Philosophy and Goals of Education and Research Purpose of Human Resource Development In today’s world, facing major challenges such as population decline, super-aging society, and global warming, our goal is to cultivate individuals who contribute to building the foundation of industry and technological innovation through material science, and realize safe and secure urban infrastructure. We aim to nurture engineers and researchers in materials science and engineering who possess fundamental abilities to respond flexibly, applied skills to develop engineering knowledge, and expertise in the field, as well as global leaders who support material innovation. Ideal Candidates to Be Trained Researchers and engineers in materials science and related fields who contribute to building a safe and secure society focused on the “health of people and the planet,” and global leaders who support material innovation. Features of the Materials Science and Engineering Program Main Research Areas Advanced casting & solidification LabA once-in-a-century revolution is taking place in one of the world’s largest automotive industries, as it undergoes a major shift toward electric vehicles. In collaboration with a leading global motor company, we are conducting research and real-world implementation of lightweight and environmentally friendly aluminum alloys and forming technologies, contributing to the achievement of the SDGs. Functional Control EngineeringWe are conducting research on the improvement of production processes, microstructure control by adding elements, design of functionalities, and evaluation of ceramics, mainly for electronic and structural materials, such as Li-based batteries, TiO2 and Ta-K-O photocatalysts, ZrO2 high-strength materials, and CeO2 spherical powders. Steel Materials EngineeringWith the aim of achieving carbon neutrality and establishing advanced recycling processes in metal production, we are studying hydrogen-reduction ironmaking, recycling of steel and aluminum, and the construction of thermodynamic databases and numerical simulation for impurity removal in metals. Nanomaterials for PhotofunctionalityWe are now developing “artificial photosynthesis” with the aid of unique photo-properties of nanomaterials, such as single-walled carbon nanotubes. Our research aims to make a big contribution to carbon-neutral technology by the production of solar hydrogen, green ammonia, and other chemicals by the use of solar light. Material Forming and Processing EngineeringIn the Advanced Materials and Forming Laboratory (Aida Laboratory), we use lightweight materials such as engineering plastics and Mg alloys. Our research and development activities include mold design using CAE, control of microstructure and orientation structure by liquid-phase and solid-phase forming. In addition, we will conduct research and development aimed at social implementation of actual parts by using ultra-short pulsed laser processing. Microstructure Control EngineeringTo promote energy conservation and global environmental protection, we conduct education and research on “microstructure control technology,” which directly links atomic-level structural analysis of material microstructures using high-resolution electron microscopy and macroscopic property evaluations to the development of new materials. This includes establishing manufacturing and design methods for aluminum alloys and new metallic materials. We perform atomic-level structural analysis of aluminum, magnesium, and copper alloys using high-resolution electron microscopy, and develop and evaluate the performance of multifunctional hybrid composite materials. Advanced casting & solidification LabA once-in-a-century revolution is taking place in one of the world’s largest automotive industries, as it undergoes a major shift toward electric vehicles. In collaboration with a leading global motor company, we are conducting research and real-world implementation of lightweight and environmentally friendly aluminum alloys and forming technologies, contributing to the achievement of the SDGs. Functional Control EngineeringWe are conducting research on the improvement of production processes, microstructure control by adding elements, design of functionalities, and evaluation of ceramics, mainly for electronic and structural materials, such as Li-based batteries, TiO2 and Ta-K-O photocatalysts, ZrO2 high-strength materials, and CeO2 spherical powders. Steel Materials EngineeringWith the aim of achieving carbon neutrality and establishing advanced recycling processes in metal production, we are studying hydrogen-reduction ironmaking, recycling of steel and aluminum, and the construction of thermodynamic databases and numerical simulation for impurity removal in metals. Nanomaterials for PhotofunctionalityWe are now developing “artificial photosynthesis” with the aid of unique photo-properties of nanomaterials, such as single-walled carbon nanotubes. Our research aims to make a big contribution to carbon-neutral technology by the production of solar hydrogen, green ammonia, and other chemicals by the use of solar light. Material Forming and Processing EngineeringIn the Advanced Materials and Forming Laboratory (Aida Laboratory), we