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Earth is a unique planet with a history of 4.6 billion years.
It is full of water and life. Environment protection has become
an urgent topic all over the world, and people are demanding
that we use earth's ecological system more effectively, without
destroying it. To resolve various issues, we need to develop
a science that reproduces the earth's evolution through its birth
until present, investigate the natural phenomena of earth, and
use that information to understand and forecast the future. Geoscience
analyzes earth's dynamic structure from multiple perspectives,
and takes a comprehensive approach to the needs of society. This
is why it is called the science of the 21st century. |
The Geoscience Major of the University of Tsukuba is divided
into the two main fields of geography/hydrology and geology.
Geography and hydrology deal with the earth's atmosphere, lithosphere,
and hydrosphere phenomena, and the human activities being conducted
in these environments. Geology attempts to read and understand
the history of earth. Each field is built on a strong foundation
of past research and the most advanced equipment, with various
types of project producing innovative results. The main objective
of the Geoscience Major is to train students in highly advanced
knowledge and skills, so they can contribute to earth's environment
of the 21st century. The curriculum was greatly improved in 1999
to allow students a global overview in this diverse field of
geophysics. Students first learn the current topics in geosciences,
basic theories, research methods, and fieldwork in Year 1 and
2. In Year 3, a wide range of specialized subjects are offered
in field experiments, indoor experiments, and seminars, to be
pursued within the field of specialty selected by each student.
English is the common language in natural sciences, and English
reading and seminars are compulsory subjects. Year 4 is centered
on the graduation research project. |
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Thematic map on rural
activity
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50-60% of our graduates go on to graduate school. Many join
the University of Tsukuba's Graduate School of Life and Environmental
Sciences (Doctorate program) established in 2000, or the Master's
programs in Environmental Sciences, Education, or Science and
Engineering. 30-40% of graduates join companies, in industries
ranging from construction and general consulting to resource
and environmental services, as well as IT, finance, insurance,
electronics, telecommunication, publishing, car and other manufacturing
industries, distribution, and travel. This variety reflects the
diversifying skills that modern companies are looking for, as
well as the interests of our students. Another 10% of graduates
become civil employees or teachers. Students can also plan their
curriculum so they can qualify for 1st class teaching certificates
in social studies, geography, or science (geology) at lower or
upper secondary school. Those who go on to graduate school later
become researchers at universities or national and private research
centers.
The research fields covered in the Geoscience Major are described
next. We focus on both basic research and cross-disciplinary
fields that push our frontiers. |
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