TOKYO INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

Course description and aims

This is a laboratory seminar for doctor's course students. This two-quarter long course is designed to give students specialist knowledge in their field of study as well as basic knowledge in a broader area, with a focus on research assignments that are suggested by the academic supervisor (assignments may be decided through discussions with the academic supervisor). The students will incorporate this knowledge into their own research themes to carry out research, participate in academic discussions, and give presentations of their findings.
The aims of the abovementioned process are not only to develop the students’ skills in such areas as literature search and analysis, and techniques for collecting, analyzing, and assessing data, but also to acquire linguistic proficiency and comprehension skills as well as the ability to present ideas and arguments effectively in academic writing and through discussions and presentations.
Graduate education at Tokyo Tech is comprised of coursework education based on a structured curriculum and laboratory work characterized by individualized instruction. Research Seminar courses are central to the laboratory-based education, and active learning is strongly encouraged. By enrolling in Research Seminar courses and pursuing research activities, students are expected to develop expertise in their field of study and gain skills that are sought after
by society.

Student learning outcomes

Students will acquire the following abilities in stages by completing Research Seminar:
1) Ability to freely utilize wide specialist knowledge to solve problems and provide creative research proposals
2) Abilty to push a new frontiers of knowledge based on good judgement and ethics view
3) Ability to identify research with awareness of the trends in research and development and an international grasp of the field
4) Ability to independently acquire expertise in areas outside the field of chemistry and connect it to practical problem solving
5) Ability to explain concepts logically, develop and lead arguments, and put them in writing in Japanese as well as English

Keywords

Literature search, data collection, data analysis, academic-paper writing, presentation training, discussion training, laboratory-based education, coursework

Competencies that will be developed

Class flow

Classes are held at the academic supervisor’s laboratory. The course schedule will be determined through discussions held among students and the academic supervisor. In some cases, multiple laboratories may choose to hold classes jointly. Some laboratories might hold classes in English. Check with your academic supervisor.

Course schedule/Required learning

Textbook(s)

Specified by the academic supervisor as necessary.

Reference books, course materials, etc.

Specified by the academic supervisor as necessary.

Assessment criteria and methods

Students' knowledges and skills will be assessed based on the student learning outcomes 1–5. Students are encouraged to make self-assessments using this information to aid their learning.

Related courses

• 500-level graduate major courses in Applied Chemistry course.
• 500-level graduate major courses in Energy course.
• 500-level graduate major courses in Life engineering course.

Prerequisites (i.e., required knowledge, skills, courses, etc.)

Students who entered the master course before the Educational Reform in April 2016.