Philosophy and Goals of Education and Research Purpose of Human Resource Development Facing major challenges such as population decline of almost developed countries, super-aging society, and global warming, this program aims to foster individuals who can design safe, secure, and comfortable cities, addressing both the hardware (civil engineering) and software (urban and transportation policies) aspects with advanced use of data science to realize a sustainable society. Students will acquire foundational abilities and advanced expertise in civil design and engineering studies and related fields, develop a strong sense of ethics and creativity to generate new knowledge, and become specialists who lead urban and regional revitalization. Ideal Candidates to Be Trained Individuals with specialized knowledge in civil design and engineering studies who, can design safe, secure, and comfortable cities from both hardware (civil engineering) and software (urban and transportation policies) perspectives with advanced use of data science to realize a sustainable society. Features of the Civil Design and Engineering Program Main Research Areas Geotechnical structure design engineeringTo support people’s lives, society, and the economy, various structures (infrastructure) must be constructed and maintained on or within the ground. In addition, to ensure safety and security in daily life, it is essential to manage the risks of natural disasters and implement disaster prevention measures to reduce those risks. In geotechnical structural design engineering, we conduct education and research on the rational (economic and efficient) implementation of these practices. Design ManagementWe conduct research on how urban spaces should be designed to build a sustainable society, addressing topics such as the design, institutions, and management of public spaces and infrastructure; the study and design of landscapes; and the revitalization of central urban districts and community development in regional cities. Mobility-Centered Urban DesignIn the field of transportation-oriented community development, we conduct research that promotes citizen participation and, through practical activities and communication among citizens, government, transportation operators, and experts, seeks to revitalize mobility and interaction by making effective use of local transportation, thereby advancing community development that care for both people and the environment. Infrastructure planningEnsuring mobility is a critical issue for maintaining daily life. This challenge cannot be solved by service providers or government alone; collaborative planning methods involving local residents are essential. In this photo, local residents are discussing the inconveniences they face in daily life, exploring possible solutions, and considering how they can contribute to addressing these issues. Behavioral Environmental StudiesTo transform car-oriented regional cities into walkable urban environments, it is essential to develop systematic spatial planning methods from the pedestrian’s perspective, along with stakeholders who can implement them. We aim to develop both simultaneously through action and research, encompassing investigation, analysis, planning, and the implementation and evaluation of social experiments. Geotechnical structure design engineeringTo support people’s lives, society, and the economy, various structures (infrastructure) must be constructed and maintained on or within the ground. In addition, to ensure safety and security in daily life, it is essential to manage the risks of natural disasters and implement disaster prevention measures to reduce those risks. In geotechnical structural design engineering, we conduct education and research on the rational (economic and efficient) implementation of these practices. Design ManagementWe conduct research on how urban spaces should be designed to build a sustainable society, addressing topics such as the design, institutions, and management of public spaces and infrastructure; the study and design of landscapes; and the revitalization of central urban districts and community development in regional cities. Mobility-Centered Urban DesignIn the field of transportation-oriented community development, we conduct research that promotes citizen participation and, through practical activities and communication among citizens, government, transportation operators, and experts, seeks to revitalize mobility and interaction by making effective use of local transportation, thereby advancing community development that care for both people and the environment. Infrastructure planningEnsuring mobility is a critical issue for maintaining daily life. This challenge cannot be solved by service providers or government alone; collaborative planning methods involving local residents are essential. In this photo, local residents are discussing the inconveniences they face in daily life, exploring possible solutions, and considering how they can contribute to addressing these