Key Features of the Department of Chemistry

Centered on fields such as physical chemistry, inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry, materials chemistry, and biochemistry, students can pursue cutting-edge chemistry research spanning from fundamental chemistry to pioneering applied research for the next generation. This includes: (1) Analyzing reaction processes through experiments and calculations, (2) Creating high-performance nanomaterials such as catalysts and magnetic materials, (3) Developing novel chemical reactions, (4) Investigating the molecular-level mechanisms of biological phenomena.

With approximately 40 students in each year, the 20 faculty members of Department of Chemistry provide the most personalized small-group education in the Faculty of Science and Technology. Many of the fourth-year graduation research projects are cutting-edge in nature, ready for presentation at specialized academic conferences in their respective fields. We are fully committed to supporting them in becoming true leaders capable of pioneering new fields and creating original new technologies.

In the second and third years, students take a well-balanced curriculum covering fundamental areas of chemistry, building the foundational academic skills necessary for more specialized studies in the field. Furthermore, through chemistry experiments that emphasize hands-on interaction with materials, students develop a perspective on chemistry as the “central science” at the heart of the physical sciences. In the fourth year, in addition to graduation research, students also engage with cutting-edge global topics through special lectures by researchers from other universities and institutions.

The Department of Chemistry provides an education that cultivates individuals capable of both in-depth understanding the fundamentals of chemistry and the creation of a wide range of substances. Classes provide a broad grounding in all areas of chemistry — theoretical chemistry, physical chemistry, inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry, and biochemistry — covering every detail thoroughly. This cultivates the ability to approach various challenges with a well-rounded perspective. Furthermore, through the small-group education that comes with having only around 40 students per year, we are able to provide intensive instruction that can address the wide-ranging questions raised by students.

Chemistry requires not only a deep academic understanding of the subject, but also the ability to create and analyze substances through experimentation. The Department of Chemistry provides highly attentive instruction, with approximately one faculty member per two first-year students supervising these experiments. Experimental assignments, like the lectures, cover a wide range of topics in chemistry, allowing students to develop the skills to address various problems experimentally.

The research groups in the Department of Chemistry conduct world-leading research in their respective fields, and these findings are disseminated globally through top-tier academic journals. Additionally, multiple large-scale projects are underway, and our research environment is among the top in the country. Through their graduation research, each student can experience the essential appeal of the study of chemistry by actively engaging in this cutting-edge work.

Since its founding, the Department of Chemistry has produced numerous graduates who have gone on to work at universities and research institutions both in Japan and abroad, as well as in the research and development divisions of leading companies, where they have achieved remarkable success in their respective positions. This too can be considered the result of the broad-based foundational education that the department provides.

Undergraduate students in the Department of Chemistry report high levels of satisfaction with their studies, and many pursue graduate studies to acquire more specialized knowledge and skills, further honing their sense of initiative and drive for improvement. Then, building upon fundamental knowledge, they embark on broader cutting-edge research encompassing interdisciplinary fields, significantly advancing their understanding from knowledge to wisdom. They actively participate in academic conferences both domestically and internationally, presenting numerous research findings that have garnered significant attention. Additionally, graduate students have access to scholarship programs from various institutions, including Keio University and the Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO), ensuring ample financial support for academic fees and expenses.

Research conducted in the Department of Chemistry is continuously disseminated worldwide, being not only published in international academic journals but also actively presented at international conferences, where it receives high acclaim. A significant number of students present in English at international conferences, and many have won awards for their presentations or posters.

Students in the Department of Chemistry also participate in various overseas study programs offered by Keio University and double degree programs conducted with multiple overseas research and educational institutions. Credits earned at overseas universities can be applied toward Keio University’s graduation requirements, providing undergraduate students with the opportunity to study abroad for an extended period. For more details, please see the International Center website.