Earth & Space Sciences

This course explores whether the chemical and biological evolutions on the Earth could be a universal phenomenon in the galaxy. From an astronomical point of view the course examines the evolution of cosmic matter up to heavy elements, which are essential ingredients for forming biological creatures.  

Topics include: modern search techniques, their limitations, and potential search technologies of the future; the formation of terrestrial planets as distinguished from Jovian; how orbits of the exo-planets are analyzed for evidence that they may be solar terrestrial planets; the evolutionary path of Earth over the last 4.6 billion years; the Goldilocks problem of atmospheric evolution; birth and growth of civilization; parameterization of human ignorance by Drake's equation; Gaia, and Ohn-Saeng Myung; interstellar communication; terraformation of Mars; heavens and hells. 

This is an independent research course with research arranged between the student and faculty member. The specific research topics vary each term and are described on a special project form for each student. A substantial paper is required. The number of units varies with the student’s project, contact hours, and method of assessment, as defined on the student’s special study project form.

This course examines the physics of the Universe from scales ranging from our Solar System and extrasolar planets to the origin and fate of the Universe. It covers astronomical techniques, history of astronomy across cultures, beginnings of the Universe, formation and evolution of galaxies, origin of life on Earth and search for life elsewhere, stellar structure and evolution, planet formation, black holes, and compact objects.

This course examines the interactions of biological and physical processes in the ocean and how physical processes regulate productivity and distribution of organisms in oceanic and coastal ecosystems, from the microscale to the macroscale.

This course presents basic concepts and information of plate tectonics and the tectonic history of the Asiatic continent and the Japanese islands, active faults and earthquakes, and volcanoes. The lectures include how past and recent environment influence human livelihood.

The course covers the following topics:
- Introduction of the course
- Basics of Plate tectonics
- Plate margin and Japan island arc
- Rock structure beneath surface
- Geology and natural resources
- History of earth and geological timescale
- Earthquake and active faults
- The Great East Japan earthquake
- Rheology of rocks and subduction zone earthquake cycles
- Volcanoes
- Advancement in geodynamics with space geodesy
- Advancement in geodynamics with InSAR and machine learning

This course introduces students to descriptive and analytical methods in structural geology. Geological maps are used to help students analyze structural features (e.g., folds, faults, contacts). 

This course introduces how to prevent or mitigate natural disasters, especially those related to a large earthquake. It discusses the mechanism of hazards (earthquakes and tsunamis) and the disasters caused by these natural phenomena as well as the limitations of disaster sciences or hardware preparedness such as sea walls. The course also discusses the importance of education and communication.  The course features a group research project and presentation on disaster prevention. 

This course examines the knowledge, skills and attitudes needed to be able to investigate and report on the sustainability of proposed site-specific land-uses in the context of dynamic Earth surface system behaviors. Specific topics studied will include principles of landscape evolution; the use of remote sensing data and computer simulations to analyze and understand surface processes; geomorphological mapping; response of rivers to changing environmental conditions; and synthesis of knowledge and skills in technical report production. 

This course examines how magmatism has shaped Earth, how magma forms and evolves physically and chemically to make igneous rocks, and what controls its subterranean emplacement or volcanic eruption.

This course provides foundational knowledge, understanding and practical skills aligned to complex challenges of the modern era from an Earth Science perspective. It covers geoscientific data collection, analysis and visualization, hazard analysis, and spatial mapping.