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Policy

Fundamental Educational Goals

The Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences has the following five fundamental objectives of education:
1) To understand the needs of society and develop the fields of medical care, research, and education that can contribute to both local and international communities.
2) To promote interdisciplinary research and education by providing specialized knowledge to professionals in medicine, dentistry, and pharmaceutical sciences.
3) To promote and disseminate world-leading innovative research.
4) To teach advanced knowledge of science and promote problem-solving abilities.
5) To provide opportunities to working professionals for lifelong medical education.

Exemplary Students

The Division of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences (Doctoral Course) of the Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences fosters independent and creative researchers who have outstanding abilities based on research results which are evaluated highly both internationally and within Japan. They are medical professionals with advanced expertise and a deep sense of ethics, and university faculty who can expand knowledge in education, research, and medicine.

Degree Policy

The Doctoral Course of the Division of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences is an interdisciplinary medical graduate school that is a center of education, research, and advanced medical care in the fields of medicine, dentistry, and pharmaceutical sciences. The course will develop independent and creative researchers who have outstanding abilities based on research results which are highly evaluated, both internationally and within Japan. They are medical professionals with advanced expertise and a deep sense of ethics, and university faculty who can expand knowledge in education, research, and medicine. Therefore, we seek to foster implementation ability, inquiry ability, communication ability, specialized ability, and liberal arts ability.

【Implementation Ability】Ability to solve practical problems

The ability to lead society in their fields of expertise with an international mindset in response to globalization and build a new framework for realizing a sustainable society by solving problems that arise every day.

【Inquiry Ability】The ability to inquire autonomously

The ability to complete short- and long-term tasks and develop abilities in each phase from basic to advanced empirical research while maintaining motivation for lifelong learning and contributing to the development of medicine, dentistry, and pharmaceutical sciences.

【Communication Ability】Communication of research results

The ability to properly communicate data and results in a wide range of research areas. Also, the ability to summarize the opinions of team members and provide them with appropriate advice.

【Specialized Ability】Extensive expertise that leads to the creation of knowledge

The ability to contribute to society and to approach issues across research boundaries with extensive advanced knowledge in medicine, dentistry, and pharmaceutical sciences.

【Liberal Arts Ability】Humanity and general knowledge at the international level

The ability to identify academic problems based on extensive knowledge and to think logically, evaluate, and demonstrate creativity to solve these problems based on a rich international awareness, and a deep sense of humanity and ethics.

To be conferred a Doctoral Degree in Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, and Philosophy, a student must earn the prescribed credits, receive research supervision, independently write and present their dissertation, undergo the dissertation review, and ultimately succeed in the final examination. Throughout this process, students must gradually increase their knowledge and demonstrate a rational understanding and perspective on humanity, society, and nature. The dissertation review is conducted by a Dissertation Review Committee elected from the Academic Affairs Committee, established according to the publicly available “Guide for Degree Application”, which lays out the procedures for submission of a dissertation. The Faculty Council will make the final judgment on the degree conferral based on the review report.

(1)Doctoral Degree Program in Medicine

The Doctoral Degree Program in Medicine develops: 1) highly specialized medical professionals with extensive medical knowledge and advanced research abilities who are capable of provide highly advanced medicine as well as community medicine; 2) university faculty members with solid teaching and research capabilities in medicine and healthcare; and, 3) researchers in the field of medicine who can play an active role from an interdisciplinary and international basis using their creativity and outstanding research and development abilities.
For example, we envision clinical research doctors who can employ advanced medical technology to treat cancer and other intractable diseases, general clinicians who excel in various aspects of medicine based on their deep understanding and insight into life sciences, university teachers who will foster future generations by extending human wisdom in the fields of medicine and life sciences, and researchers who will play an active role in domestic and foreign research institutes and companies related to medicine and life sciences.
Doctor of Medicine or Doctor of Philosophy degrees are conferred on those who meet the following two requirements: 1) Students must earn the required credits by taking courses in accordance with the systematic curriculum consisting of common courses in advanced liberal arts and introductory specialized subjects, and advanced specialized courses. In doing so they will acquire implementation ability, inquiry ability, communication ability, specialized ability, and liberal arts ability. 2) Students take practical courses to actively engage in their own research projects under the supervision of their academic supervisor, write a doctoral dissertation, and pass the dissertation review and final examination. In seminar and research courses, students must actively demonstrate their abilities to think logically, conduct research, and present their research results.

