*Due to the damages caused by the 2016 Kumamoto earthquake, classes of the Undergraduate and Graduate School of Agriculture is temporarily held at the Kumamoto Campus instead of the Aso Campus except for some field work activities.
Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to self-motivated study along with an appreciation of and desire to attain the educational objectives of the School of Agriculture as follows. The School of Agriculture is committed to producing graduates of good character and judgment with outstanding leadership and communication skills as well as the positivity and creativity needed to open up unknown fields from a global perspective in line with the educational doctrine of “love and justice," which is consistent with the founding principles of Tokai University. In specialized fields in particular, the School of Agriculture provides the theoretical background to food production and utilization but also places a strong emphasis on practical applications in the real world, and encourages students to develop a sense of empathy and compassion predicated on an appreciation of the relationship between food and life, as well as the skills for passing down the notions of the “importance of food" and “respect for life" to future generations.
There are many problems for our planet at present, including the food crisis, global warming and desertification. The power of plants provides a viable means of addressing these problems. The Department of Plant Science seeks to address not just food issues but environmental issues as well, by studying cultivation techniques for farm produce that are kinder to people and kinder to the environment, while at the same time capitalizing on rapid advances in biotechnology to improve and enhance farm produce. Through a combination of experiments and exercises, students develop the skills and competencies to contribute to building a society where people can coexist with nature.
Life is sustained and extended by the actions of genes, enzymes and hormones. The Department of Animal Science teaches animal husbandry techniques and reproduction and propagation mechanisms starting at the cellular and molecular level, along with technology for the application thereof. Students also learn about production technology appropriate to livestock and seek to realize the creation of sound and healthy natural and social environment as well as safe food production. In the vast natural expanses of the Aso campus, students come into direct contact with animals and gain a comprehensive experience of animal husbandry and production.
Amidst increasing awareness of health issues and interest in the many beneficial substances in our food, the Department of Bioscience seeks to build a better understanding of the physiological benefits of and functional elements present in fermented foods, grasses, vegetables and fruit, and to develop techniques for applying this knowledge to the manufacture of health foods and medical supplies. The curriculum covers the latest biotechnology as well as research to develop more efficient methodologies for safe, large-scale food production. Through experiments and exercises, students learn about a range of life phenomena and associated applications and help to build the cornerstone for a better planet.
