Comprehensive Earth Sciences Course Kyushu University

Overview

In this Comprehensive Earth Sciences Course at Kyushu University, geological field surveys (fieldwork), is emphasized. Usually fieldwork is conducted using cars or on foot. However, various methods are used according to the type of research, such as drill ships for seafloor drilling, snowmobiles or helicopters for polar research and camels or horses for highland rock desert. Samples taken from the field are analyzed using high precision analytical instruments to publish the most advanced research results. The graduate students participate in such fieldwork and analyze using the advanced instruments. 

The graduate students have also published many research results to scientific journals and symposiums. The course uses the most advanced analytical instruments in the world and continuously performs fieldwork at a world class level. The graduate students develop new research themes and new analysis methods with the motto, “You can find what you want to do and you can do what you want to do.” while aiming to be the most advanced earth science study group.

Career:

Many graduate students and post-doctoral fellows completed the course work as earth scientists such as staffs at Universities and institutes. Some work for the Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corporation (JOGMEC) or the Marine Work Japan, and fully use the linguistic and field management skills acquired in the course. Others teach in elementary and junior high schools as teachers to bring up young earth scientists. Foreign students who completed the course engage in teaching what they studied at universities in their home countries. In the comprehensive earth science course, students are educated to be earth scientists playing an active part in various fields within the short time of 2 - 5 years.