issues. Behavioral Environmental StudiesTo transform car-oriented regional cities into walkable urban environments, it is essential to develop systematic spatial planning methods from the pedestrian’s perspective, along with stakeholders who can implement them. We aim to develop both simultaneously through action and research, encompassing investigation, analysis, planning, and the implementation and evaluation of social experiments. Educational Objectives, Goals, and Three Policies Diploma Policy Policy on Completion Certification and Degree Conferment The Graduate School of Science and Engineering aims to contribute to the advancement of natural sciences and technology by teaching and researching academic theories and applications in science and engineering and related fields, cultivating deep academic knowledge, outstanding abilities, and ethical awareness required for highly specialized professions. Based on this educational objective, students who acquire foundational abilities and advanced expertise in urban and transportation design studies and related fields, develop ethical awareness and creativity to generate new knowledge, and achieve the learning outcomes listed below will be awarded the degree of Master of Engineering. Learning Goals and Indicators Foundational Abilities Learning Outcome: Possesses broad academic knowledge foundational to civil design and engineering fields, English proficiency and logical thinking skills necessary for global engagement, and the ability to view various issues from multiple perspectives. Indicator: Demonstrates broad academic knowledge in science and engineering, English proficiency, logical thinking skills, and the ability to view various issues from multiple perspectives. Specialized Knowledge Learning Outcome: Acquires specialized knowledge, research skills, and expertise required for highly specialized professions in civil design and engineering fields. Indicator: Demonstrates advanced specialized knowledge, research skills, and practical abilities required for highly specialized professions in civil design and engineering fields. Ethical Awareness Learning Outcome: Develops normative awareness of research ethics necessary for professionals and researchers in civil design and engineering design studies. Indicator: Demonstrates normative awareness of research ethics. Creativity Learning Outcome: Acquires the ability to create new knowledge in scientific issues including civil design and engineering design studies, generate further value from that knowledge, and propose new solutions to societal challenges. Indicator: Demonstrates the ability to create new knowledge in civil design and engineering studies, generate further value, and propose solutions to societal challenges. Curriculum Policy Policy on Curriculum Organization The Civil Design and Engineering Program organizes a systematic curriculum to help students acquire the four competencies outlined in the Diploma Policy. Policy on Curriculum Implementation Over the course of two years, the curriculum is designed to encourage students to learn proactively and actively. In addition to required courses such as lectures, exercises, and special research, elective courses are offered through various methods including lectures, exercises, experiments, and practical training. Evaluation is based on objective grading criteria assessing achievement of learning goals for each competency. Content, Methods, and Evaluation of Learning Foundational Abilities Learning Content: To acquire broad academic knowledge and a bird’s-eye view, students study subjects outside their specialized fields. They also develop English proficiency for understanding and communicating international information. Learning Method: Students take master’s common courses and graduate school common courses offered by the Graduate School of Science and Engineering. Evaluation Method: Each course is evaluated through exams, reports, and presentations. Specialized Knowledge Learning Content: Students acquire specialized knowledge, skills, and practical abilities necessary for research and professional practice in urban and transportation fields. Learning Method: Students take specialized courses offered by the Civil Design and Engineering Program. Evaluation Method: Each course is evaluated through exams, reports, and presentations. Ethical Awareness Learning Content: Students acquire normative awareness of research ethics by studying information security and researcher ethics. Learning Method: Students take master’s common courses that foster ethical awareness, offered by the Graduate School of Science and Engineering. Evaluation Method: Each course is evaluated through exams, reports, and presentations. Creativity Learning Content: Students develop creativity and problem-solving skills through research, presentations, and discussions in their specialized fields. Learning Method: Students engage in special research and write a master’s thesis. Evaluation Method: Final examination and presentation. Admission