Excellence in teaching is one of the core values and functions of the university, alongside research and contribution to society. The OIST Graduate University PhD program is unique in Japan, with an initial pre-thesis phase of elective courses and research rotations, followed by thesis research. In the first phase, students complete a mix of elective courses without traditional majors (at least 20 credits for Bachelor’s entry students, or at least 10 credits for Master’s entry students) as well as a range of laboratory projects (rotations), a pre-thesis research proposal, and mandatory professional development training. Excellence in research supervision in both the early and the later years is another important element of our teaching vision.
A key feature of the OIST educational approach is that we offer a very flexible teaching program that is tailored to each individual student’s unique set of circumstances and needs. OIST accepts students from a wide range of backgrounds, and with a broad range of previous learning. Teaching a program without defined majors allows for a wide choice of elective courses, at both basic and advanced levels, and facilitates students’ preparation for interdisciplinary research or for entering new fields of research. We provide ample opportunity for cross-field learning and for broadening their outlook, by elective course choices (including out-of-field electives) and through independent study on topics of their own choosing. Students can also receive credit for undertaking external courses, online or off-campus, opening a vast array of specialist course options for individual and group study.
We aim to graduate students who are equipped to lead in an ever-changing environment, who can synthesize across disciplines, and who can seize an opportunity to create knowledge in new ways.
We recognize that graduate-level learning differs from uniform undergraduate learning in that it is driven by the needs of each student rather than by a set of predetermined standardized outcomes. OIST teaching is focussed on providing a suitable preparation for our students to conduct excellent research, and the ultimate arbiter of OIST education success is the successful defense of their thesis. The low student-to-faculty ratio, low teaching burden, and small class sizes allow our faculty to tailor their teaching to the individual needs of each student, especially important where there are students of diverse backgrounds in each class. This diversity of teaching opportunities allows each individual student to derive the most from each course.
We aim to teach research by doing research, and students gain experience in a range of research questions and techniques as they undertake at least three laboratory rotations, including one outside their narrower thesis field, in their first year. We provide state-of-the-art facilities for education and research, especially teaching laboratory facilities, and we ensure that students have access to all the university’s research resources and equipment. Research training through laboratory application of theory during the elective courses is encouraged where possible.
Professional development, in skills including writing, coding, ethics, teamwork, project management, and leadership, is mandatory and recognized by award of credit. Individual faculty mentors advise and support all students in academic and professional skills development.
One of OIST’s key missions is to develop industry and applications from our research that benefit Okinawa and Japan, and accordingly we offer strong support for the development of an entrepreneurial ethos and spirit in our graduates. This is provided by training opportunities within the Professional and Career Development program, and from other sources both at OIST and within Japan. Industry placements, business networking opportunities, and internships in Japanese companies help to foster our students’ contribution to this goal. Teaching and supervision by faculty should accommodate such internships as beneficial to the student and to the mission of the university.
OIST espouses a vision of flexibility, quality, and inclusion in our teaching and in our students’ research, providing them with the necessary training and every opportunity to become global leaders in research, industry, and beyond.