use lightweight materials such as engineering plastics and Mg alloys. Our research and development activities include mold design using CAE, control of microstructure and orientation structure by liquid-phase and solid-phase forming. In addition, we will conduct research and development aimed at social implementation of actual parts by using ultra-short pulsed laser processing. Microstructure Control EngineeringTo promote energy conservation and global environmental protection, we conduct education and research on “microstructure control technology,” which directly links atomic-level structural analysis of material microstructures using high-resolution electron microscopy and macroscopic property evaluations to the development of new materials. This includes establishing manufacturing and design methods for aluminum alloys and new metallic materials. We perform atomic-level structural analysis of aluminum, magnesium, and copper alloys using high-resolution electron microscopy, and develop and evaluate the performance of multifunctional hybrid composite materials. Educational Objectives, Goals, and Three Policies Diploma Policy Policy for Degree Conferral The Graduate School of Science and Engineering aims to teach and research academic theories and applications in science and engineering and related fields, pursue their depths, and cultivate deep knowledge, outstanding abilities, and ethical awareness required for highly specialized professions, contributing to the advancement of natural sciences and technology. Based on this educational purpose, a Master’s degree (Engineering) will be awarded to those who acquire specialized knowledge in materials science and engineering, demonstrate the learning outcomes listed below, and possess fundamental and applied abilities to flexibly respond and develop engineering knowledge. Learning Goals and Indicators Fundamental Abilities Learning Outcome: Possess broad academic knowledge foundational to materials science and engineering, 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, English proficiency, logical thinking, and the ability to view issues from multiple perspectives in the field of materials science and engineering. Specialized Knowledge Learning Outcome: Acquire specialized knowledge, research skills, and expertise required for highly specialized professions in materials science and engineering. Indicator: Demonstrates advanced specialized knowledge, research skills, and practical abilities required for highly specialized professions in the field. Ethical Awareness Learning Outcome: Possess normative awareness of research ethics necessary for professionals and researchers in advanced materials science and engineering. Indicator: Demonstrates normative awareness of research ethics. Creativity Learning Outcome: Capable of creating new knowledge in scientific fields including materials science and engineering, generating further value from that knowledge, and proposing new solutions to societal challenges. Indicator: Demonstrates the ability to create new scientific knowledge, generate value, and propose solutions to societal challenges. Must earn credits for required courses, pass the master’s thesis review and final examination. Curriculum Policy Policy for Curriculum Organization In the Materials Science and Engineering Program, a systematic curriculum is organized to help students acquire the four competencies outlined in the Diploma Policy. Policy for Curriculum Implementation Over the course of two years, the curriculum is designed to enable students to learn proactively and independently. In addition to required courses such as exercises and special research, elective courses are offered through various formats including lectures, exercises, experiments, and practical training. Evaluation is based on objective grading criteria that assess the degree of achievement of learning outcomes for each competency. Content, Methods, and Evaluation of Learning Fundamental Abilities Content: Acquire foundational knowledge for research in materials science and engineering, the ability to view scientific and technological issues from multiple perspectives, and English proficiency for understanding and communicating international information. Methods: Take common university-wide and graduate school-wide courses offered by the Materials Science and Engineering Program and the Graduate School of Science and Engineering. Evaluation: Assessed through exams, reports, and presentations in each course. Specialized Knowledge Content: Study specialized knowledge in the chosen field and write a master’s thesis. Methods: Take specialized program courses and write a master’s thesis based on acquired knowledge and research skills. Evaluation: Assessed through exams, reports, and presentations in each course. Ethical Awareness Content: Acquire normative awareness of research ethics, including knowledge of information security and researcher ethics. Methods: Take required elective courses offered by the Graduate School of Science and Engineering that foster ethical awareness (Research Ethics, Symbiotic Society Studies (tentative), or Intellectual Property Law), and required courses such as Special Research in Materials