Biological Sciences

The technological and physical basics of Brain-Computer Interfacing will be elaborated. It covers the path from the (electrical) activity of single neurons and networks via the volume conduction of the human head. At the end of the class, students will know the essential physical background of Brain-Computer Interfacing (BCI). They will understand the pathway from the activity of single neurons to the signal of the electroencephalogram (EEG) They will be capable of programming simulations of the electrical properties of the human head as well as simple neural and neural network models.

This course discusses the main diseases and threats that affect cetaceans (dolphins and whales) and pinnipeds (seals and sea lions) across the globe. It offers a review of the main conditions that affect these species (bacterial, viral, parasitic, anthropogenic, and other non-infectious problems). Topics include: aetiology, pathogenesis, clinical signs and lesions, diagnostic procedures, and impact on populations.

This course emphasizes hands-on laboratory experience and teaches students research background, relevant theories, and basic laboratory techniques relevant to their field of study. Students formulate a research plan, implement it by conducting experiment-based research, and convey the results in scholarly presentations. Students submit a written research report at the end of the course.

This course provides research training for students through the experience of belonging to a specific laboratory at the University of Tokyo. Students carry out an original research project under the guidance of assigned faculty members. Through a full-time commitment, students will be able to improve their research skills by applying the basic principles and knowledge from the literature related to the research questions, and by developing the skills to collect, interpret, and critique data in order to resolve a research question or evaluate a design for a research project. At the conclusion of the program, students submit their final work (paper, presentation, report etc.) as instructed by their lab supervisors

This course of human anatomy, histology, and embryology covers the structure and development of the head and neck, vertebral column, and limbs. Clinical and comparative aspects are introduced as appropriate, so as to draw out the relationship between structure and function. The course comprises lectures mainly, but it is hoped that optional lab classes can be offered in the Anatomy Laboratory. 

In this course students acquire a broad knowledge base and develop analytical and critical thinking skills. Students actively participate in seminars, read assigned texts and research papers, and analyze research data. Students also discuss results obtained in their own experiments with peers and senior laboratory members.

The brain develops rapidly during the fetal and early postnatal period. While some aspects of development are genetically guided, others are activity-dependent. This means that special patterns of spontaneous electrical activity are required to correctly wire up the brain. This partly explains why fetal and neonatal brain injury can result in life-long negative consequences. Brain injury can result in either suppressed electrical activity or excessive electrical activity in the form of seizures. As a result, fragile early brain networks do not receive the carefully balanced patterns of electrical activity which they need to develop correctly. In this course students learn about this critical foundation of normal brain development, and how it can go wrong. 

This course provides an appreciation of the use of drugs in relation to the cultural and social environment of societies past and present. How drugs are employed today, watershed "drug" discoveries and their impact on society (for example contraceptives, antibiotics, vaccines, psychopharmacological agents), the issue of drug use in sports, "social" drugs and the "pill for every ill" syndrome will be discussed. Particular attention is paid to “controversial” drug-related societal issues within each topic. For example, the role of pharmaceutical industry will be examined to determine if the tendency to “bash” big Pharma is justified or if decriminalization of drug use will be a more effective means of curtailing drug abuse.

This course offers an introduction to biochemistry, genetics, cell biology, early development, and neurobiology. It is an omnibus lecture consisting of multiple topics. The course teaches the basic concept of molecular and cellular biology, which is the basis of modern biology. Furthermore, it aims to understand the cell as the basic unit of life, analyzing its composition, functions, replication, and differentiation. 

Due to advances in imaging, genetics, and sequencing over the past 30 years, there has been an explosion in the amount of quantitative biological data. This course introduces mathematical and physical concepts and methods necessary for understanding and analyzing quantitative biological data. It uses systems from across biology, from photosynthesis to human sleep cycles, to demonstrate the power and applicability of these approaches.