Admissions｜Frequently Asked Questions｜Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, Osaka University

Q

How many laboratories can I apply for? Should I make an appointment to talk to my second or third choice lab?

A

Please list them one by one in order of preference. Try to visit your second and third choice labs as much as possible.

Q

My current university does not have a GPA system. Can I take the special entrance examination?

A

Grades from different systems can be converted to GPA. Please see the application guidelines.

Q

Regarding the special selection entrance examination, you mentioned that it is decided based on undergraduate grades. Do the grades include general liberal arts subjects?

A

Yes. Include all subjects except teaching subjects.

Q

Is it possible to apply for the Encouragement Examination and graduate school examination of other universities at the same time?

A

Possible.

Q

Is it possible to apply for both the special entrance examination and the general entrance examination?

A

Possible.

Q

What is the average TOEIC score of successful applicants during the incentive entrance exam?

A

Last year, the average TOEIC score was 632.

Q

I'm talking about course A and B. Are you saying that there are places that only accept course A? And is it the same for that B?

A

There are some laboratories that can only be assigned to the course A, but there are no laboratories that can only be assigned to the course B.

Q

When I need to tell that I will take the exam, do you mean that I need to tell them in person at the open lab, by e-mail or other means at a later date?

A

You may e-mail or call us.

Q

Regarding the increase in the number of PhDs employed in corporate research positions, I would appreciate it if you could give me specific information on how much the number of PhDs has increased over the years.

A

These days, 25% of Ph.D. graduates hold research positions in companies.

Q

I would like to know about the time frame and process of pre-application for scholarships, etc.

A

After acceptance, you will receive information about the scholarship from the Graduate School Section.

Q

I heard that the laboratory of a professor who is retiring is not accepting new students, but is it not possible to belong and do research in that laboratory, even if only for one year? Will there be no more laboratories to do the same research after that?

A

The Master's Course considers two years as the unit of the educational period, so we do not expect students to change laboratories in the middle of the course.

Q

I understand that the English text cannot be posted on the website due to copyright restrictions, but is there a place on campus where I can see or copy past exams that also include the text?

A

They can be viewed at the Graduate Section office.

Q

I wanted to know more about the details of the "sub-laboratory" system. (Activities in the sub-laboratories under the system of sub-laboratories, etc.)

A

For the sub-laboratories, you will participate in seminars.

Q

How will the laboratory of choice I wrote in my pre-examination application reflect on me after I am accepted?

A

Usually, it is expected to be as you wish. If more applicants are accepted than the laboratory can accept, some of them will be assigned to other laboratories.

Q

I would like to know how many applicants there are for the Reading Graduate School each year and what the maximum number of students is.

A

The maximum number of students is 2-3. The number of applicants would be about 4-5 people. (It varies greatly from year to year.)

Q

I would like to know if it is possible to change my preferred lab after the exam, or if it is almost certain that I will be in the lab I wanted at the time of the exam. Also, in the former case, I would like to know if there is any disadvantage for those who wish to change their preference later.

A

Unless there are special circumstances, you will be assigned to the laboratory of your choice. If the number of applicants exceeds the number that a particular laboratory can accept, some will be assigned to other laboratories.

Q

Does my undergraduate GPA affect my general admission?

A

Not affected.

Q

Do I have to present my master's thesis even if I am assigned to a sub-lab?

A

The purpose of the sub-laboratory assignment is to participate in the seminar activities of that laboratory. The master's thesis presentation will be given only as the main laboratory assignment.

Q

I would like to know the curriculum of the classes.

A

Faculty members at the lecturer level or above will give a one-day intensive lecture. About 80 of these lectures are offered, providing students with knowledge in a variety of fields.

Q

What is the rate of the entrance exam?

A

Since the introduction of the special entrance examination system in 2014, the ratio has generally remained at 1.0x for self-recommendation, 1.2-2.0x for encouragement, and 1.5-1.8x for the first round.

Q

What about the admission system for foreigners?

A

An Integrated Science Course (SISC) under the G30 program has been established. For more information, visit http://www.bio.sci.osaka-u.ac.jp/global30/SISC/HOME.html

Q

Is it possible to take the entrance examination in conjunction with another university?

A

Possible.

Q

What percentage of people from other departments or faculties have been accepted in previous years?

A

It is difficult to answer this question because we do not have the educational reality of other university faculties, but there are at least 10% of students who come from non-biological backgrounds every year.

Q

I read that there is a path to graduate and become a teacher after entering the graduate school of Osaka University, but is it possible to obtain a special license for junior high school and high school science?

A

It is possible to obtain the license, although you must take courses for teaching in addition to the graduation requirements.

Q

Is it acceptable to send an email when informing them of my decision to take the exam?

A

Of course, you can email us.

Q

In order to "become an internationally competitive researcher," I would like to know information on initiatives with an international perspective, such as opportunities for joint research with overseas researchers and the percentage of international students.

A

It is difficult to answer this question because opportunities for joint research with overseas researchers vary from laboratory to laboratory. There are 23 international students out of the current enrollment of 171.

Q

Will I know if I have been accepted into the Reading Program at the time the admissions office announces acceptance or rejection? Or will it be known after enrollment?