Science and Engineering I–IV. Evaluation: Assessed through exams, reports, and presentations in each course. Creativity Content: Learn how to independently identify problems and work toward their solutions. Methods: Take required courses such as Special Research in Materials Science and Engineering I–IV and Special Exercises I and II, and write a master’s thesis. Evaluation: Assessed through final exams and presentations. Admission Policy Policy for Accepting Students The Materials Science and Engineering Program seeks students who have a strong interest and foundational abilities in the field, and who aspire to become engineers and researchers capable of contributing to human welfare by driving technological innovation and advancing culture through their expertise and skills. Basic Policy for Student Selection (Types of Entrance Exams and Evaluation Methods) To provide multiple opportunities for applicants and to evaluate a diverse range of students, the following types of entrance examinations are offered: General Entrance Examination Evaluation is based on a comprehensive assessment of interviews (including oral academic tests) and application documents (academic records, external English test scores, etc.). Recommendation-Based Entrance Examination Evaluation is based on a comprehensive assessment of interviews (including oral academic tests) and application documents (letters of recommendation, academic records, external English test scores, etc.). Special Entrance Examination for Working Adults Evaluation is based on a comprehensive assessment of interviews (including oral academic tests) and application documents (academic records, etc.). Special Entrance Examination for International Students Evaluation is based on a comprehensive assessment of interviews (including oral academic tests) and application documents (academic records, etc.). Desired Qualities and Abilities Fundamental Abilities Possess basic academic skills in the field of materials science and engineering, and have the motivation to acquire advanced expertise and research capabilities to contribute as highly skilled professionals. Specialized Knowledge Have a sense of responsibility and ethics as a member of society, and the willingness to conduct independent research in collaboration with others to solve challenges in materials science and engineering, contributing to the sound development of science and technology. Ethical Awareness Have a sense of responsibility and ethics as a member of society, and the willingness to conduct independent research in collaboration with others to solve challenges in materials science and engineering, contributing to the sound development of science and technology. Creativity Possess a strong desire to tackle unknown and cutting-edge issues in materials science and engineering, along with broad perspectives and flexible thinking skills. Curriculum Model Curriculum Model Research Theme: Materials Development Targeted Human Resource: Science and engineering researchers who can contribute to building a safe and secure society from the perspective of materials science. Graduate School Common Courses Interdisciplinary Common Courses Program Specialized Courses Specialized Subjects Research Guidance Year 1 1T Research Ethics 1 Academic Writing in English I 1 Introduction to Social Implementation of Natural Sciences (Urban & Transportation Design) 1 Special Research in Materials Science and Engineering 10 2T Communication as a Scientist: Basics and Applications 1 Advanced Safety in Experiments I 1 Introduction to Social Implementation of Natural Sciences (Materials) 1 Special Exercises in Materials Science and Engineering I 2 Advanced Materials Processing Engineering I 1 3T Science, Technology and Sustainable Society 1 Advanced Steel Materials Engineering 1 Global Advanced Materials Engineering II 2 Global Advanced Materials Engineering IV 2 4T Joint Science and Engineering Internship 1 Special Exercises in Materials Science and Engineering II 2 Advanced Materials Processing Engineering II 1 Advanced Processing Control Engineering 1 Year 2 1T 2T 3T 4T Credits Earned 4 4 12 10 22 Total Credits Earned: 30 credits Research Theme: Materials Production Targeted Human Resource: Advanced science and engineering professionals who can contribute to building a safe and secure society from the perspective of materials science. Graduate School Common Courses Interdisciplinary Common Courses Program Specialized Courses Specialized Subjects Research Guidance Year 1 1T Research Ethics 1 Academic Writing in English I 1 Introduction to Social Implementation of Natural Sciences (Urban & Transportation Design) 1 Special Research in Materials Science 10 2T Communication as a Scientist: Basics and Applications 1 Advanced Safety in Experiments I 1 Introduction to Social Implementation of Natural Sciences (Materials) 1 Special Exercises in Materials Science and Engineering I 2 3T Science, Technology and Sustainable Society 1 Advanced Reaction Control Engineering 1 Global Advanced Engineering III 2 Global Advanced Engineering V 2 4T Joint Science and Engineering Internship 1 Special Exercises in Materials Science and Engineering II 2 Advanced Shaping Control Engineering 1 Advanced