences, and Global Dryland Science; (2) seek to obtain higher and broader expertise and skills and more comprehensive viewpoints, and further desire to engage in original studies through the application of these skills; (3) seek to acquire high morality based on social responsibility, contribute to the development of science and technology, and cater to the needs of the local and international communities; and (4) seek to obtain professional and advanced capacities to identify and solve problems and communicate effectively and lead the research activities in the specialized area to deal with problems faced by the local and international communities.
In order to accept applicants who meet these requirements, the United Graduate School of Agricultural Sciences, Tottori University will select candidates based on a multifaceted and comprehensive evaluation of application documents (including research plan) and oral examination.
Each course seeks the following qualities in students:

Bioproduction and Bioenvironmental Sciences

A strong interest in problems in production, distribution, consumption, and production environment in agriculture and forestry, as well as in other areas related to forest and watershed environments, and the desire to solve such problems.

Bioresource and Life Sciences

A strong interest in the diverse vital functions found in animals, plants, fungi, etc. and the desire to challenge advanced bioscience studies focusing on the identification of such vital functions at molecular and genetic levels, as well as their utilization as resources.

Global Dryland Science

A strong interest in problems surrounding the environment and food in drylands across the world and the desire to utilize the broad viewpoint, expertise, and professional skills in international activities.

Diploma Policy (Degree Conferment Policy)

The United Graduate School of Agricultural Sciences, Tottori University, grants Doctor of Philosophy to those who earn designated credits and pass the thesis screening and examinations upon acquiring research skills required in conducting independent research activities and advanced professional works, as well as academic knowledge, abilities to identify and solve problems and communicate effectively, which form the basis for such skills. The requirements for recipients of Doctor of Philosophy for each course are as follows:

Bioproduction and Bioenvironmental Sciences

Have obtained outstanding research capacities backed by broad knowledge, advanced techniques, comprehensive viewpoint, and high morality required to improve and solve problems in production, distribution, consumption, and production environment in agriculture and forestry, as well as in other areas related to forest and watershed environments.

Bioresource and Life Sciences

Have obtained outstanding research capacities backed by broad knowledge, advanced techniques, comprehensive viewpoint, and high morality required to identify vital functions and discover advanced use of diverse organisms, including animals, plants, and fungi.

Global Dryland Science

Have obtained outstanding research capacities backed by broad knowledge, advanced techniques, comprehensive viewpoint, and high morality required to improve and solve various problems concerning environment, food, etc. in drylands around the world.