(2)Doctoral Degree Program in Dentistry

The Doctoral Degree Program in Dentistry develops: 1) highly specialized medical professionals with extensive knowledge and advanced research abilities in dental science who are capable of providing advanced and community medicine; 2) university faculty members with solid teaching and research abilities in dental medicine and dental treatment; and, 3) researchers in the fields of dentistry who can play an active role from an interdisciplinary and international basis using their creativity and outstanding research and development abilities.
This includes general clinical dentists who excel in various aspects of dental medicine based on a deep understanding and insight into life sciences, advanced clinical dentists who provide treatment using advanced dental technology with a research mindset, university faculty members who foster future generations by expanding human wisdom in the fields of dentistry and life sciences and pass on their wisdom to society, and researchers who can play an active role in domestic and foreign research institutes or companies related to dentistry and life sciences.
The degree of Doctor of Dentistry or Doctor of Philosophy will be conferred on those who meet the following two requirements.
1) Students must earn the required credits by taking courses in accordance with the systematic curriculum consisting of common courses in advanced liberal arts and introductory specialized subjects, and advanced specialized courses. In doing so they will acquire implementation ability, inquiry ability, communication ability, specialized ability, and liberal arts ability . 2) Students take practical courses to actively engage in their own research projects under the supervision of their academic supervisor, write a doctoral dissertation, and pass the dissertation review and final examination. In seminar and research courses, students must actively demonstrate their abilities to think logically, conduct research, and present their research results.

(3)Doctoral Degree Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences

The Doctoral Degree Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences promotes international-standard research and education that leads the fields of pharmacy, pharmacotherapeutics, and related areas, and contributes broadly to human health. Through research and educational activities, the program fosters pharmaceutical researchers, faculty members, leading advanced pharmacists, and advanced professionals. These students will have wide academic knowledge, advanced expertise, the ability to lead society and the motivation to continue to learn independently in order to respond to social demands. To accomplish this, students are expected to develop the following qualities and abilities:

Implementation Ability: The ability to lead society and work toward realizing a sustainable society based on an international mindset and academic communication abilities in response to the globalization of pharmaceutical sciences.

Inquiry Ability: The ability to pursue lifelong personal development and continue learning with a high level of academic motivation to contribute to the development of pharmacology and pharmacotherapy.

Communication Ability: The ability to independently collect and analyze information in a wide range of fields related to pharmaceutical sciences, and to use and disseminate this information appropriately.

Specialized Ability: Extensive expertise and abilities in pharmacy, pharmacotherapy, and related fields.

Liberal Arts Ability: A rich international-level knowledge that serves as a foundation for problem identification and solving, humanity, and a sense of ethics.

The Doctoral Degree Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences expects its students to develop the above qualities and abilities and acquire a wide range of world-class academic knowledge suitable for professionals of “knowledge” who can lead the fields of pharmacy, pharmacotherapy and related fields. Such students will acquire advanced research abilities to independently identify and solve problems in various aspects of health and medicine from basic to advanced empirical research. The degree of Doctor of Pharmacy or Doctor of Philosophy will be conferred on those who have satisfied the requirements above, earn the prescribed credits, and write a doctoral dissertation presenting their research results and meet the standard for conferring the degree.

Curriculum Policy

The Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences sets forth the curriculum policy to develop distinguished doctoral talents, as stated in the Degree Policy, who can contribute to society at all levels, from a local community to international society, through educational research in medicine, dentistry, and pharmaceutical sciences. To ensure that students acquire abilities outlined in the Degree Policy, faculty members will establish an annual research guidance plan based on discussion with students. A co-supervisor is also appointed to promote intra-university joint research and provide necessary support to students.