Policy Policy on Student Admission The Civil Design and Engineering Program seeks students who have strong interest and basic abilities in urban and transportation fields, and who aspire to become engineers or researchers contributing to human welfare through technological innovation and cultural advancement by applying specialized knowledge and skills. Basic Policy on Student Selection (Types of Entrance Exams and Evaluation Methods) To provide multiple opportunities for applicants and to evaluate diverse students, the following types of entrance examinations are offered: General Entrance Examination Comprehensive evaluation based on interview (including oral academic test) and application documents (academic records, external English test scores, etc.). Recommendation-Based Entrance Examination Comprehensive evaluation based on interview (including oral academic test) and application documents (recommendation letter, academic records, external English test scores, etc.). Special Entrance Examination for Working Adults Comprehensive evaluation based on interview (including oral academic test) and application documents (academic records, etc.). Special Entrance Examination for International Students Comprehensive evaluation based on interview (including oral academic test) and application documents (academic records, etc.). Desired Qualities and Abilities Foundational Abilities Possesses academic abilities equivalent to a university graduate and is motivated to acquire broad knowledge not only in science and engineering but also in related academic fields. Specialized Knowledge Has basic academic abilities in the chosen field of study and is motivated to acquire rich specialized knowledge and advanced research skills to contribute as a highly skilled professional. Ethical Awareness Has a sense of responsibility and ethics as a member of society and is aware of contributing to the sound development of science and technology through independent research. Creativity Possesses strong research motivation, broad perspective, and flexible thinking to tackle unknown and cutting-edge issues in urban and transportation design fields. Curriculum Model Curriculum Model Research Theme: Research on the Design, Construction, and Maintenance of Social Infrastructure Facilities Targeted Human Resources: Highly skilled science and engineering professionals who can contribute to the design, construction, and maintenance of social infrastructure from the perspective of civil design and engineering, leading urban and regional revitalization. Graduate School Common Courses Interdisciplinary Common Courses Program Specialized Courses Specialized Courses Research Guidance Year 1 1st Term Research Ethics 1 Advanced Data Science 1 Introduction to Social Implementation of Natural Sciences (Mathematics / Information Engineering) 1 Introduction to Social Implementation of Natural Sciences (Urban and Transportation Design) 1 Advanced Continuum Mechanics 1 Special Research in Urban and Transportation Design 10 2nd Term Intellectual Property Law 1 Advanced Experimental Safety I 1 Introduction to Social Implementation of Natural Sciences (Materials) 1 Advanced Soil Mechanics 1 Advanced Steel Structures 1 3rd Term Science, Technology and Sustainable Society 1 Advanced Hydraulic Engineering I 1 Advanced Concrete Materials and Structures 1 Advanced Geotechnical Engineering 1 Advanced Natural Disaster Studies 1 Advanced Civil Design I 1 4th Term Year 2 1st Term Advanced Hydraulic Engineering II 1 Advanced Asset Management 1 Advanced Earthquake Engineering 1 Advanced Engineering Risk Management 1 2nd Term 3rd Term 4th Term Credits Earned 4 4 12 10 22 Total Credits Earned: 30 credits Research Theme: Research on Next-Generation Urban and Transportation Planning Represented by Smart Cities Targeted Human Resources: Highly skilled science and engineering professionals who can contribute to next-generation urban planning and transportation policies represented by smart cities, from the perspective of civil design and engineering, leading urban and regional revitalization. Graduate School Common Courses Interdisciplinary Common Courses Program Specialized Courses Specialized Courses Research Guidance Year 1 1st Term Research Ethics 1 Advanced Data Science 1 Introduction to Social Implementation of Natural Sciences (Mathematics / Information Engineering) 1 Introduction to Social Implementation of Natural Sciences (Urban and Transportation Design) 1 Advanced Information Science 1 Advanced Urban and Transportation Planning 1 Special Research in Urban and Transportation Design 10 2nd Term Advanced Community Coexistence Studies 1 Advanced Experimental Safety I 1 Logical Thinking 1 Advanced Cyber-Physical Systems 1 Advanced Transportation Project Management 1 Advanced Social Survey Design 1 3rd Term Science, Technology and Sustainable Society 1 Advanced Urban and Transportation Data Science Practice 1 Advanced Natural Disaster Studies 1 Advanced Urban and Regional Planning 1 Advanced Practice in Comprehensive