Environmental Science
Introduction movie
This video introduces the features of the Environmental Science course.
Overview
?"Environmental science" includes all basic natural science fields, such as physics, chemistry, biology, and earth science. Using knowledge of these basic natural sciences as a base, the Environmental Science course aims to understand the mechanisms of environmental change and pioneer new fields of education and research.
?In recent years, we have become increasingly aware of rapid changes in the natural environment both in our own neighborhoods and on a global scale. Many of these changes are due to human activity. The mechanisms of change in the global environment are intricately intertwined, and it is not easy for humans to coexist with nature. However, we believe that the first step is to accurately understand, step by step, the flow of materials that mediates this complex intertwining - material circulation.
?In recent years, we have become increasingly aware of rapid changes in the natural environment both in our own neighborhoods and on a global scale. Many of these changes are due to human activity. The mechanisms of change in the global environment are intricately intertwined, and it is not easy for humans to coexist with nature. However, we believe that the first step is to accurately understand, step by step, the flow of materials that mediates this complex intertwining - material circulation.
?As the saying goes, "When the wind blows, the cooper makes a profit," but sometimes a factor added in one place can manifest itself as an environmental change in a completely different place. In order to understand this mechanism, it will be necessary to thoroughly study and research each and every achievement in the natural sciences, and sometimes even human society and culture.
?The educational goal of this course is to help students understand the material cycles that underlie environmental change from a broad perspective that transcends academic fields. We hope to develop students into members of society and researchers who can apply the knowledge they acquire to tackle a variety of problems.
?The educational goal of this course is to help students understand the material cycles that underlie environmental change from a broad perspective that transcends academic fields. We hope to develop students into members of society and researchers who can apply the knowledge they acquire to tackle a variety of problems.
Education
?Environmental Science course has a curriculum that systematically teaches the geosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, cryosphere, and biosphere that make up the Earth's environment.
?The most distinctive feature of this program is that students are provided with a wide range of opportunities to see, touch, and think for themselves (field work) before graduating. For example, students in their first year will have a field trip to Norikura and Kamikochi, and in their second year they will have a field trip to Lake Suwa. Students will learn about alpine environments as they aim to reach mountain peaks over 3,000 meters above sea level, and about satoyama environments while experiencing beautiful lakes, marshes, and plants.
?The most distinctive feature of this program is that students are provided with a wide range of opportunities to see, touch, and think for themselves (field work) before graduating. For example, students in their first year will have a field trip to Norikura and Kamikochi, and in their second year they will have a field trip to Lake Suwa. Students will learn about alpine environments as they aim to reach mountain peaks over 3,000 meters above sea level, and about satoyama environments while experiencing beautiful lakes, marshes, and plants.
?In the Environmental Science course, we encourage students to take a wide range of basic courses in their early years and then select their specialized field from the second half of their third year, ensuring that they are able to study and conduct research with enthusiasm.
?In the fourth year, the curriculum is centered on graduation research for one year, and students develop comprehensive problem-solving skills through processes such as setting goals, collecting data, analyzing data, and interpreting the results.
?Graduation research often focuses on themes rooted in the reality of nature, utilizing the natural environment of Shinshu, which is close by. Students also develop an awareness of their own position and role in society, and an ethical sense that utilizes their own abilities and expertise for the sustainable development of society and humanity.
?In the fourth year, the curriculum is centered on graduation research for one year, and students develop comprehensive problem-solving skills through processes such as setting goals, collecting data, analyzing data, and interpreting the results.
?Graduation research often focuses on themes rooted in the reality of nature, utilizing the natural environment of Shinshu, which is close by. Students also develop an awareness of their own position and role in society, and an ethical sense that utilizes their own abilities and expertise for the sustainable development of society and humanity.
Research
?The Earth's surface consists of the geosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, cryosphere, and biosphere, all of which interact with one another. Diverse and complex environments have been created there, and have changed and evolved over the Earth's long history, forming the "natural environment" that provides the foundation for human existence.
?The objectives of research in the Environmental Science course are to 1) elucidate the formation of the natural environment by integrating basic natural science fields such as physics, chemistry, biology, and earth science from the perspective of material circulation and interactions, 2) develop academic fields that aim to conserve and sustain the natural environment based on the findings, and 3) cultivate the human resources who will take on this role. In the Environmental Science course, we place emphasis on research into the history of environmental change and environmental conservation that delves into our relationship with humans, through analysis of the weather and topography in mountainous regions, and the environments and ecology of forests, rivers, lakes, and other areas.
?The objectives of research in the Environmental Science course are to 1) elucidate the formation of the natural environment by integrating basic natural science fields such as physics, chemistry, biology, and earth science from the perspective of material circulation and interactions, 2) develop academic fields that aim to conserve and sustain the natural environment based on the findings, and 3) cultivate the human resources who will take on this role. In the Environmental Science course, we place emphasis on research into the history of environmental change and environmental conservation that delves into our relationship with humans, through analysis of the weather and topography in mountainous regions, and the environments and ecology of forests, rivers, lakes, and other areas.
Student voice
?"What I learned in the Material Circulation Science course is the ability to identify problems and solve them."
?"I was especially impressed by the many field trips I was able to take part in (for example, Mt. Norikura, Kamikochi, Lake Suwa, etc.) that are only possible at Shinshu University."
?"I was especially impressed by the many field trips I was able to take part in (for example, Mt. Norikura, Kamikochi, Lake Suwa, etc.) that are only possible at Shinshu University."