Tokyo Tech Education Reform For current s continuing degree programs in 2016 Program Overview Main points of education reform Q & A 1
Goal of Education Reform 国 立 大 学 法 人 東 京 工 業 大 学 教 育 改 革 のお 知 らせ We will cultivate s with the drive to excel and the vision to contribute to society through science and technology. Yoshinao Mishima President, Tokyo Tech 2
Aiming to Become One of the World s Top Ten Research Universities Inspiring ambition with the new Lecture Theatre New undergraduates will attend lectures by leading Tokyo Tech researchers and faculty, Nobel Prizelevel scientists, and industry experts. Students will be exposed to the wonders of research and motivated to pursue careers in science and technology. The Royal Institution of Great Britain TOKYO TECH LECTURE THEATRE New curricula tuned to those of the world s leading universities Invite faculty from the world s top universities Academic tuning for easier credit transfer Encourage study abroad for all s World s Top Universities Tokyo Tech Accreditation of credits & degrees 英 国 王 立 科 学 研 究 所 レクチャーシアター ( 協 力 :ブリティッシュ カウンシル) 3
Tools for Self-Initiated Learning and an Enhanced Support System Active learning Through group work, discussions, and presentations, s will take more active roles in their education. Online learning Massive open online courses (MOOC) will provide greater flexibility and allow for study both on and off campus. Students will cultivate initiative, communication skills, and leadership skills, and be better equipped to prepare for and review lessons. Enhanced support system Academic advisors will support s in their goals, education plans, and employment searches. Learning portfolios will help provide seamless transitions between degree programs. 事 前 事 後 の 学 修 が 充 実 するため To support their ambitions, s will be able to consult their academic advisors at any time. All s will have at least one scheduled meeting with their academic advisors per academic year. 授 業 中 は 理 解 を 深 めることに 集 中 Learning portfolios Students will maintain an extensive record of their learning progress and outcomes. Learning portfolios will include objectives, education plans and check sheets, completed assignments, reports, and lists of earned credits. 4
Schools Undergraduate and graduate schools will be joined a first in Japan Undergraduate Schools Seamless degree programs The education system will allow for easier transitions from bachelor s to master s and master s to doctoral programs. Students will be able to better visualize their academic goals and choose from various courses and challenges to achieve those goals. Earlier involvement in graduate-level research Under certain conditions, undergraduates will be able to take master s-level courses and join research projects. Qualifying master s s will be able to do the same for doctoral-level courses and research. This will provide a more seamless transition between degree programs. Graduate Schools Leadership education With the new education system, s will gain vital leadership skills through broad training in their majors, research, and liberal arts courses. School Year 3rd year 2nd year 1st year 2nd year 1st year 4th year 3rd year 2nd year 1st year Schools Current Curriculum Doctoral Thesis Research Doctoral Major Courses Master s Thesis Research Master s Major Courses Undergraduate Major Courses Liberal Arts Courses Course Numbering System 600-level 500-level 400-level 300-level 200-level 100-level New Curriculum Doctoral Thesis Research Doctoral Major Courses Master s Thesis Research Master s Major Courses Undergraduate Major Courses Liberal Arts Courses 5
An Education System that Supports Diverse Learning Opportunities Course Numbering System 600 Students may gain work experience at a research institution or company anywhere in the world while conducting their doctoral research. 6 to 9 cumulative years to earn a doctoral degree 500 Doctoral program (upon passing screening) Students may start preparing for doctoral research. Admission 4 to 6 cumulative years to earn a master s degree Flexible, paced curricula that allow s to study their areas of interest. 400 300 Students may study more than one field of specialization concurrently (e.g., biotechnology and mechanical engineering) Master s program (upon passing entrance exam) If they meet certain requirements, s can take courses in the master s program curriculum in advance. Admission 3 to 4 years to earn a bachelor s degree 200 With the quarter system, Tokyo Tech s academic calendar will align with more overseas universities. Students will be better able to participate in internships and study abroad. Transfer 100 First year s will take courses that are foundational to studying science and technology. Life sciences has become part of the compulsory courses in addition to math, physics, chemistry, English, and liberal arts. The courses thoroughly cover the basics and are fundamental to providing broad knowledge. The curricula are also designed to develop communication skills, creativity, and other competencies useful in any field. Bachelor s program admission Course Numbering System A numbering convention where courses are numbered according to category and order in which they should be taken in the curriculum structure. 6