The curriculum is organized according to the characteristics of each field as follows:

【Implementation Ability】The ability to solve practical problems
In their research work, students are required to conduct research at the forefront of their specialized field and actively present their research results. As their research reaches an intermediate phase, students will be evaluated for their basic research abilities in the “Research Seminar” course, where they will present their research to faculty members and students from different fields. In the final stage, they will give a presentation on their doctoral dissertation. In the “Research Seminar” course, students receive advice from faculty members in different fields from their own research fields.
Students who wish to become faculty members will take part in a teaching practicum such as “Global Medical Teaching Practicum” or “Global Dental Teaching Practicum”, to practice teaching in undergraduate practical and training classes for special auditors.

【Inquiry Ability】The ability to research autonomously
Autonomous inquiry abilities are required to accomplish research, give presentations and write a dissertation. The curricula are designed to foster highly skilled people with an inquisitive mind who constantly reflect on themselves, are conscious of their advanced-level aspiration, and make continuous efforts toward self-fulfillment.

【Communication Ability】Communication of research results
The “Introduction of Basic Medical Sciences,” an advanced liberal arts course for first- and second-year students, will equip students with methods to collect and use information required for their research. Students will take seminars throughout the four years in which they present their research results and can acquire the ability to disseminate information effectively. The “Presentation at International Conferences” course is provided so students can present their research achievements at international conferences.

【Specialized Ability】Extensive professional abilities that lead to knowledge creation
Given a wide range of specialized areas in the Doctoral Course, multiple degree programs and elective programs are offered to students. Students take basic and advanced specialized subjects according to the need for advanced professionals to be trained in each degree program or elective program.

【Liberal Arts Ability】Humanity and general knowledge at an international level
To raise students’ intellectual curiosity beyond their own research fields and foster a research mindset through learning techniques and abilities from a broad perspective, methodology courses such as “Introduction to Basic Medical Sciences” and “Introduction to Clinical Medical Sciences” are taught as part of the advanced liberal arts subjects in the first and second years. These courses include the English lecture series, “Medical Science Series” which aims to increase students’ international awareness. To enhance students’ interest in diverse research fields, study sessions and lectures held inside and outside the university may also be considered part of the research methodology classes.

【Grading】

A summative assessment is primarily conducted for lecture courses, while a formative assessment is mainly conducted for practical and seminar courses.

【Other】

The Division of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences (Doctoral Course) of the Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences works to make continuous efforts to improve its educational methods, primarily led by the Academic Affairs Committee.

(1) Doctoral Degree Program in Medicine

In the field of medicine, to foster diverse and outstanding medical professionals who can contribute to a wide range of fields in both local and international communities, the Division offers three elective programs in addition to the Doctoral Degree Program in Medicine: Comprehensive Cancer Researcher and Research Doctors Training, Glocal Medical Professional Training, and Medical Data Science Innovator (MDS) Training.
In addition, to facilitate the efficient acquisition of the abilities specified in the Degree Policy, the curriculum is designed to accommodate working professionals and international students as follows:

・For coursework, students take 1. Common courses in the Division (advanced liberal arts subjects), 2. Common courses in the Division (introductory specialized subjects), and 3. Advanced specialized courses as required or elective required courses. A variety of elective courses are also offered to enable students’ self-directed learning.
・Research comprises practices in which students collect information, develop a plan, and conduct and record their research under the supervision of their academic supervisor. There are also seminars where they logically discuss the purpose, methods, and results of their research. For doctoral research, students present their mid-term research findings in front of faculty members and students from other research fields, receive constructive feedback on their research, and are evaluated on their basic research abilities by answering questions. These subjects develop proactive communication abilities, practical abilities, and increased international awareness.
・Summative assessments are conducted for lecture subjects, while formative assessments are mainly conducted in practical and seminar subjects.

