The only department offering basic study in zoology
In the Department of Zoological Science (ZOS), all animals (vertebrates and invertebrates) are the subjects of zoological study. Students receive a comprehensive education in basic zoology. There are several departments in our college that deal with animals; however, their studies focus on distinct fields such as food, animal husbandry, and veterinary medicine, as applied sciences and technologies. ZOS is the only department that studies animals fundamentally from the standpoint of basic science. Our curriculum has been developed to enhance basic science knowledge so that students can transition easily to pure scientific study. We are proud to be the only department in which students can elucidate scientific problems in relation to animals according to their interests.
Four fields of study that address scientific problems in relation to animals from a broad perspective
In animal ecology, as an example, various environmental factors such as climate, vegetation, and geographic characteristics that affect animals provide important information. In addition, microbial and biochemical findings must be considered to explain the physiological mechanisms of animals. Thus, the curriculum of the ZOS is divided into the four study fields of " Physiology and Ethology", "Cell Biology and Immunology", "Natural History", and "Ecology and Conservation". Educational forums and investigations are conducted in an attempt to better understand scientific problems in relation to animals from a wide viewpoint, including their evolution, genetics, morphology, physiology, ecology, molecular biology, environmental science, and conservation biology.
The college museum preserves 30,000 items as valuable educational aids
The "Museum of Bones and Skeletons" of our college was first designated as a “Museum-Equivalent Establishment” in Kanagawa Prefecture. It is an authentic museum that preserves approximately 30,000 items, including skeletal specimens among others. Members of the ZOS are deeply engaged in its operations and exhibitions, and it is widely used for experiential learning and education. It is also used for "museum-based practical training classes" that are necessary to obtain the curator license.
The best department for students aspiring to continue in education and scientific fields
The ZOS emphasizes the strong relationships among basic science fields, particularly with respect to animal science and biology. As such, the ZOS provides an immersive educational experience for students aspiring to teach at the junior high and high school levels, as well as for those interested in museum curation and other educational fields of science as career pathways. In addition, focusing on basic science fields, ZOS fosters critical thinking skills, considering detailed findings from a broad perspective and thus allowing the development of investigative skills appropriate for many types of jobs in the workforce.