Combining Undergraduate and Graduate Departments Current System New System Undergraduate 3 Schools 23 Departments School of Science Mathematics / Physics / Chemistry / Information Science / Earth and Planetary Sciences School of Metallurgical / Organic and Polymeric Materials / Inorganic Materials / Chemical / Polymer Chemistry / Mechanical and Science / Mechanical and Intelligent Systems / Mechano- Aerospace / Control and Systems / Industrial and Systems / Electrical and Electronic / Computer Science / Civil and Environmental / Architecture and Building / Social / International Development School of Bioscience and Biotechnology Bioscience / Biotechnology Graduate 6 Schools, 45 Departments Graduate School of Science and Mathematics / Physics (Particle-, Nuclear- and Astro-Physics) / Physics (Condensed Matter Physics) / Chemistry / Earth and Planetary Sciences / Chemistry and Materials Science / Metallurgy and Ceramics Science / Organic and Polymeric Materials / Applied Chemistry / Chemical / Mechanical Sciences and / Mechanical and Control / Mechanical and Aerospace / Electrical and Electronic / Physical Electronics / Communications and Computer / Civil / Architecture and Building / International Development / Nuclear Graduate School of Bioscience and Biotechnology Life Science / Biological Sciences / Biological Information / Bioengineering / Biomolecular Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Science and Innovative and Engineered Materials / Electronic Chemistry / Materials Science and / Environmental Science and Technology / Built Environment / Energy Sciences / Environmental Chemistry and / Electronics and Applied Physics / Mechano-Micro / Computational Intelligence and Systems Science / Information Processing Graduate School of Information Science and Mathematical and Computing Sciences / Computer Science / Mechanical and Environmental Informatics Science Schools Materials and Chemical Technology Computing Life Science and Technology 6 Schools, 19 Departments Departments Mathematics Physics Chemistry Earth and Planetary Sciences Mechanical Systems and Control Electrical and Electronic Information and Communications Industrial and Economics Materials Science and Chemical Science and Mathematical and Computing Science Computer Science Life Science and Technology Institute for Liberal Arts Graduate School of Decision Science and Technology Human System Science / Value and Decision Science / Industrial and Management / Social Graduate School of Innovation Management Management of Technology / Innovation Environment and Society Architecture and Building Civil and Environmental Transdisciplinary Science and Social and Human Sciences Innovation Science Technology and Innovation Management (professional master s degree program) 7
Schools, Departments, and Majors School Department Undergraduate Major Graduate Major Mathematics Mathematics Mathematics Science Physics Chemistry Physics Chemistry Physics Chemistry Energy Science and Earth and Planetary Sciences Earth and Planetary Sciences Earth and Planetary Sciences Materials and Chemical Technology Computing Mechanical Systems and Control Electrical and Electronic Information and Communications Industrial and Economics Materials Science and Chemical Science and Mathematical and Computing Science Computer Science 1st years join one of seven academic groups Mechanical Systems and Control Electrical and Electronic Information and Communications Industrial and Economics Materials Science and Chemical Science and Mathematical and Computing Science Computer Science Mechanical Systems and Control Electrical and Electronic Information and Communications Industrial and Economics Materials Science and Chemical Science and Mathematical and Computing Science Computer Science Energy Science and Energy Science and Energy Science and Energy Science and Sciences and Design Sciences and Design Human Centered Science and Biomedical Human Centered Science and Biomedical Human Centered Science and Biomedical Sciences and Design Human Centered Science and Biomedical Human Centered Science and Biomedical Nuclear Nuclear Nuclear Nuclear Artificial Intelligence Artificial Intelligence Life Science and Technology Life Science and Technology Life Science and Technology Life Science and Technology Human Centered Science and Biomedical Architecture and Building Architecture and Building Architecture and Building Sciences and Design Urban Design and Built Environment Civil and Environmental Civil and Environmental Civil Sciences and Design Urban Design and Built Environment Environment and Society Transdisciplinary Science and Social and Human Sciences Transdisciplinary Science and Global for Development Environment and Society Social and Human Sciences Energy Science and Sciences and Design Nuclear Innovation Science Innovation Science Technology and Innovation Management (professional master s degree program) Technology and Innovation Management Institute for Liberal Arts Liberal arts courses taken throughout each program 8
More Options for Specialized Fields and the Quarter System Students will have more options for specialized fields of study Example: A interested in studying materials = Faculty member 3 Departments 1 Department Department of Metallurgical Department of Organic and Polymeric Materials Department of Inorganic Materials Department of Materials Science and Field of Study Before Education system which divides fields After Education system which combines fields Quarter System Under the quarter system, one academic year will be divided into four quarters. 1Q 2Q Summer Vacation 3Q 4Q early June Mid June early August Mid August mid September Late September late November Early December early February Intensive learning in shorter periods will enhance learning effectiveness. Flexible academic plans will make it easier to study abroad or do internships. Offering courses more frequently will better accommodate s. Enrollment in Tokyo Tech will be more accessible for international s. 9