A

It is not known at the time of the announcement of acceptance or rejection of the entrance examination. Applications will be accepted just before or just after the enrollment, after which the acceptance or rejection of applicants to the program will be determined.

Q

If I want to enter the lab of a professor who is also a chemistry major, is there any difference between taking the exam for a biological science major and a chemistry major?

A

We do not think there is a big difference in the examination.

Q

Does the bias of applicants in each lab affect acceptance or rejection?

A

Not affected.

Q

What is the content of the oral examination?

A

These include reasons for applying, graduate research, and interest in the biological sciences (e.g., recent topics). You may be asked to make a one-minute self-appeal.

Q

Do you hold entrance exam information sessions in Tokyo or the Tohoku region?

A

Unfortunately, we have not been there.

Q

Does the Japan Student Services Organization (formerly the Japan Scholarship Foundation) also offer pre-admission reservations regarding scholarships?

A

The program is being conducted. Application instructions will be sent with your acceptance letter.

Q

If I fill out the form up to my second choice, does that mean I have to tell both faculty members that I want to apply?

A

Tell at least your first choice of lab.

Q

Are the questions in Physics, Chemistry, and Math at the same level as the entrance exam questions for the Physics or Science majors? Or are they just questions designed separately for those who have studied physics, etc. subliminally?

A

These are basic questions, created separately.

Q

Will I be disadvantaged if I do not fill in my second choice of laboratory?

A

Not at all.

Q

What are the plans for the capacity of the A and B courses?

A

The maximum number of slots is not pre-determined. It depends on the course chosen by the successful applicant.

Q

Can I write a second choice other than my current laboratory?

A

Of course you can write. Please write freely.

Q

Is it possible to apply to the same Graduate School of Science, Department of Macromolecules or Science?

A

It is possible to take the examination together with the polymer or science majors.

Q

Can I apply to a lab that spans two majors and take the exam twice?

A

In principle, this is possible, but some laboratories have their own policies. Please check with each laboratory in advance.

Q

Isn't it disadvantageous to take the exam from outside? Are there any questions from classes taken by Osaka University undergraduates?

A

All students, both undergraduate students at Osaka University and students from outside the university, are subject to the same examination and the same criteria, and pass/fail is determined in order of performance. There is no relationship between the content of the classes taken by Osaka University undergraduate students and the examination questions.

Q

Are past questions available to the public?

A

Past questions and sample answers are available on the Department's website (some are not yet available).

Q

If a large difference in points appears between subjects, is any correction made?

A

Corrections will be made to ensure that candidates are not disadvantaged by the subjects they choose.

Q

Other than the two biological books you introduced, Essential Cell Biology (Molecular Biology of Cells) and Vaught: Basic Biochemistry (Biochemistry), are there any other books (such as Microbiology) that are not in the scope of the exam?

A

The two books introduced are not intended to limit the scope of the questions, but are one measure. Please look at the past questions and develop your own countermeasures.

Q

Are there any books that would help me study for the English exam?

A

Many people study by reading columns in scientific journals (Nature, Science, etc.). It is a good idea to keep expressions specific to science in mind.,Science等）のコラムを読んで勉強する人が多いようです。科学に特有の表現は押さえておくと良いでしょう。

Q

Do you have any recommendations for study materials for taking the exam in chemistry?

A

Please look at the past questions and prepare for them.

Q

What is the distribution of scores for the English, specific and oral examinations? Which of them do you place more emphasis on?

A

The distribution of scores varies from year to year, but last year's distribution is as follows
English: 45 points (15 points X 3 questions)
Specialty: 45 points (15 points X 3 questions)
Interview: 10 points

Q

How many people remain after the first day of testing (written)?

A

It is subject to change based on the performance in the written exam.

Q

Are there specific areas of biology questions?

A

There is no specific field of biology questions. Please refer to previous years' questions.

Q

What percentage is acceptable?

A

It depends on the fiscal year.

Q

Is it possible that only those who are going on to doctoral programs are accepted?

A

Whether or not you go on to a PhD is not a factor in acceptance or rejection.

Q

How many people enter the doctoral program from other universities?

A

In the past two years or so, there have been about four each year.

Q

Approximately how many students are accepted in the second round?

A

It varies from year to year, but recently it has been around 5.

Q

Is it possible to take the exam if I come from a background other than biology, physics, or chemistry?

A

Students from any field of study are eligible to take the exam, as long as they are able to take the exam from among the subjects of biology, chemistry, and mathematical sciences.

Q

How many points do I have to get on the written test to move on to the interview test?

A

Grades will determine whether you can proceed to an interview, but there is no standard for how many points or more.

Q

If I fail the entrance exam but want to study at Osaka University, can I enroll as a research student?

A

Depending on the circumstances of the receiving laboratory, you may be able to enroll as a research student with the permission of the faculty member.

Q

Do I need to contact a faculty member before taking the exam?

A

Required for the Special Selection Entrance Examination. For general entrance examinations, it is not required, but strongly recommended in order to better understand the atmosphere and policies of the laboratory.

Q

Are professors of biological sciences involved in the preparation of the entrance exam?

A

A staff led by a faculty member in charge of the Department of Biological Sciences prepares the questions.