The Department of Genetics offers education and research opportunities in a variety of cutting-edge disciplines with the goal of investigating biological phenomena on the basis of genetic information. Study and research fields include molecular, cellular, developmental, behavioral, population, and evolutionary genetics, as well as genome biology and bioinformatics. Students can take advantage of a wide range of databases and genetic resources hosted by the National Institute of Genetics. To nurture independent researchers, the Department of Genetics adopts an educational philosophy that the academic guidance of each individual student is carried out by the entire faculty.
For example, graduate students meet with their thesis committee twice a year to receive advice from faculty members outside their host labs. Other features of the Department include the Scientific Presentation/Writing Program and ample financial assistance opportunities such as our research assistant program.

The Department of Basic Biology trains researchers capable of developing innovative approaches and creative ideas to understand higher order phenomena in biological science. Students take advantage of the environment and facilities of the National Institute for Basic Biology. Students conduct a PhD research project with taking a variety of advanced classes and advices from several professors with different specialities. Research fields in this department cover cell biology, developmental biology, environmental biology, neurobiology, symbiotic biology and evolutionary biology with appropriate model organisms and top-end techniques including molecular biology, bioimaging, mathematical science and omics.

Physiology is to clarify the mechanisms of living bodies from both elements (cells and molecules) and systems, and therefore provides important basic knowledge necessary for understanding pathological conditions. Importance of physiology has been much increased upon clarification of genome structures. In this department, students can learn the function of intact organisms in an integrated way from molecular / cellular levels as basic units of living organisms to whole body levels, and are expected to be pioneering researchers in bioscience, neuroscience and medicine.