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 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 above mentioned 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 S1, F1, S2, and F2:
1. Professional expertise for identifying fundamental scientific and technical issues encountered in Urban Design and Built Environment
2. Ability to independently acquire expertise in areas outside the field of Urban Design and Built Environment and connect it to practical problem solving
3. Ability to freely utilize specialist knowledge to solve problems and provide creative ideas
4. Ability to conduct research with awareness of the trends in research and development and an international grasp of the field
5. Ability to explain concepts logically, develop arguments, and put them in writing

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

Specifics of the assessment criteria and methods, which are in accordance with the student learning outcomes 1–5, will be announced prior to the start of the course.

Related courses

• 400-level graduate major courses in Urban Design and Built Envrionment
• 400-level graduate major courses in Architecture and Building Engineering
• 400-level graduate major courses in Civil Engineering

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

1. Students must be a member of one of the laboratories in the Department of Architecture and Building Engineering or the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering.
2. Students must have completed the 200- and 300-level basic courses offered by the above two departments undergraduate major or have equivalent knowledge.