Academics

Fields of Study: Science, Engineering

You'll conduct full-time research during this 6-week summer STEM Research program at Tohoku University. 

All UCEAP students participate in a research group (lab) with Japanese and international students under the supervision of the Tohoku University faculty. The university has a wide variety of research groups that meet student interests. You'll be placed in a group based on your research proposal submitted as a statement of purpose prior to departure.

Unique study opportunities

  • Investigate seismicity and crustal structure using seismological data in Japan.
  • Analyze total synthesis of insecticidal and herbicidal compounds, quorum sensing inhibitors, antibiotics and anticancer substances.
  • Research theoretical and computer simulation studies of biomolecular systems. 

Language

Language of Instruction: English

Japanese Language Study: Optional 

Courses and credit

Requirements While Abroad

To successfully complete this program:

  • Take a lab research course for 9 quarter/6 semester UC units. 
  • The course must be taken for a letter grade.

Current Program Courses

This program has a required lab research component. Available labs are in various disciplines through the Faculty of Science in the physical sciences and mathematics, the Faculty of Engineering, and the Faculty of Agriculture.

You'll complete 30 hours a week of research, discussions, and tutorials and five hours a week of faculty lectures, seminars, and consultations. 

Catalogs and resources

  • Summer STEM Research in Tohoku: Find a list of available host laboratories.
  • Research Groups: Find out about academic research staff at Tohoku University.
  • UCEAP Course Catalog: See a list of courses UC students have taken on this program (As of Fall 2024, there are no courses listed for this program).
  • Campus Credit Abroad: Learn the types of credit (major, minor, general education, elective) students from your campus received at this location.

Academic culture

Japan is a country where courtesy and behavioral propriety are extremely important in all social interactions. Be respectful toward teachers at all times and sensitive to the cultural styles and ethics of Japanese society.

Most locals and Japanese professors will avoid correcting unacceptable behavior. Follow the example set by the Japanese students. If you have questions about what is considered acceptable behavior in Japan, talk to the study center staff.

Japanese university courses typically have less structure than UC courses. Professors rarely provide syllabi and, even if they do, may change the content of the course during the term. Check with each professor about specific course requirements, paper deadlines, exam dates, and any other matters related to your academic responsibilities.

Beware of being influenced by the rigor—or lack thereof—with which Japanese students appear to be engaged in their studies. In contrast to UC students, Japanese students often place less emphasis on letter grades and more on passing their courses.

Grades

You'll earn direct UC credit and grades for all coursework. Final grades are usually available in late October.

It's not the Japanese custom for instructors to give detailed comments on written work and final papers, and exams aren't usually returned. The grade itself is generally considered appropriate and adequate feedback.

Grading is typically conducted by detracting points for errors, rather than rewarding points for correct work. 

Beware of rumors about lenient grading at Japanese institutions. Some universities are similar to UC in their standards and grading system. Language courses, in particular, can be more demanding than at UC, and the grading is often rigorous. In many cases, poor grades result from excessive absences, tardiness, missing assignments, and lack of communication between UC students and instructors. Class attendance is required unless you are explicitly excused for a valid reason. Many faculty members monitor and consider attendance in class, on field trips, and at academic events when determining the course grade.

If you intend to put yourself on your campus degree list for graduation while on UCEAP, consult your campus advisors before departure about possible delays in the degree verification process.