Three Policies of the Ph.D. in Pharmacy Program in Pharmacy

In accordance with the founding spirit of this Juku, the program aims to teach and research the academic principles of pharmacy and their applications, cultivating the outstanding academic knowledge and creative research abilities required in fields related to medical care and drug discovery.

The Program in Pharmacy aims to cultivate leading pharmacists, researchers, and educators who possess a foundation in science and a strong sense of ethics as healthcare professionals, contribute to the implementation of advanced pharmacotherapy and the practice of pharmaceutical research, and can play active roles in various fields.

Educational Goals

Based on the Policy on Graduation Certification and degree conferral (Diploma Policy) of Keio University University, the program aims to cultivate leading pharmacists and pioneering researchers and educators (Pharmacist-Scientists) who possess a foundation in science and a strong sense of ethics as healthcare professionals, contribute to the implementation of advanced pharmacotherapy and the advancement of pharmaceutical research, contribute to the improvement of public health and medical care, and can play active roles in various fields. In addition, students who have fulfilled the prescribed requirements set forth in the curriculum will be awarded a Ph.D. in Pharmacy degree.

Goal for Qualities and Abilities (1): As a Pharmacist-Scientist, the ability to scientifically design and evaluate advanced pharmacotherapy and to bridge basic research with clinical applications.

Goal for Qualities and Abilities (2): The ability to identify challenges in clinical settings and to implement solutions as a member of a healthcare team.

Goal for Qualities and Abilities (3): The ability to possess an international perspective and advanced communication skills and to serve as a leader in a wide range of fields.

Goal for Qualities and Abilities (4): The ability to have a sense of ethics as a healthcare professional, to give back one's achievements to society, and to contribute to the improvement of medical care and health.

A degree will be conferred upon confirmation that the student has acquired the abilities befitting an independent researcher and a highly specialized professional. This confirmation is based on grades for the prescribed credits earned in accordance with the policy for curriculum organization and implementation, and through research guidance in seminars and research projects in the Doctoral Programs. The confirmation process involves a review by the degree review committee, which consists of an interim review and the Graduate School academic advisor, in accordance with the separately established thesis review criteria.

To cultivate the qualities and abilities set forth in the "Policy on Graduation Certification and degree conferral (Diploma Policy)," the Doctoral Programs of the Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences Program in Pharmacy will systematically organize a curriculum composed of lectures, seminars, and research projects.

Based on this curriculum organization, education will be provided by combining educational methods such as active learning, PBL (Problem-Based Learning), and fieldwork.

Based on the assessment plan for the entire Juku, the assessment of learning outcomes for the goals for qualities and abilities to be acquired through this program's curriculum is conducted using direct indicators based on the grading criteria established for each course. It is also evaluated using a combination of quantitative, qualitative, direct, and indirect indicators, including various surveys and questionnaires.

Competency Goal (1): The ability to scientifically design and evaluate advanced pharmacotherapy and bridge basic research with clinical application as a Pharmacist-Scientist.

Students will deepen their specialized knowledge of pharmacotherapy through advanced lectures and seminars in various pharmacy-related fields. Through research projects, they will develop the practical skills to scientifically design and evaluate pharmacotherapy.

Competency Goal (2): The ability to explore challenges in clinical settings and implement solutions as a member of a healthcare team.

Through introductory lectures on clinical research and research projects, students will develop clinical problem-solving skills and the ability to collaborate with healthcare teams.

Competency Goal (3): The ability to act as a leader in a wide range of fields with an international perspective and advanced communication skills.

Students will develop an international perspective and communication skills through seminars, overseas training, and participation and presentation at international conferences.

Competency Goal (4): The ability to contribute to the improvement of medical care and health and give back to society, equipped with the ethics of a healthcare professional.

Through introductory lectures on clinical research and research projects, students will cultivate a sense of ethics as a healthcare professional and develop the ability to contribute their research outcomes to society.

(1) Individuals who possess the specialized knowledge and problem-solving skills to advance the practice and research of pharmacotherapy in the field of pharmacy.

(2) Individuals who can deeply explore challenges in clinical settings, demonstrate leadership as a member of a healthcare team, and collaborate with others.

(3) Individuals with an international perspective who are motivated to contribute to the improvement of medical care and health through clinical research as a Pharmacist-Scientist.

(4) Individuals who have a sense of ethics and responsibility as a healthcare professional and compassion for others.

To admit a wide range of such students, we conduct a selection process through (1) recommendation-based admission and (2) general and working adult admission.

(1) Recommendation-Based Admission

For applicants whose academic performance in our faculty exceeds the specified criteria, an interview will be conducted to evaluate their motivation, willingness to learn, and other qualities, and a decision on admission will be made.

(2) General and Working Adult Admission

An academic proficiency test, consisting of an essay and an English language test, will be administered. In addition, an interview will be conducted to evaluate the applicant's motivation, willingness to learn, and other qualities to determine admission.