TOKYO INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

Course description and aims

This 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 (or those decided through discussions between students and academic supervisors). 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 and techniques for data collection and analysis, but also to acquire comprehension skills, linguistic proficiency, the ability to present ideas and arguments effectively in academic writing and through discussions.

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.

Students need to enroll LST Seminar S1, F1, S2, and F2 in this order.

Students of spring admission and fall admission need to enroll LST Seminars S1-F1-S2-F2 and F1-S1-F2-S2 in this order, respectively.

Student learning outcomes

Students will acquire the following abilities in stages by completing LST Seminar S1, F1, S2, and F2:
1. Professional expertise for identifying fundamental scientific and technical issues in the field of life science and technology.
2. Ability to independently acquire expertise in areas outside the field of life science and technology and connect it to practical problem solving.
3. Ability to conduct research and development with awareness of the trends in research and development on a global scale.
4. Ability to explain concepts logically, develop arguments, and put them in writing.

Keywords

Literature search, literature reading, data collection, data analysis, academic writing, academic presentation and discussion, laboratory-based education

Competencies that will be developed

Class flow

Classes are held at the academic supervisor's laboratory, and the course schedule is determined by the academic supervisor. In some cases, multiple laboratories may choose to hold classes jointly.

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

Specifics of the assessment criteria and methods, which are in accordance with the student learning outcomes 1–4, will be announced prior to the start of the course.

Related courses

• 400-level graduate major courses in Life Science and Technology

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

1. Students must be belonged to Master Degree Program in Life Science and Technology Graduate Major.
2. Students must have completed 200- and 300-level basic courses offered by Department of Life Science and Technology undergraduate major or have equivalent knowledge.