Interdisciplinary Graduate Majors Energy Science and Sciences and Design Human Centered Science and Biomedical Nuclear Artificial Intelligence Urban Design and Built Environment Features 1. A novel set of interdisciplinary majors, each based on a newly established field of study that spans across disciplines. 2. Administered across multiple departments. 3. Faculty members from different fields of specialization will provide unique perspectives to each interdisciplinary field. 4. Students and researchers from diverse academic backgrounds and specializations will gather to engage in novel, socially significant fields of study. Students who enroll in these majors will have the chance to study in a highly stimulating environment. Degree completion requirements Requirements for the completion of a degree will be stipulated for each major. For example, the same requirements apply to the Nuclear major administered by the Mechanical Department and that administered by the Materials Science and Department. Certification of major The name of the major will be printed on the diploma. Example: Energy Science and, Department of Chemistry, School of Science 10
Faculty Members Assigned to Master s and Doctoral Programs 1. Faculty members will be affiliated with schools, research laboratories, etc., and assigned to teach for a graduate major. 2. Some faculty members may be assigned to teach for multiple majors. Example 1. Prof. A is assigned to two majors in the Department of Mechanical : Energy Science and ; and Mechanical. Example 2. Prof. B is assigned to two majors in the Department of Materials Science and : Materials Science and ; and Human Centered Science and Biomedical. 3. Students are affiliated with a school and department of preference and must select a graduate major. 4. A list of graduate majors and associated faculty is provided at the following sites: http://www.titech.ac.jp/graduate_school/news/2015/031139.html (Japanese) http://www.titech.ac.jp/english/graduate_school/international/international_graduate/index.html (For publication dates of relevant application guides, see the Examination Schedule section.) 11
Relationship of Current Departments to the New System School under the New System Departments of Current Graduate Schools Science Mathematics / Physics(Particle-, Nuclear- and Astro-Physics) / Physics (Condensed Matter Physics) / Chemistry / Earth and Planetary Sciences / Chemistry and Materials Science Mechanical Sciences and / Mechanical and Control / Mechanical and Aerospace / Electrical and Electronic / Physical Electronics / Communications and Computer / Nuclear / Energy Sciences / Electronics and Applied Physics / Mechano-Micro / Information Processing / Mechanical and Environmental Informatics / Industrial and Management / Social Materials and Chemical Technology Chemistry and Materials Science / Metallurgy and Ceramics Science / Organic and Polymeric Materials / Applied Chemistry / Chemical / Nuclear / Innovative and Engineered Materials / Electronic Chemistry / Materials Science and / Environmental Chemistry and Computing Mathematical and Computing Sciences / Computer Science / Computational Intelligence and Systems Science Life Science and Technology Environment and Society Life Science / Biological Sciences / Biological Information / Bioengineering / Biomolecular Civil / Architecture and Building / International Development / Nuclear / Environmental Science and Technology / Built Environment / Mechanical and Environmental Informatics / Human System Science / Value and Decision Science / Social / Innovation / Management of Technology (professional master s degree program) Note: Underlined departments are affiliated with more than one school. This table does not necessarily reflect the current affiliations of faculty assigned to majors under the new system. 12
Academic Calendar (AY 2016-17) Dates are subject to change. The academic year (AY) will be divided into quarters, with two quarters in each term. (Some courses may last longer than a quarter.) Admission (all degree programs) Term 1 Admission (master s and doctoral degree programs) Term 2 Apr. 1 June 12 June 13 Aug. 10 Sept. 23 Nov. 28 Nov. 29 Feb. 11 (includes winter vacation) 1Q 2Q 3Q 4Q Graduation Graduation Start and end dates for each quarter will vary slightly from year to year. Students enrolled in master s and doctoral programs can also graduate at the end of June or December. Registration, classes, make-up classes, and final exams Summer vacation Spring vacation Course registration will be carried out at the beginning of each term for the comprised two quarters. (Registration changes can be made at the beginning of 2Q and 4Q.) A preparatory period (lasting a few days) will be set between 1Q and 2Q and between 3Q and 4Q when no classes will be held. This period will allow s time to review material from the previous quarter and prepare for the next quarter. Grades will be released on a quarterly basis on the Web System for Students and Faculty. However, formal awarding of grades will occur at the end of each term. Quarter Registration and Changes Classes Make-Up Classes and Final Exams Preparatory