Environmental Control Engineering 1 Advanced Optical Functional Materials Engineering 1 2nd Year 1st Term 2nd Term 3rd Term 4th Term Credits Earned 4 4 12 10 22 Total Earned Credits: 30 Research Theme: Materials Creation Targeted Human Resources: Science and engineering researchers who can work globally from the perspective of materials science Graduate School Common Subjects Interdisciplinary Common Subjects Program Specialized Subjects Specialized Subjects Research Guidance 1st Year 1st Term Research Ethics 1 Academic Writing in English I 1 Introduction to Social Implementation of Natural Sciences (Urban & Transportation Design) 1 Advanced Organizational Control Engineering 1 Special Research in Materials Science 10 2nd Term Communication as a Scientist: Basics and Applications 1 Advanced Experimental Safety I 1 Introduction to Social Implementation of Natural Sciences (Materials) 1 Advanced Exercises in Materials Science and Engineering I 2 Advanced Physical Property Control Engineering I 1 3rd Term Science, Technology and Sustainable Society 1 Advanced Global Engineering I 2 Advanced Global Engineering V 2 4th Term Joint Internship in Science and Engineering 1 Advanced Exercises in Materials Science and Engineering II 2 Advanced Computational Materials Engineering 1 Advanced Environmental Control Engineering 1 2nd Year 1st Term 2nd Term 3rd Term 4th Term Credits Earned 4 4 12 10 22 Total Earned Credits: 30 Career Information Career Paths After Completion In the field of materials science and related areas, graduates will become materials researchers and engineers who contribute to building a safe and secure society focused on the “health of people and the planet,” as well as global leaders who support material innovation. Faculty Members Research Area Faculty Name Research Theme Link Form and Shape Control Engineering Professor Seiji Saikawa We conduct education and research on the processing and design of near-net-shape materials based on phase transformations from liquid to solid, aiming to enhance performance and functionality. This involves the development and application of metal melting, casting, solidification methods, and forming processes. Our research includes lightweight aluminum and magnesium alloys for vehicles and aircraft, as well as improvements to general casting methods—including die casting—and the development of new manufacturing techniques. Researcher Profile (Pure) Microstructure Control Engineering Professor Kenji Matsuda To promote energy conservation and global environmental protection, we conduct education and research on “microstructure control technology,” which directly links atomic-level structural analysis of material microstructures using high-resolution electron microscopy and macroscopic property evaluations to the development of new materials. This includes establishing manufacturing and design methods for aluminum alloys and new metallic materials. We perform atomic-level structural analysis of aluminum, magnesium, and copper alloys using high-resolution electron microscopy, and develop and evaluate the performance of multifunctional hybrid composite materials. Researcher Profile (Pure) Microstructure Control Engineering Associate Professor Lee Seungwon To realize new systems and structures that support society, we design and develop high-strength, high-performance steel materials starting from the manufacturing process. Researcher Profile (Pure) Microstructure Control Engineering Assistant Professor Taiki Tsuchiya We observe the microstructure of cast aluminum alloys using electron microscopy and conduct research on the aging precipitation process. Researcher Profile (Pure) Functional Control Engineering Professor Atsushi Saiki We conduct comprehensive research on the manifestation, development, design, production, and evaluation of special materials through microstructure control using metallic materials, ceramic materials, and rare earth elements. Our education and research focus on establishing a series of technologies for developing and applying new material fabrication processes, including functional control of materials at high temperatures. We also work on improving fabrication processes for ceramics, including electronic and structural materials, and conduct education and research on designing microstructures and functionalities through elemental additions. Researcher Profile (Pure) Functional Control Engineering Associate Professor Takashi Hashizume We are conducting research on controlling new functionalities of ceramic materials and their synthesis processes, including powder and hydrothermal methods. We are also studying the reaction thermodynamics involving oxidation and reduction in smelting processes. Researcher Profile (Pure) Environmental Control Engineering Associate Professor Masahiko Hatakeyama We conduct education and research on interfacial structure analysis using various electrochemical methods, aiming to improve the corrosion resistance of metallic materials, including sintered materials. We also investigate the corrosion rate and deformation followability of corrosion-resistant and functional films produced by electrochemical methods. Our research includes elucidating the corrosion acceleration