Education

In the Department of Biological Function Analysis, we conduct journal clubs as part of student education, focusing on intensive training in PowerPoint presentations. Presenters aim to accurately convey the background and content of papers to the audience and enhance their Q&A skills, while listeners aim to ask precise questions to enliven the discussion.

Students briefly report on their research progress. Presenters aim to accurately report progress and receive advice from professors and senior students, while listeners aim to understand research methods and provide precise questions and advice. Each student takes a turn once a month.

We hold reading groups and study sessions by each research group.

• Reading Group (targeting B4-M1 students, using the English version of "The CELL" textbook, a bible of molecular and cell biochemistry)
• Study Sessions (e.g., GPCR study sessions; voluntary study sessions arise depending on our research content. Participation is optional.)

Although infrequent, we invite researchers from Japan and abroad several times a year to give seminars. We also hold discussions between the invited researchers and students.

Similar to special seminars, although infrequent, we host international graduate students for short-term stays (from a few weeks to a few months) to conduct experiments with our students. Our students also have the opportunity to teach experiments, providing a stimulating experience for both sides.

Additionally, depending on opportunities and interest, we may send our students abroad for short-term research (from a few weeks to a few months).

Students actively present their research findings externally. Major conferences include the Japanese Biochemical Society, the Molecular Biology Society of Japan, the Pharmaceutical Society of Japan, the Pharma-Bio Forum, the GPCR Research Group, Keystone Symposia (international), Gordon Research Conference (international), and the GPCR workshop (international). We also actively participate in research presentations such as the Tohoku branch meetings of the Japanese Biochemical Society and the Pharmaceutical Society of Japan, and the Tohoku University Bioscience Symposium. Students write and submit papers in English to disseminate their research findings to the world.

In recent years, 4th-year undergraduate students have participated in at least one conference per year, and Master's students have participated in multiple conferences per year. Doctoral students actively participate in international conferences abroad.

We frequently hold research discussions with faculty members. Additionally, senior students, mainly doctoral students, actively answer the simple questions of junior students.