The Three Policies of the School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences (Ph.D. in Science)

Based on the diploma policy outlined by Keio University, this program aims to cultivate students who value diversity and use their expertise in science and technology to boldly venture into unknown frontiers and lead society. Moreover, our objective is to foster exceptional individuals through cutting-edge education and research grounded in mathematical sciences and physics. We strive to cultivate a broad outlook that encompasses not only science and technology, but society as a whole.

Rather than merely relying on today's state-of-the-art standards, students will master the foundations required to pioneer the next frontier, ultimately acquiring an unparalleled depth of expertise built upon the core truths of science. We aim to develop future researchers who can demonstrate clear, significant achievements across a wide range of specialized fields in science and technology. Graduates will possess an abundant wealth of foundational knowledge, enabling them to conduct high-level research independently while proactively identifying opportunities to apply their expertise.

In addition, the degree of Doctor of Science will be conferred upon students who demonstrate a deep understanding of current knowledge, theories, and phenomena in the natural sciences, and who fulfill all the prescribed curriculum requirements.

(1) Demonstrate a strong determination to contribute to society, utilizing one's unique talents to proactively identify problems.

(2) Demonstrate the ability to break down complex problems into manageable elements and tackle them using advanced academic and technological expertise.

(3) Demonstrate the ability to generate world-leading, creative research outcomes across a broad spectrum of science and technology, from basic to applied fields.

(4) Demonstrate the ability to independently conduct advanced research across a wide range of science and technology fields, proactively identify opportunities to apply one's expertise, and explore emerging frontiers with an appreciation for diverse values.

The above four competency objectives are common across all schools.

(5) Demonstrate the ability to advance next-generation technologies by drawing on strong research skills and a mastery of foundational mathematics and physics.

(6) Demonstrate the capacity to comprehend the fundamental nature of things through meticulous logical reasoning.

(7) Demonstrate a mastery of research methodologies and dissemination practices that respect social diversity, proactively driving creative impact for the good of society.

(8) Demonstrate a deep understanding of natural sciences—including their foundational knowledge, theories, and observed phenomena—and the ability to apply and extrapolate their various laws.

The doctoral final examination consists of a comprehensive review, focusing primarily on the candidate’s dissertation and knowledge of related fields. In particular, the research underlying the candidate’s dissertation must contribute to the advancement of science, technology, and industry. Furthermore, it must feature pioneering content that drives innovative R&D for far-reaching global impact.　

The curriculum is comprised of specialized research courses. This program delivers instruction on defining research questions, methodologies for arriving at solutions, research execution, achieving convergence, and thesis preparation to develop and refine research skills to ensure students meet the completion requirements outlined in the School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences’ degree conferral policy.

Students conduct research under the guidance of their academic advisor, actively gaining international research experience while summarizing the results in their doctoral dissertation. The curriculum provides structured, step-by-step guidance from multiple faculty members throughout this process.

Through cutting-edge research grounded in mathematical science and physics, this program aims to nurture individuals with the capabilities to play a leading role in advancing global society by boldly taking on challenges in uncharted research fields. Students are encouraged to maximize their creativity as they master the fundamentals of research methodology and dissemination through world-class lectures and various research projects.

The criteria for evaluating students’ learning outcomes in relation to the competency objectives of this program shall be carried out in accordance with the grading rubrics for each course. Specific evaluation criteria for reports, discussions, and research presentations are outlined in course syllabi.

Additionally, with the Assessment Plan in mind, the university promotes institution-wide efforts to improve teaching methods based on student feedback from course questionnaires, while encouraging students’ independent and self-directed learning.

The following competency objectives will be cultivated through research courses.

(1) Demonstrate a strong determination to contribute to society, utilizing one's unique talents to proactively identify problems.

(2) Demonstrate the ability to break down complex problems into manageable elements and tackle them using advanced academic and technological expertise.

(3) Demonstrate the ability to generate world-leading, creative research outcomes across a broad spectrum of science and technology, from basic to applied fields.

(4) Demonstrate the ability to independently conduct advanced research across a wide range of science and technology fields, proactively identify opportunities to apply one's expertise, and explore emerging frontiers with an appreciation for diverse values.

(5) Demonstrate the ability to advance next-generation technologies by drawing on strong research skills and a mastery of foundational mathematics and physics.

(6) Demonstrate the capacity to comprehend the fundamental nature of things through meticulous logical reasoning.

(7) Demonstrate a mastery of research methodologies and dissemination practices that respect social diversity, proactively driving creative impact for the good of society.

(8) Demonstrate a deep understanding of natural sciences—including their foundational knowledge, theories, and observed phenomena—and the ability to apply and extrapolate their various laws.

Research courses are structured to build these core competencies through guided instruction in defining research questions, methodology, project execution, outcome synthesis, and dissertation preparation. Through both domestic and international research activities, students develop their work and submit a doctoral dissertation for evaluation. Together, these research activities form the core content of the curriculum.

The School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences seeks students with the following qualities, motivation, and interests.

(1) Students who strongly resonate with the Graduate School of Science and Technology’s human resource development goals and education/research objectives who possess a desire to enhance their knowledge of science and technology, acquire communication skills that emphasize diversity, and attain the capabilities to venture into uncharted territories based on science and technology, driven by their own independent thought and action.

(2) Students who possess a solid foundation in fields grounded in mathematical sciences or physics and have a strong desire to contribute to the development of basic science or cutting-edge advancements in science and technology built upon those foundational sciences.

(3) Students who aspire to conduct high-level research across diverse international fields and are committed to making meaningful societal contributions through their work.

To admit a wide range of candidates who embody these qualities, selection will be conducted through entrance examinations in July and February. A separate entrance examination will be conducted for students from overseas universities applying for the International Graduate Programs on Advanced Science and Technology. Through this selection process, we strive to create an educational and research environment that drives intellectual synergy by bringing together students with diverse skills and backgrounds to inspire and challenge one another. 

(1) July Examinations: Selection is primarily based on document screening; however, applicants may be asked to sit for an oral examination if necessary.

(2) February Examinations: Selection is primarily based on document screening; however, applicants may be asked to sit for an oral examination if necessary.

(3) International Graduate Programs on Advanced Science and Technology Examinations: With multiple application periods per year, selection is primarily based on document screening and an oral examination.