Educational/Research Objectives and Policies - Division of Science

Physics Major

Educational and Research Objectives

Master's Program

Physics is an important fundamental science for various academic disciplines, and it is applied across many fields in modern society. Based on the description of the kind of individuals that the university seeks to nurture, as outlined in the “founding spirit” as the basis of “school philosophy” of Kyoto Sangyo University, the Master’s Program aims to nurture researchers and highly skilled professionals who can use their advanced knowledge of physics to develop science in creative ways.

Doctoral Program

Physics is a discipline whose primary value lies in uncovering scientific truths and opening up new frontiers. The Doctoral Program aims to nurture researchers who can study physics in depth and develop creative research from an international perspective.

Policies

Diploma Policy

Master's Program

Based on the educational and research objectives of the Master’s Program, the Division of Science confers a “master’s degree (in physics)” on students who have acquired the following qualities:

Basic knowledge across the entire spectrum of physics
Advanced knowledge of topics pertaining to their Major
Ability to identify and resolve problems and convey ideas, as required from a researcher or highly skilled professional

To complete the program and receive a degree, students must fulfill the following requirements:

Study in the Division of Science for the designated period of time
Earn the designated number of credits for courses offered by the Division of Science
Submit a thesis and pass its inspection and examination

Doctoral Program

Based on the educational and research objectives of the Master’s Program, the Division of Science confers a “doctoral degree (in physics)” to students who have acquired the following qualities:

More advanced knowledge of the research theme along with extensive knowledge and excellent insight in their major field of study.
Independent and creative research activities by identifying and resolving problems themselves.
Actively conveying one’s research achievements.

To complete the program and receive a degree, students must fulfill the following requirements:

Study in the Division of Science for the designated period of time
Earn more than the designated number of credits for courses offered by the Division of Science
Have the content of the final dissertation published in an academic journal
Submit a dissertation and pass its inspection and examination

Curriculum Policy

Master's Program

To achieve the goals set out in the Diploma Policy (for approving graduation and conferring degrees), the physics course has established a curriculum that consists of “basic courses,” “specialized courses,” and “research courses.”

The curriculum is optimized through self-inspection and evaluation of the educational outcomes.

Details of the educational content, educational methods, and evaluation of learning outcomes are outlined below:

1. Educational Content
In the “basic courses” offered in the first year (“Basic X Ⅰ and Ⅱ,” “Advanced Intensive Lectures Ⅰ and Ⅱ,” and “Basic Advanced Study in Physics”), students acquire fundamental knowledge about the entire spectrum of physics.

In the “specialized courses” offered in the first year (“Advanced Study in X”), students study advanced theory and experiment/observation methods in their area of expertise.

In the “research courses” offered in the first and second years (Special Research in X A, B, C, and D), under the guidance of their research supervisor, students read books and conduct experiments and observations on their major theme of study, through which they acquire the necessary qualities needed to become a researcher or highly skilled professional and explore the research theme addressed in the master’s thesis.

2. Educational Methods
The “basic courses” consist of lectures.

The “specialized courses” consist of lectures and experiments/observations. In the “research courses,” students prepare a research plan under the guidance of their research supervisor, and read books, conduct experiments and observations, and give conference presentations based on this plan. The research plans are shared among the faculty members in the physics course and used to enhance the education and guidance provided. Students prepare a master’s thesis and present their research at an internal presentation meeting.

3. Evaluation of Learning Outcomes The learning outcomes of each course are evaluated according to the methods and standards for assessing grades stipulated in the syllabus of each course.

In addition to credits from specialized courses, students are evaluated on the content of their master’s thesis and the result of the final examination as the criteria for awarding a degree.

Doctoral Program

The goal of the Doctoral Program is to support students’ independent research activities as world-class researchers at the forefront of physics research.

Students develop communication and presentation skills, in both Japanese and foreign languages, needed to disseminate their research achievements.

To achieve the aims set out in the Diploma Policy, the Doctoral Program has established a curriculum that includes “special research courses.” In addition, we offer “lecture courses” in which students learn about the latest developments and issues in physics research.

The curriculum is optimized through self-inspection and evaluation of the educational outcomes.

Details of the educational content, educational methods, and evaluation of learning outcomes are outlined below:

1. Educational Content
In the “Advanced Physics Relay Lectures” offered in the first year, students are introduced to research trends and new methods in each research field and develop a wide view of the entire spectrum of physics.

In the “special research courses” offered in all years (Research in X), students conduct independent research activities with the aim of becoming a researcher on the front line of physics research while improving their research skills, including their communication and presentation skills.

In the third year, students conduct research activities with the aim of preparing a doctoral dissertation that can withstand academic scrutiny.

2. Educational Methods
“Advanced Physics Relay Lectures” is a course of relay lectures by multiple faculty members. In the “special research courses,” students read books and conduct research activities such as experiments, observations, and conference presentations under the guidance of their research supervisor, report their research progress each year at a research report meeting, and receive guidance for preparing a doctoral dissertation.

3. Evaluation of Learning Outcomes
The learning outcomes of each course are evaluated according to the methods and standards for assessing grades stipulated in the syllabus of each course.

In addition to credits from specialized courses, students are evaluated on the content of their doctoral dissertation and the content of their presentation at the open doctoral presentation meeting as the criteria for awarding a degree.

Admission Policy

Master's Program

The Division of Science seeks students who have a particular interest in science and mathematics subjects, including physics, the subject that underpins the enterprise of manufacturing, as well as basic academic ability in those areas and an interest in acquiring communication skills for a globalized world; students who have a keen interest in physics, physical science, and science and technology in general and willingness to acquire in-depth knowledge and skills as a professional in a specific field; and students who are enthusiastic about discovering and boldly embracing interesting phenomena.

Students are selected using a variety of methods that can evaluate the above requirements.

Doctoral Program

The Division of Science seeks students with basic academic ability in physics and its related fields at the master’s level and a strong passion for pursuing the truth, as well as students who are willing to engage in research, spontaneously and creatively, and play leading roles at the forefront of physics and physical science.

Students are selected using a variety of methods that can evaluate the above requirements.