(2) Doctoral Degree Program in Dentistry

In the field of dentistry, to develop diverse and outstanding dental professionals who can contribute to a wide range of fields in local and international communities, the division has one elective course, “Borderless Dental Researcher Training Program”, in addition to the Doctoral Degree Program in Dentistry. Furthermore, to facilitate the efficient acquisition of the abilities specified in the Degree policy, the curriculum is designed to accommodate working professionals and international students:
・For coursework, students take 1. Common courses in the Division (advanced liberal arts subjects), 2. Common courses in the Division (introductory specialized subjects), and 3. Advanced specialized courses as required or elective required courses. A variety of elective courses are also offered to enable students’ self-directed learning.
・Research comprises practices in which students collect information, develop a plan, and conduct and record their research under the supervision of their academic supervisor. There are also seminars where they logically discuss the purpose, methods, and results of their research. For doctoral research, students present their mid-term research findings in front of faculty members and students from other research fields, receive constructive feedback on their research, and are evaluated on their basic research abilities by answering questions. These subjects develop proactive communication abilities, practical abilities, and international awareness.
・Summative assessments are conducted for lecture subjects, while formative assessments are mainly conducted in practical and seminar subjects.

(3) Doctoral Degree Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences

The Doctoral Degree Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences follows the curriculum below to fulfill the Degree Policy.
Organization policy and learning methods: In the fields of clinical practice and related basic research and life science research, students are expected to develop advanced abilities to identify problems, conduct research, solve problems, and present results. They will autonomously conduct advanced and original research, become independent as professionals of “knowledge”, and achieve their individual goals.
・For coursework, to provide opportunities for beginning students to acquire the motivation for specialized learning after taking the common courses in the Division (advanced liberal arts courses), omnibus common courses in the Division (introductory specialized courses) are taught by world-leading pharmaceutical and life science researchers. The specialized courses consist of main and subsidiary subjects so that students can systematically acquire specialized and advanced knowledge and information on pharmaceutical research from multifaced perspectives.
・The research work consists of: 1) practices to develop advanced research abilities through practical research and research supervision; 2) seminars where students conduct research and give presentations at academic conferences by actively utilizing their knowledge and experience; 3) presentations at international conferences to develop advanced international experience, academic communication abilities, and practical abilities; and, 4) an evaluation of basic research abilities at the midpoint of research work.

Evaluation Policy for Academic Achievements: Student academic achievement is evaluated based on the acquisition of the prescribed number of credits, the examination of a dissertation describing research results, and a final examination.

Admission Policy

 

Profile of Prospective Students

The Doctoral Course of the Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences wishes to attract students who:

・aspire to perform creative, interdisciplinary, and international research in the fields of medicine, dentistry, or pharmaceutical sciences;
・aspire to work in cutting-edge and holistic medicine;
・aspire to research while simultaneously playing an active role as a member of society with a medical background; and
・possess medical qualifications following the completion of six years of education in medicine, dentistry, and pharmaceutical sciences, or have acquired the knowledge, abilities, and attitudes appropriate to a Master’s graduate in a related field of study.

Basic Policy for Student Selection

There are varying perspectives to rationally understand human beings, society, and nature. Given this, this course conducts six categories of entrance examinations to ensure a diverse student body.

General Admission (First and second rounds)

Applicants must undergo written and oral examinations. With questions in English related to the fields of medicine, dentistry or pharmaceutical sciences, the written examination is designed to comprehensively assess an applicant’s abilities, including English language proficiency, the comprehension of logical structures, and the ability to express oneself in Japanese. Also, the examination aims to assess an applicant’s understanding of expertise in medicine, dentistry, and pharmaceutical sciences based on the specialized subjects in their desired field of study. In the oral examination on specialized subjects, knowledge and understanding of those subjects, as well as career plans, are assessed by faculty members in their desired field of study.

Selection for applicants who have graduated from an Okayama University Master’s Course

Applicants must undergo written and oral examinations. With questions in English related to the fields of medicine, dentistry, or pharmaceutical sciences, the written examination is designed to comprehensively assess the applicant’s abilities including English language proficiency, the comprehension of logical structures, and the ability to express oneself in Japanese. In the oral examination on specialized subjects, knowledge and understanding of those subjects, as well as career plans, are evaluated by faculty members of their desired field of study.

Special Selection for Advance Research Training (ART) Program

Applicants must undergo written and oral examinations. With questions in English related to the fields of medicine, dentistry, and pharmaceutical sciences, the written examination is designed to comprehensively assess the applicant’s abilities including English language proficiency, the comprehension of logical structures, and the ability to express oneself in Japanese. In the oral examination on specialized subjects, knowledge and understanding of those subjects, as well as career plans, are evaluated by faculty members of their desired field of study.