Period Release of Grades Awarding of Grades (Academic transcript) Graduation 1Q Registration: Apr. 5 May 29 May 30 June 8 June 9 12 Late June Changes for 2Q courses: 2Q mid June to early July June 13 July 31 Aug. 1 10 Early Sept. Sept. 21 Autumn graduation: Sept. 21 Master s and Doctoral thesis approval: end of June 3Q Registration: late Sept. to Sept. 24 Nov. 14 Nov. 15 24 Nov. 25 28 Mid Dec. mid Oct. Changes for 4Q courses: 4Q end of Nov. to mid Dec. Dec. 1 Jan. 31 Feb. 1 11 Early Mar. Mar. 26 Spring graduation: Mar. 26 Master s and Doctoral thesis approval: end of Dec. (Dates will change slightly from year to year.) Class schedule Classes will be organized in 45-minute periods. Most classes will span two periods (90 minutes). Example: Course A (worth two credits) is taught twice a week on Mondays and Thursdays during periods 1 and 2. (Note: Not all courses have classes twice a week.) A course within a quarter will consist of 15 classes and 2 make-up classes. 13
Standard Timeline for Undergraduate Students from Admission to Graduation Affiliations and Curricula AY 2015 16 2015 Semester system 2016 Quarter system 2017 2018 2019 2020 B: Bachelor s M: Master s D: Doctoral 4th year (enrolled 2012) B affiliation under current system Undergraduate thesis research (1 year) Current curriculum Entrance examination M affiliation under new system New curriculum D affiliation under new system 3rd year (enrolled 2013) B affiliation under current system Current curriculum Undergraduate thesis research (1 year) Entrance examination M affiliation under new system New curriculum D affiliation under new system 2nd year (enrolled 2014) Affiliation with department Current curriculum B affiliation under current system Undergraduate thesis research (1 year) Entrance examination M affiliation under new system New curriculum Student studies curriculum under new education system. Student must take new courses corresponding to current courses to satisfy degree requirements effective at time of matriculation. Further details on next page 1st year (enrolled 2015) 1st year (enrolled 2015) who repeats 1st year Affiliation with academic group Current curriculum Affiliation with academic group Current curriculum B affiliation under current system Affiliation with department B affiliation under current system Affiliation with department Undergraduate thesis research (1 year) Entrance examination M affiliation under new system New curriculum Undergraduate thesis research (1 year) Entrance examination 14
Standard Timeline for Students from Admission to Graduation Example: A first year undergraduate in Mechanical and Science who later enters master s and doctoral programs in Mechanical. 2015 2016 Bachelor s Program (4 years standard) 2018 2019 Master s Program (2 years standard) 2021 Doctoral Program (3 years standard) 4th Academic Group Dept. of Mechanical and Science Dept. of Mechanical and Science Dept. of Mechanical Dept. of Mechanical *For s who begin a bachelor s program before AY 2016 17, affiliation and graduation requirements effective at admission will apply until graduation. **Some courses will not be replaced but will be offered their original form. Admission to Bachelor s Program Student takes courses in arts, international communication I & II, basic science and engineering, health and physical education, and others. Student must satisfy the requirements to join a department. (If has to repeat a year at this stage, the new 100-level courses must be taken in AY 2016 17. In this case, new courses that are equivalent to the old courses provided before 2016 must be taken.**) Majors in Mechanical and Science Student studies the new 200- and 300-level courses to meet program requirements. (New courses equivalent to the old courses provided by the Mechanical and Science Department before 2016 must be taken.**) Student may study abroad, do an internship, etc. Student studies 200- and 300-level courses to meet program requirements. (New courses equivalent to the old courses provided by the department before 2016 must be taken.**) Student may take master s level courses (400 level) in advance (up to 10 credits; courses in career development and liberal arts are excluded). Bachelor s thesis research (year long). Entrance exam for master s program; details at right [ ]. Student may study abroad, do an internship, etc. Admission to Master s Program in Mechanical Student takes major courses, career development courses, and liberal arts courses (400- and 500-level courses). Student may choose a minor or interdisciplinary minor. Student must conduct master s thesis research. Student may study abroad, do an internship, etc. Admission to Doctoral Program in Mechanical Student takes major courses, career development courses, and liberal arts courses (600-level courses). Student must conduct doctoral thesis research. Student may study abroad, do an internship, etc. Note: Periods of study may be shortened to a minimum of 3 years for the bachelor s program, 1 year for the master s program, and 1 year for the doctoral program. (A minimum period of 3 years is required when both master s and doctoral programs are taken.) March 2016 Eligibility to join a department Student must earn 4 credits in arts, 6 credits in international communication I & II, 14 credits in basic science and engineering, and 1 credit in health and physical education. May join a department in 4th Academic Group (Mechanical and Science, Mechanical and Intelligent