Harvard Summer Program in Tokyo, Japan (RIKEN Brain Science Institute)
At a Glance
Dates:
June 13–August 22, 2010
Application deadline:
February 5
Cost:
$5,250
Accommodations:
Dorms
Slideshow
Contact
- Takao Hensch, e-mail
Harvard College students can attend an information session for this program.
Neurobiological study and research at Asia’s premier neuroscience center
Faculty: Takao K. Hensch and principal investigators at the RIKEN Brain Science Institute
“Exposure to such a diversity of areas within neuroscience and an introduction to the leading researchers and their methodologies is an invaluable experience for an undergraduate still in the process of deciding which field to pursue.”
– RIKEN Summer School student
Students in this summer program at the RIKEN Brain Science Institute near Tokyo are immersed in the institute’s 4 research areas: understanding, protecting, creating, and nurturing the brain. The institute promotes ambitious, adventurous, and flexible research programs at the molecular, cellular, systems, and behavioral levels, integrating experimental and theoretical approaches.
This intensive neuroscience program comprises 2 parts: independent laboratory research and a lecture course. Students work alongside Japanese researchers and technicians on cutting-edge brain research in well-supported, modern laboratories. Seminars and scientific meetings are conducted in English, but once off campus students are fully immersed in typical daily Japanese life with easy access by subway to Tokyo’s city center. Popular Japanese cultural hotspots, shopping, and entertainment (Shinjuku, Ginza, Roppongi) can be reached within 20 to 40 minutes. Harvard students are offered organized cultural tours throughout the summer, including visits to Mt. Fuji, Kamakura, and Nikko.
“The lecture course was the most exciting 10 days of my life.”
– RIKEN Summer School student
Course of study
Students enroll in the following 2 courses. In addition, the program offers a noncredit course in introductory Japanese at the RIKEN Brain Science Institute. Selected students receive a cultural and language primer at the Harvard Reischauer Institute beginning in early May.
Prerequisites for both courses: The Harvard courses Neurobiology of Behavior (MCB 80) or Animal Behavior (OEB 57) required. Students with advanced coursework or research experience in molecular biology, psychology, philosophy, linguistics, computer science, physics, chemistry, biochemistry, or neurobiology would be appropriate candidates. Laboratory experience preferred.
BIOS S-98rt Study Abroad in Tokyo, Japan (RIKEN): Laboratory Research in Neurobiology (32537)
Takao K. Hensch.
(4 credits: UN) Limited enrollment
Students choose a laboratory for their independent research project based on their academic interests.
BIOS S-141b Study Abroad in Tokyo, Japan (RIKEN): Network Interactions (32547)
Takao K. Hensch.
(4 credits: UN) Limited enrollment
Cognition and emotion, in other words, the mind, are generated by the integration of external sensory information and internal cues. This integration occurs in networks formed at the molecular, cellular, and neuronal circuit levels. Lectures discuss how and where the integration occurs, and how to address these challenging issues in the future.
“The research being conducted at RIKEN was fascinating, and I really liked the interactive nature of the tours.”
– RIKEN Summer School student
Course credit
See Study Abroad Credit Information.
Faculty
Takao K. Hensch, PhD, Professor of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University
Application
Students must be at least 18 years old, have completed at least 1 year of college or be a first-year student, and be in good academic standing to apply.
The application materials, outlined below, are due February 5:
- A complete online application (available in early December) that includes:
- A $50 nonrefundable application fee
- A supplementary statement describing interest in the program, with specific reference to experience with neurobiology research and any particular areas of research interest
- Official transcripts (sent directly to the address below; unofficial transcripts are accepted for Harvard College students only)
Transcripts should be addressed as follows:
Matilda West
Study Abroad Coordinator
Harvard Summer School
51 Brattle Street
Cambridge, MA 02138 USA
Students are notified of admission decisions by late February or early March.
Cost
The cost of the program is $5,250 and a nonrefundable $50 application fee. This covers the following:
- Tuition
- Lodging and some meals
- Excursions (including meals when appropriate)
In addition to the program fee, students are responsible for:
- A health insurance fee ($175; waived if students have US insurance that provides coverage outside the United States)
- Transportation to and from Tokyo
- The cost of passports and visas (if the latter is needed)
- Any immunizations
Program directors will advise students of likely additional expenses. A sample budget for estimating expenses will be available soon.
How to pay and funding options
See How to Pay for payment deadlines, deposit amounts, and more information including funding options for Harvard College students.
For information on Reischauer Institute funding opportunities, please visit Reischauer’s webpage on fellowships and grants.
Accommodations
Students are housed on the RIKEN campus, in fully furnished studio apartments with high-speed Internet, satellite television, a kitchen, and a bathroom.
Additional information
Contact Takao Hensch, hensch@mcb.harvard.edu.
Students with disabilities should contact the disability services coordinator as soon as possible. See Students with Disabilities for more information.