Curriculum and Educational Content

1. During the first three years of this PhD program, graduate students receive instruction in advanced-level veterinary medicine and are provided with wide-ranging learning opportunities that cultivate individuals with flexibility, the ability to think critically, a breadth of vision, and a strong will to succeed who can play a leading role in society.
2. Graduate students prepare a dissertation based on the results they obtain from their research in the fourth year. Through the education they receive here, graduate students will become advanced to the highest ranks of the profession in roles as researchers or veterinary medical specialists. They will also become capable of engagement with, or finding solutions for, challenges in veterinary medicine, with a critical mind, based on a broad comprehension of, and a logical approach to, life sciences.
3. Non-specialized Courses (a core curriculum element) involves instruction by professors of the Joint Faculty at both universities (Kagoshima and Yamaguchi Universities), and are aimed to cultivate outstanding researchers and veterinary medical specialists by providing opportunities for advanced learning across the field of veterinary medicine, beyond the specialist area of each graduate student. These lectures are provided using SSCS (Simultaneously Streamed Class System), on-demand streaming, or other e-learning systems.
4. Specialized Courses (a core curriculum element) are provided as opportunities for graduate students to acquire advanced-level knowledge of relevant codes of behavior, research ethics and the management of intellectual property rights, and world-class English language ability.
5. Advanced Practical Skills Courses (a core curriculum element) are provided only to graduate students following the Veterinary Science track (and not those following the Veterinary Specialization track). These courses correspond to the globalized veterinary medicine/medical components outlined in the diploma policy, and are aimed at inculcating practical English and communication skills.
6. Special Seminars (a core curriculum element) are provided only to graduate students following the Veterinary Specialization track (and not those following the Veterinary Science track). These seminars comprehensively equip graduate students with the knowledge, skills, and practical experiences stipulated in the frameworks for specialization, accreditation, and board certifications established by veterinary professional bodies.
7. Researcher Development Courses (elective elements) are aimed to provide graduate students with high-level knowledge and technical expertise in their own specialist areas. These courses are provided as special lectures using SSCS (Simultaneously Streamed Class System), on-demand streaming, or through other e-learning systems, in just the same way as the core curriculum elements delivered by professors of the Joint Faculty of Kagoshima and Yamaguchi Universities.

Education Method

1. Aim/objective-oriented education consistent with each course component is provided for the purpose of developing the competencies stated in the Diploma Policy.
2. To promote independent learning for the graduate students, we implement active learning, with students identifying challenges and solutions, and receiving practical training in the classes we provide.
3. We conduct lessons with in-person classes, SSCS, on-demand streaming, and e-learning systems.

Assessment of Learning Outcomes

1. The educational and academic objectives and assessment criteria are clearly laid out for each course component, and students are rigorously assessed on the achievement of learning outcomes based on tests and reports.
2. The graduate student’s academic achievement after completing four years is evaluated comprehensively by means of a dissertation thesis, in addition to the number of credits acquired over that period.

Common subjects … more than 20 credits

• Common education subjects: more than 14 credits
  ※However, students must select and complete subjects from lectures by faculty members other than those by the chief advising teacher and the deputy advising teacher.
  Additionally, students must complete more than 6 credits in three subjects from designated subjects of Kagoshima University and 8 credits in eight subjects from designated subjects of Yamaguchi University.
• Special academic subjects:3 credits
• Leading practical subjects:3 credits compulsory only for "the veterinary medicine course"
• Specialized subjects: 3 credits compulsory only for "the specialized veterinary medicine course"

Course subjects … more than 10 credits (partly including common subjects)

• From research subjects (special exercises and special experiments) and common subjects (special lectures), the following are compulsory: special lectures given by the chief advising teacher (one subject, 2 credits), special exercises (one subject, 2 credits), special experiments (one subject, 2 credits), and special lectures by deputy advising teachers of both universities (two subjects, 4 credits).

○Please see details of designated subjects of Kagoshima University and Yamaguchi University in the following syllabus.