Systems, Mechano-Aerospace, International Development, Control and Systems, Industrial and Systems ). March 2018 Eligibility to start undergraduate thesis research Must meet general education requirements and requirements specified by the department. Must choose a faculty member (laboratory) within the department. Summer 2018 Entrance Exams for Master s Programs (details to be decided) Student can apply based on the academic advisor or academic discipline of his/her choice. After passing the exam, will be admitted to study a major in his/her chosen department and school (e.g., major in Mechanical, Dept. of Mechanical, School of ; or major in Mathematics, Dept. of Mathematics, School of Science). Graduation Requirements Designated by Department March 2018 Fulfilment of the completion requirements for the bachelor s degree program Pass undergraduate thesis review Acquire designated number of credits (124 credits or more) specified by the department. Must meet general education requirements and requirements specified by the department. Graduation Requirements Designated by Major March 2021 Attainment of achievement level prescribed by the master s degree program Pass master s thesis (or independent research project) review and final defense. Acquire designated number of credits (30 credits or more) required for the major. Must meet general education requirements and requirements specific to the major. Graduation Requirements Designated by Major March 2024 Attainment of achievement level prescribed by the doctoral degree program Pass doctoral thesis review and final defense. Acquire designated number of research seminar credits (12 credits in principle, but if completing early, the number of credits accrued during enrollment) plus 12 credits from other courses required for the major. Must meet general education requirements and requirements specific to the major. 15
Standard Timeline for Graduate Students from Admission to Graduation Affiliations and Curricula AY 2015 16 2015 Semester system 2016 Quarter system 2017 2018 2019 2020 2nd year (enrolled Oct. 2013) M affiliation under current system D affiliation under current system Master s program 2nd year (enrolled Apr. 2014) M affiliation under current system Screening Current curriculum D affiliation under new system New curriculum 1st year (enrolled Apr. 2015) M affiliation under current system Current curriculum Screening D affiliation under new system New curriculum Doctoral program 1st year (enrolled Apr. 2015) Current curriculum D affiliation under current system B: Bachelor s M: Master s D: Doctoral Student studies curriculum under new education system. Student must take new courses corresponding to current courses to satisfy degree requirements effective at time of matriculation. 16
For Students Continuing Degree Programs in 2016 (Part 1) What Won t Change 1. Affiliation Current undergraduate school, graduate school, and department affiliations will not change. Students will graduate from their current affiliation. 2. Course content Content of the courses offered in 2016 and onward have been designed to satisfy current degree requirements. In principle, courses equivalent to the currently available courses will be provided. (Some currently offered courses will remain after 2016.) A cross-reference table will be available by October 2015. 3. Requirements for completion of degree programs Degree requirements that were effective at the time of admission will continue to apply. Degrees will be awarded from the current undergraduate and graduate schools of affiliation. There will be no changes to the conferred degrees: Bachelor/Master/Doctor of Science, Bachelor/Master/Doctor of, Master of Arts, Doctor of Philosophy, or Master/Doctor of MOT. 4. Time of Graduation No changes will be made. 17
For Students Continuing Degree Programs in 2016 (Part 2) What Will Change 1. The curriculum will follow an academic quarter system Under the current education system, an academic year is divided into two terms. After the reform, each term will comprise two academic quarters. 2. Course numbering system Courses will be numbered to clarify the level of each course and the order in which courses should be taken. Bachelor s program: 100 300 level Master s program: 400 500 level Doctoral program: 600 level 3. Syllabi All syllabi will be provided both in Japanese and English. Competencies and assessment methods will be specified. 4. Advanced study of graduate degree courses Undergraduate s may take master s degree-level courses (up to 10 credits; defined by the departments). This differs from the current rule allowing only two courses to be taken in advance. Master s s may take doctoral degree-level courses (excluding some courses). Note: Credits from higher degree courses will not count towards completion of the current degree program. 5. Learning portfolio A learning portfolio will be available to all s. (see p. 4) 18
Relevant Links 1. Education Reform at Tokyo Tech http://www.titech.ac.jp/english/education/reform/ Also linked on the top page of the Tokyo Tech website. 2. Admissions http://www.titech.ac.jp/english/graduate_school/ http://www.titech.ac.jp/english/graduate_school/international/international_graduate/index.html (For publication dates of relevant application guides, see the Examination Schedule section.) http://www.titech.ac.jp/english/graduate_school/admissions/doctoral.html June 2015 National University Corporation Tokyo Institute of Technology 19