Environmental Sciences
Environmental Sciences may not be a very familiar field, but it lies at the boundary of basic natural sciences. Based on what was systematic basic knowledge, this course pioneers new research and education fields.
Shinshu University is located in the middle of an environment blessed with nature, sparkling alps and pure mountain streams. The best selling point of this department is being able to conduct our lectures, practical training and research in the middle of this richly abundant natural environment. Unfortunately, these days we have to worry about how long we will be able to preserve natural environments like this. Both locally and globally, environmental change is becoming obvious everywhere.
With complex relationships between the mechanisms of environment change, we are currently not easily able to open the way for harmonious coexistence between mankind and nature. We believe that the first step toward opening the way is to acquire an accurate understanding of the flow of matter, or the cycles of material, at the interface of these complex relationships. Thorough study and research of each outcome of the natural sciences - mathematics, physics, chemistry, geology, geophysics, biology, etc. - and, where applicable, of human society and culture, is essential for clarifying these mechanisms. The Department of Environmental Sciences aims to teach the cyclical nature of matter as the origin of environment change to aid understanding from a broad perspective.
Environmental issues are so huge that human society will no longer be able to steer around them. That is why we aim to foster researchers and other members of society who will apply the knowledge they have acquired and tackle this range of different problems. We are looking for students who are looking for somewhere to apply their love of nature, their thirst for more knowledge of nature, and their passion.
Messages from Current and Graduate Students
Riyo Miyashita
(Graduated 2000 - Chino City Yatsugatake Museum)
What I most remember about my time at university is my senior project at a certain lake. Even though the water was so clear that you could see the bottom of the lake three meters down, I had to conduct many experiments to solve the issue of cyanobacterial blooms there. The search process was so interesting that I became engrossed in my research, and through my senior thesis I looked at and worked on verifying several possibilities. Ironically, I solved that problem soon after finding employment. I spoke to many people about my thesis and some of them knew of certain things that were occurring around the lake at the time. It was an enormous revelation that helped me solve the subject of my intense research, and the thrill was so fantastic that I wish others could also experience it.
Since university, I have worked in the environmental department of city hall and in the Ministry of the Environment, but I am now working as the curator of the Chino City Yatsugatake Museum. We are also acting as the secretariat for a group involved with the protection of the Aporia hippia japonica butterfly in the Yatsugatake Mountains. There are many other types of job available working with the environment and through my involvement with this work, I feel like the four years I spent studying have helped me understand that my heart lies with environmental sciences.
Hiroshi Nishiyama
(Master's Program, 2008 - Nissaku Co., Ltd.)
Each one of us has our own reasons for going to university. Some want to study, some want to find employment, some want to get involved with part-time jobs and club activities, and some just want to have fun. Likewise, how we spend our time at university and how we use that experience afterwards is up to the individual.
During the year I spent preparing to retake the university examinations, something happened that determined the direction I would take at university. At the time, I wanted to learn more about the Earth and about the world itself, so when I heard about the Department of Environmental Sciences at Shinshu University, I took the entrance examination. I learned that the Department of Environmental Sciences teaches about the Earth and the environment from both macro and micro perspectives, and of all the departments at all the universities, that seemed to most closely match my own hopes and aspirations.
I met some very close friends during my time at university, and through those meetings I was able to set more new and interesting goals for myself. From research to study to life lessons, I learned so much from my colleagues, seniors and teachers. University is the place for realizing what you want to do with your life and for finding and setting new goals. Whether you will achieve those goals though, is entirely up to you.