mechanism of magnesium alloys caused by aluminum-rich α-phase, and studying the segregation behavior of solute atoms to dislocations in aluminum alloys. Researcher Profile (Pure) Physical Property Control Engineering Associate Professor Takahiro Namiki We conduct education and research on improving and applying the electrical, magnetic, and thermal properties of superconducting materials, magnetic materials, and cryogenic materials, mainly focusing on metallic alloys, intermetallic compounds, and conductive oxides. We are working to elucidate the principles of magnetic and superconducting properties of electronic materials, which are strongly influenced by the behavior of electrons, mainly in metallic alloys and intermetallic compounds, and to develop new functionalities. Researcher Profile (Pure) Materials Processing Engineering Professor Toshiya Shibayanagi Our research covers the entire manufacturing process, from material creation to the delivery of industrial products. We conduct education and research on elucidating and controlling the mechanisms of material phenomena and optimizing material processing. Our research areas include the elucidation and control of heat and mass transfer phenomena, visualization technologies, surface/interface science, and joining science. We also conduct education and research to establish guidelines for optimizing joining processes from the perspectives of crystal interfaces, microstructure control, high-temperature deformation, and transport phenomena, and to develop new joining methods. Researcher Profile (Pure) Materials Processing Engineering Associate Professor Masamichi Yoshida We analyze the transport phenomena of heat, mass, and momentum involved in material manufacturing processes through experiments and numerical simulations, aiming to improve system efficiency and optimize operating conditions. Researcher Profile (Pure) Materials Processing Engineering Assistant Professor Takeshi Yamane We utilize advanced visualization technologies to elucidate the simultaneous transport phenomena of heat, mass, and momentum occurring during material manufacturing processes, and propose guidelines for process control. Researcher Profile (Pure) Steel Materials Engineering Professor Hideki Ono We conduct education and research on the production of resource- and environmentally-friendly high-strength, high-performance steel materials. This includes energy-saving and environmental impact reduction in steel-based material manufacturing processes, impurity removal, high-purity and high-cleanliness processing, inclusion control in steel, and scrap recycling, all aimed at realizing new systems and structures that support society. Researcher Profile (Pure) Iron and Steel Materials Engineering Assistant Professor Kengo Kato Researcher Profile (Pure) Computational Materials Engineering Professor Norio Nunomura To understand and apply the diversity and complexity of the microscopic structures of materials, we conduct education and research on materials design, structural analysis, and functional prediction at the atomic scale using advanced computer simulations. We conduct computational experiments on the electronic states of condensed matter, as well as materials design, structural analysis, and functional prediction at the atomic scale using first-principles calculation methods. Researcher Profile (Pure) Photo-Functional Materials Engineering Professor Yutaka Takaguchi We conduct education and research on the design and synthesis of novel photo-functional materials that integrate nanomaterials with organic and inorganic materials, as well as their applications in the development of artificial photosynthesis systems and in the field of nanomedicine. We are conducting research on artificial photosynthesis and nanomedicine using carbon nanotubes. By integrating organic chemistry, photochemistry, and nanomaterials, our materials engineering contributes to the achievement of the SDGs. Researcher Profile (Pure) Materials Forming and Processing Engineering Professor Tetsuo Aida We conduct education and research on forming and processing methods for high-performance and high-functional materials, as well as their plastic deformation behavior and applications, through advanced processing technologies applied to various industrial materials. Researcher Profile (Pure) Reaction Control Engineering Professor Satoru Murata Our aim is to utilize petroleum-derived raw materials from an engineering perspective, and we conduct education and research on reaction control that enables their efficient conversion and effective utilization. Researcher Profile (Pure) Lightweight Materials Engineering Professor Takuya Ishimoto In response to the increasingly sophisticated demands of society, we conduct education and research on the design of multifunctional metallic materials that are not only lightweight and high-strength, but also possess multiple functionalities such as excellent corrosion resistance and bio-tissue inductivity. This is based on the integration of “structure and morphology” control with “material and microstructure” control. Researcher Profile (Pure) Lightweight Materials Engineering Assistant Professor Tomoyo Manaka Researcher Profile (Pure)