Special Selection for International Students

Applicants must undergo an interview, application review and oral examination. In the interview, several faculty members will confirm from various perspectives the applicant’s expertise, career plans, cross-cultural adjustment and financial situation as prerequisites to enrollment. In the application review, the applicant’s ability to comprehend logical structures, writing skills, etc. will be comprehensively evaluated based on the research plan. In the oral examination of specialized subjects, knowledge and understanding of those subjects, as well as career plans, are assessed by faculty members of the desired field of study.

Special Selection for Overseas International Students

A screening of application documents and an interview will be conducted at the same time. In the interview, several faculty members will confirm the applicant’s knowledge and understanding of specialized subjects, career plans, cross-cultural adjustment and financial situation as prerequisites to enrollment.

Special Selection for International Students (Doctoral Course for Post- O-NECUS Program)

Based on the academic achievement in the O-NECUS program (academic ability, intention, and motivation) and screening results of application documents, faculty members in the applicant’s desired field of study will assess knowledge and understanding of the specialized subjects, career plans, cross-cultural adjustment and financial situation as prerequisites to enrollment.

Corresponding table of the Three Elements of Academic Ability

Examination category Knowledge & Abilities Ability to Think, Judge, and Express oneself Attitude to learn independently and collaborate with diverse people
General Admission Oral examination (Specialized subject) English Specialized subject Oral examination (Specialized subject)
Selection for Graduates of Master’s Course at Okayama University Oral examination (Specialized subject) English Oral examination (Specialized subject)
Special Selection for ART Program Oral examination (Specialized subject) English
Specialized subject
Oral examination (Specialized subject)
Special Selection for International Studentsm Interview
Results of external language proficiency tests in Japanese or English
Oral examination (Specialized subject)
English or Japanese Interview
Oral examination (Specialized subject)
Special Selection for Overseas International Students Online Interview
Scores from external proficiency tests in Japanese or English
Screening of application documents Interview
Online interview
Special Selection for International Students (Post-O-NECUS Program) Screening of application documents Academic achievement in the O-NECUS Program Academic achievement in the O-NECUS Program

(note)
◎: Elements particular emphasized; ☆: Elements comprehensively judged
Documents related to each element are key sources in assessing the element concerned; however, they may also be used for other elements.

(1) Doctoral Degree Program in Medicine
The Doctoral Degree Program in Medicine wishes to attract students who:
・Aspire to perform creative, interdisciplinary, and international research in the field of medicine;
・Aspire to work in cutting-edge and holistic medicine;
・Aspire to conduct research while playing an active role as a working professional in medicine; and
・Possess a medical qualification by completing a six-year education in medicine, dentistry, or pharmaceutical sciences, or have acquired the knowledge, abilities, and appropriate attitude as a Master’s graduate in a related field of study.

(2) Doctoral Degree Program in Dentistry
The Doctoral Degree Program in Dentistry wishes to attract students who:
・Aspire to perform creative, interdisciplinary, and international research in dentistry;
・Aspire to work in cutting-edge and holistic dental medicine;
・Aspire to become a specialist in the field of dentistry;
・Aspire to conduct research while playing an active role as a working professional with a medical background; and,
・Possess a medical qualification by completing a six-year education in medicine, dentistry, or pharmaceutical sciences, or have acquired the knowledge, abilities, and appropriate attitude as a Master’s graduate in a related field of study.

(3) Doctoral Degree Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences
The Doctoral Degree Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences wishes to attract students who:
・Aspire to become a highly specialized healthcare professional or researcher in pharmaceutical sciences (including university faculty), who understand the latest research trends and can make an extensive contribution to both local and international communities;
・Aspire to conduct interdisciplinary research integrating their expertise in medicine, dentistry, or pharmacy;
・Promote world-leading, cutting-edge, and innovative research; and,
・Acquire an advanced and extensive knowledge of pharmacy, pharmacotherapy, and related fields and develop problem-solving abilities to adapt to scientific advances.