Transportation Policy and Urban Development 1 Advanced Spatial Statistics I 1 4th Term Advanced Engineering Risk Management 1 Advanced Transportation for Sustainable Society 1 Year 2 1st Term 2nd Term 3rd Term 4th Term Credits Earned 4 4 12 10 22 Total Credits Earned: 30 credits Research Theme: Research on Urban Environment, Information Systems, and Natural Disaster Countermeasures for Realizing Smart Cities Targeted Human Resources: Highly skilled science and engineering professionals who can contribute to urban environment, information systems, and natural disaster countermeasures for realizing smart cities, from the perspective of civil design and engineering, leading urban and regional revitalization. Graduate School Common Courses Interdisciplinary Common Courses Program Specialized Courses Specialized Courses Research Guidance Year 1 1st Term Research Ethics 1 Advanced Data Science 1 Introduction to Social Implementation of Natural Sciences (Mathematics / Information Engineering) 1 Introduction to Social Implementation of Natural Sciences (Urban and Transportation Design) 1 Advanced Information Science 1 Advanced Information Sensing 1 Special Research in Urban and Transportation Design 10 2nd Term Art and Design Thinking 1 Advanced Experimental Safety I 1 Logical Thinking 1 Advanced Cyber-Physical Systems 1 Advanced Time Series Analysis 1 3rd Term Science, Technology and Sustainable Society 1 Advanced Numerical Simulation 1 Advanced Spatial Statistics I 1 Advanced Urban and Architectural Environment I 1 Advanced Civil Design I 1 4th Term Advanced Spatial Statistics II 1 Advanced Urban and Architectural Environment II 1 Advanced Civil Design II 1 Advanced Disaster Information Science 1 Year 2 1st Term 2nd Term 3rd Term 4th Term Number of Credits Earned 4 4 12 10 22 Total Credits Earned: 30 credits Career Information Career Paths After Completion Highly skilled engineers supporting social infrastructure in general construction companies and bridge manufacturers, and fusion-type specialists well-versed in data science who will lead future civil design and engineering. Faculty Members Research Area Faculty Name Research Theme Link Hydraulic Engineering for Environment and Disaster Prevention Professor Ichiro Kimura We conduct education and research on maintaining and improving river and coastal environments, reducing and preventing water-related disasters, enhancing urban waterfront environments, and advancing numerical simulation models of hydraulic phenomena. Our focus includes improving waterfront environments such as rivers and lakes, predicting and mitigating floods, sediment disasters, and driftwood hazards, and conducting numerical simulations of river flow and riverbed topography. Researcher Profile (Pure) Geotechnical structure design engineering Professor Takashi Hara We conduct education and research on the static and dynamic interaction between ground and structures, risk management in disaster response, and the advancement of design and disaster prevention practices. Our research focuses on developing effective disaster prevention measures and strategies to achieve safety and security within limited disaster prevention budgets. Researcher Profile (Pure) Geotechnical structure design engineering Associate Professor Naoki Tatta Our research and development focus on earthwork structures using soil and reinforcement materials, aiming to build safe and secure infrastructure and extend its lifespan. Researcher Profile (Pure) Structural Design and Maintenance Engineering Associate Professor Tetsuya Kouno We conduct education and research aimed at developing and improving performance-based design methods for structures. This includes clarifying the mechanical behavior of materials, components, and structures, evaluating their responses and limit states, and establishing verification methods to ensure sufficient safety margins. Based on these findings, we also develop practical methods and technologies that contribute to the rationalization of structural design, construction, and maintenance. Researcher Profile (Pure) Structural Mechanics and Bridge Engineering Associate Professor Yasuo Suzuki We conduct education and research on understanding the load-bearing performance and mechanical behavior of steel structures, steel-concrete composite structures, and fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) structures, as well as on the mechanical behavior of structural joints and the development of design methods. Our research also focuses on rationalizing steel joint structures, evaluating their integrity, and developing new types of structures using both conventional materials such as steel and concrete and new materials such as FRP. Researcher Profile (Pure) Infrastructure planning Professor Yutaka Honda We conduct research on transportation-oriented community development, integrated transportation policies, urban infrastructure development, and institutional design to improve the quality of life in urban areas facing population decline and aging