The research topics of faculty in this course are as follows. In the area that deals with the fundamental properties of matter, cutting edge theoretical and experimental research into the interactions and structure of elementary particles and atomic nuclei, into the evolution and origin of the universe, and into condensed systems (superconductors, magnetic substances, etc.) is conducted. Research in element chemistry is conducted on the synthesis of novel chemical compounds with new properties induced by heteroatoms, on their analysis and reactivity, and new synthetic reactions in this area are also developed. Further research topics include high conductivity in inorganic materials, the synthesis of highly functional materials with extremely low thermal expansion and the development of solid catalysts, which are of great importance in the chemical industry. In the area of functional materials, the innovative substances created span a wide range of inorganic materials, organic molecules and biological macromolecules. We put a special emphasis on interdisciplinary research (combining techniques from physics, chemistry and evolutionary molecular engineering) into new methods of measurement, analysis and evaluation to investigate the conformation and organization of atoms and molecules and to develop and explore new materials. In addition, functional molecular analysis is performed on a great variety of substances to explain their properties and reactions, while the search for innovative substances continues. Moreover, optically active organic compounds and materials by use of organo-metallic complexes are developed, novel materials are synthesized by molecular design methods and new functional molecular systems are created. Students in this course learn, by participating in the research in these fields, the investigative strategies and manifold technical skills required for the successful pursuit of science. Figure legend: Superconducting magnet for investigating the properties of water and the behavior of organisms under a strong magnetic field. Copyright(C) 2006 Graduate School of Science & Engineering, Saitama University All Rights Reserved.