Many phenomena in chemistry and life sciences progress through the exchange of electrons. In addition to chemical redox reactions, many redox reactions occur all the time in batteries and electrolysis, and even in the cells of animals and plants. There are also many fascinating phenomena involving light, such as photosynthesis and photocatalysis. We will deepen our understanding of these phenomena from the perspective of what energy is.
DEPARTMENT OF CHEMISTRY AND BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE
DEPARTMENT OF CHEMISTRY AND BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE
SAGAMIHARA CAMPUS
In addition to exploring molecular structures, properties, and reactions,
Exploring the mysteries of life phenomena from a chemical perspective
MOVIES
FEATURES
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Learn both chemistry and life science
By studying both chemistry and life sciences in your first to third years of undergraduate studies, you will gain a wide range of knowledge, and in your fourth year you will be able to choose a laboratory that best suits you for your graduation research.
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Extensive state-of-the-art research facilities
The facility is equipped with numerous cutting-edge research facilities, including NMR (nuclear magnetic resonance) instruments, mass spectrometers, and DNA sequencers.
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If you are assigned to a research lab, you will be exposed to interdisciplinary research.
In the laboratory, collaborative research across disciplines is actively carried out, allowing us to conduct experiments that combine different fields.
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Graduation research interim presentation, graduation research presentation
In the fourth year, the midterm presentation of graduation research is held in October, and the final presentation of graduation research is held in February. This is an important opportunity to present the results of the research you have been working on.
PICK UP LECTURES
In Organic Chemistry D, you will learn about the carbonyl group, which is the most important functional group. You will understand the reactivity of aldehydes, ketones, esters, carboxylic acids, amides, etc. In addition, by learning about the oxidation-reduction reactions and carbon-carbon bond formation reactions of these compounds, you will be able to perform organic synthesis to synthesize molecules with complex structures from molecules with simple structures. The focus is on understanding the reaction mechanisms of various reactions.
In Life Science B, you will gain an in-depth understanding of the central principle that governs life phenomena, the "central dogma." The central dogma refers to the basic principle by which genetic information is transmitted from DNA to RNA and then to proteins. This is a mechanism common to all living organisms on Earth, including humans. The goal of this course is to gain a deeper understanding of the functions of the molecules that are important in the replication of DNA and transcription into RNA that takes place in the nucleus of a cell, and the translation into proteins that takes place in the cytoplasm.
In the material analysis chemistry experiment, we conduct quantitative analysis experiments in aqueous systems, which are the basis of chemistry experiments. With the aim of acquiring quantitative handling methods for substances and understanding the basic concepts of measurement, students practice basic operations such as dissolution, filtration, constant weight operations, and titration. We also conduct quantitative experiments on vitamins contained in foods such as oranges and spinach, and conduct analytical training to experience "chemistry related to real life."
LABORATORIES
We conduct research into the synthesis of materials based on rational molecular design techniques using electronic state theory, and into physical organic chemistry with the aim of elucidating physical properties. In particular, we are working on the synthesis and physical properties of functional molecules such as photochromic molecules with optical functions and organic radicals with spin functions.
In the Laser Photochemistry Laboratory, we use light called lasers to investigate the shapes and changes of molecules that are too small to be seen with the naked eye. How much can we learn about biomolecules using experimental methods from physical chemistry? We are also trying to elucidate the reactions of drug molecules that cause side effects.
Life phenomena occurring within cells and living tissues are maintained by an accumulation of complex chemical reactions. We aim to unravel these mysteries one by one, making full use of knowledge of organic chemistry, physical chemistry, and biochemistry, as well as nanotechnology. We will combine the knowledge gained with photoreactions and radiation chemical reactions to create new therapeutic and diagnostic drugs with fewer side effects. In the Bioanalytical Chemistry Laboratory, we are developing highly original new medical materials based on an understanding of life phenomena, through seamless experiments from organic synthesis to animal testing.
Through research using fish as a model, we are elucidating the principles of human brain function and the mechanisms of disease onset. By understanding the brain, we will propose the wisdom necessary for humans to live happy, human lives.
Nanocarbons such as fullerenes and nanotubes exhibit a wide variety of structures and properties. We consider new nanocarbon structures and predict their electronic states through theoretical calculations. From beautiful patterns and interesting shapes, we find the rules that determine whether they will become metals or semiconductors, and the possibility of them exhibiting magnetism or superconductivity. The world of nanocarbons allows theoretical research that is one or even two steps ahead of experiments. We continue to explore new possibilities, looking forward to the day when nanocarbons born from our imaginations will appear in situations that we cannot even imagine today.
INTERVIEW Student and graduate
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150th Anniversary Project "Aogaku Gakuin Mind Opening Up the Future"
I want to convey the joy of discovering the unknown and improve Japan's technological capabilities through research and education.
(Published on March 10, 2025)Ayumi Ishii (Associate Professor, Department of Chemistry and Life Sciences, School of Advanced College of Science and Engineering Engineering, Waseda University) × Eri Hashimoto (Graduate Department of Chemistry and Biological Science) × Current Student (Electrical and Electronic Engineering Course) -
150th Anniversary Project "Aogaku Gakuin Mind Opening Up the Future"
Pursuing what's interesting and uncovering the unknown
(Released March 4, 2025)Hiroshi Sawa (Professor, Graduate School of Engineering, Nagoya University) × Reo Ohno (Graduate Department of Physical Sciences) × Current Student (Chemistry Course) -
Explore your interests beyond the fields of chemistry and life sciences
(Published on January 17, 2023)Aoshima Yuuki, current student -
Involved in cosmetics development with emphasis on skin science from the perspective of life science
(Published on November 7, 2022)Graduated student, Kaori Amano (Zenyaku Kogyo Co., Ltd.) -
My first overseas exchange program in the United States was a way to deepen my knowledge of my field of expertise.
(Published on October 12, 2022)Aya Kinoshita Current student -
<2021 Student Award Winners>
Developing a new nucleic acid detection method using original molecules
(Published on April 26, 2022)Hiroki Makinae Current Student -
Through careful preparation, I was able to discover the job I really wanted
(Published on September 29, 2021)Mio KokuboCurrent student -
Discover new intellectual curiosity in the broad-based Department of Chemistry and Biological Science
(Published on August 24, 2021)Yuna Onaya / Naoki Noda Current student
FROM FACULTY MEMBERS Faculty and Laboratory Interviews
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Investigating the luminescence properties of helical complexes that take advantage of the properties of rare earth elements
(Published on July 2, 2024)
Professor Miki HasegawaAGU RESEARCH -
Clarification of the photochemical reaction of ketoprofen that causes drug-induced photosensitivity
(Published on April 26, 2024)
Assistant Professor Wataru KashiharaAGU RESEARCH -
Challenging the unknown: Learning from yeast bacteria how to adapt to high water pressure environments
(Released in 2022)Professor Abe FumiyoshiAGU RESEARCH -
Research using fish as a model to elucidate human diseases and aging
(Published on October 25, 2022)Professor Hirata Fuzo × Anzai Miku AGU LiFE Laboratory Interview -
Unravelling the "molecular world" using lasers
(Released in 2021)Professor Tadashi Suzuki AGU RESEARCH -
Bioinformatics
(Published on February 28, 2020)Professor Makiko Suwa × Satotsuki Ebina AGU LiFE Laboratory Interview -
The great power of very thin inorganic films
(Released in 2020)Professor Yuzo Shigesato AGU RESEARCH -
"Photochromism" that supports our daily lives
(Released in 2018)Professor Jiro Abe AGU RESEARCH