demographics. Researcher Profile (Pure) Infrastructure planning Associate Professor Hiroto Inoi We conduct research in the fields of transportation planning and traffic engineering. Especially we focus on public transportation planning. Our work explores methods for developing public transportation systems through community participation and investigates the positive impacts of public transportation, including its role in reducing social isolation. And in the field of traffic engineering, we analyze traffic disruptions during snowy conditions and study the characteristics of related accidents. Researcher Profile (Pure) Infrastructure planning Associate Professor Yuriko Takayanagi Our research focuses on urban and transportation planning that emphasizes the quality of mobility, aiming to realize highly walkable cities through integrated approaches to both land use and transportation. Researcher Profile (Pure) Environmental Engineering for Architecture and City Planning Professor Yuji Hori We conduct education and research on environmental design for comfort, health, and safety in urban and architectural spaces, the promotion of ZEB/ZEH for carbon-neutral buildings, and urban energy management. Our research focuses on the environment created by architecture, cities, and climate in people’s lives, as well as the urban functions, facilities, and energy systems that support their development, with an emphasis on sustainability. Researcher Profile (Pure) Environmental Engineering for Architecture and City Planning Professor Yuki Akizuki We conduct education and research on visual environment design in urban landscapes and architectural spaces, as well as on environmental factors in cities and buildings related to comfort, security, and safety—particularly fire safety design and evacuation planning. Based on methods from architectural environmental engineering and ergonomics, our education and research focus on visual environment design and evacuation safety planning, considering the characteristics of light sources, spaces, visual targets, and human visual mechanisms. Researcher Profile (Pure) Design Management Professor Yoshiaki Kubota We conduct education and research on the design theory, institutional frameworks, and management of public spaces and infrastructure with excellent functionality and aesthetics—including public procurement systems and international comparative studies—as well as on revitalization of central urban areas and community formation in regional cities, including urban living, street space analysis, and international comparisons. Our research focuses on infrastructure planning and engineering design, public space design, public procurement systems, and urban design management. Researcher Profile (Pure) Design Management Assistant Professor Yongcheng Wang We conduct research on urban planning and community-building methods that integrate improved walkability and the preservation of urban heritage, aiming for sustainable urban redevelopment. Researcher Profile (Pure) Intelligent Information Processing Professor Yuukou Horita We conduct education and research on data acquisition and analysis for the realization of smart cities. This includes systems for estimating human emotions, preferences, satisfaction, and stress levels using various biometric data from smart sensors; analysis of the relationship between traffic volume and external factors around large-scale facilities; disaster category identification from aerial images using AI; electricity demand forecasting using power data from smart meters; and the use of UAVs and ICT for smart forestry. Researcher Profile (Pure) Computational Science Associate Professor Takayuki Haruki We conduct education and research on the development of software systems related to urban and transportation studies, numerical analysis of biometric data in pre-disease science, and plasma particle simulations. Researcher Profile (Pure) Systems Engineering Associate Professor Tadanobu Misawa We conduct research on identifying cognitive activities based on cerebral blood flow, developing automated stock trading systems, reinforcement learning, and multi-agent systems. Researcher Profile (Pure) Fluid Geophysics Professor Kazuaki Yasunaga We conduct research on variability phenomena within the Earth’s climate system—including the atmosphere, oceans, land, and cryosphere—and their interactions. Our work also involves environmental science studies using physical methods to investigate the properties of snow, ice, clathrate hydrates, and atmospheric aerosols. We also study cloud aggregation in tropical regions, including typhoons, and examine precipitation processes and local circulation dynamics in the Hokuriku region. Researcher Profile (Pure) Geodesy Associate Professor Ryo Tateishi I have extensive experience in conducting surveys to protect large-scale structures from disasters. I aim to apply this experience to education, research, and social contribution within the Department of Urban Design. Researcher Profile (Pure)
