Department Overview
The Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics was established in April 1996 as the result of several expansions of its predecessor, the Department of Applied Mechanics, founded in 1953. Our department offers advanced education and research opportunities that are designed to deepen the basic understanding of aeronautics and astronautics acquired during undergraduate study. We especially focus on training based on engineering-oriented thinking by applying mathematics and dynamics.
The academic field of Aeronautics and Astronautics has three notable features: comprehensive ability, a mathematical approach, and an appreciation of natural science and scientific methodology. In order to overcome extreme environmental conditions, it is necessary to completely master the scientific methodology related to this field. A methodology starts by formulating a hypothesis derived from results in natural science, and is advanced by conducting experiments and observing the results, and finally provides an interpretation or explanation of the results according to theory. In certain cases, more experiments are required to verify findings and to make further predictions. In the Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics, the faculty members belong to various academic fields, working with each other to train graduate students to acquire the qualities they need to succeed.
Educational Aims
Aeronautics and Astronautics aims at the development of the advanced industrial fields needed to expand the human sphere of activities. The educational goal of this study is to foster researchers, technical experts, and educators who have acquired integrated skills as well as highly advanced expertise and internationality through the mastery of theoretical concepts of engineering based on the mechanics and pursuit of system engineering peculiar to the development of aircraft and spacecraft. In addition, we seek to nurture their abilities so that they can identify and approach issues that may be generated from expansion of the operational areas of aircraft and spacecraft, and contrive unique solutions for them. For this goal, our department has set the curriculum policy as follows:
- Each highly specialized and advanced academic subjects related to the various fields of engineering and science
- Implement educational research that integrates technology and academic studies from the various fields of engineering and science
- Produce individuals who have the ability to work in a wide range of fields requiring advanced technology and information
- Aim at the mastery of integrated engineering and system engineering needed to integrate studies from multiple fields, while also being able to demonstrate exceptional mathematical precision.
- Aim at a mastery of applied mechanics that enables the construction of mathematical models of various problems, and which enables a deduction of a phenomenon based on basic information of the phenomenon or on a theory of natural science
- Nurture the ability to create unique approaches to technical tasks or to academic studies in unexplored fields
- Nurture the ability to communicate internationally through the experiences of attending academic meetings and delivering presentations
- Actively promote support measures for applicants for the doctoral courses
Admission Policy
The field of Aeronautics and Astronautics aims at the development of the advanced industrial fields needed for the expansion of the human sphere of activities. It can be said that Aeronautics and Astronautics is unique among other industrial fields in that it deals with specified vehicles such as aircraft and spacecraft. The educational goal of this course of study is to foster researchers, technical experts, and educators who have acquired integrated skills, as well as highly advanced expertise and internationality, through the mastery of theoretical concepts of engineering based on the mechanics and research of systems engineering peculiar to the development of aircraft and spacecraft. With this goal in mind, we expect those who aim to specialize in this department to possess the following qualifications:
- The passion to advance developments in the sky and space fields
- A solid grasp of the basic academic skills needed to integrate studies from multiple fields within engineering and science
- An understanding of the basics of integrated engineering and systems engineering needed to conduct and integrate research in multiple fields while also being able to demonstrate exceptional mathematical precision
- An understanding of the basics of applied mechanics that enables the construction of mathematical models of various problems, and which enables a deduction of a phenomenon based on basic information of the phenomenon or on a theory of natural science
- The motivation to actively take on unexplored fields, technical tasks or academic studies generated by the expansion of the operational areas for aerospace planes
- A strong desire to enhance the internationalization that is indispensable to state-of-the-art research and development
Education and Research Fields
Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics
Aerospace Propulsion Laboratory
Fluid Mechanics Laboratory
Aerospace Applied Physics Laboratory
Aerospace Structural Systems engineering Laboratory
Aerospace Materials and Processing Laboratory
Guidance and Control Laboratory
Flight Dynamics Laboratory
Space Systems Dynamics Laboratory
Space Transportation Systems Engineering Laboratory
Educational Philosophy and Aims
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1. Educational Objectives of Kyushu University
The Kyushu University Educational Charter abides by the following principles: “The Principle of Humanity”, “The Principle of Social Responsibility”, “The Principle of Global Citizenship”, and “The Principle of the Advancement of Knowledge”. Through the education of individuals capable of leadership in a diverse range of fields in Japan and willing to assume an active role in the world, especially in Asia, Kyushu University aims at contributing to progress throughout the world.
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2. Educational Objectives of the Graduate School of Engineering
Given Kyushu University’s position as a foremost graduate university, the central aim the Graduate School of Engineering is to be a leader in the advancement of industrial technology in Japan. We endeavor to provide an education framework which nurtures talented individuals who possess outstanding professional and comprehensive abilities to assist the continuous development of human beings. To achieve this goal, in adherence to the Kyushu University Educational Charter, the Graduate School emphasizes research and problem-solving skills, and develops creative-thinking ability.
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3. Objectives as of Mid-Year
Summary
(1) Educational Aims
We address morality, responsibility to society, and internationalism, and we develop creative-thinking skills while stressing professionalism combined with comprehensive knowledge
After program completion we aim to improve our students’ rate of admission to the last half of doctoral programs, their pass rate for national exams, and their employment rate in the types of industries, corporations, and institutions which fully display the skills acquired through their studies.
We employ an evaluation system to assess the achievements of students of the Graduate School, and we allow for assessment from outside sources. Additionally we employ evaluation of our educational processes by a third party, and conduct presentations of research results at international conferences.(2) Curricula Objectives
Our curricula are designed to provide the skills necessary to become researchers and top-level professionals.
Our curricula objectives and methodology are made transparent for the purpose of constructive feedback. We adjust our programs and lecture content to reflect the opinions and suggestions of our students.
Our educational methods are analyzed based on their contributions to society, the results of projects, and the quality of theses and research activities.
We establish achievement goals and maintain a record of appraisal for each subject and publish the information for students’ perusal.
We clearly document and publish our processes and evaluation systems in regard to examinations, and masters’ and doctoral theses.(3) Support Structure
We establish a framework to improve program majors, curricula, and our overall system of education. We employ experienced teachers who are assigned to their respective areas of expertise. We also incorporate laboratory work and a full educational support system which includes the use of Teachers’ Assistants (TA’s).
We maintain an internship system to provide practical experience.
We maintain a supportive educational environment including students’ offices, laboratories, resource books and materials, and information media which allows for the adaptability of our campus to future trends.
We adhere to an inspection and evaluation system of operations and academic staff by third parties. The results of these evaluations and related recommendations are used to improve the overall quality of our programs and educational processes.(4) Support of Graduate Students
We maintain a system which allows for daily consultation and advisement.
We have established a counseling room, placement officers, as well as a comprehensive job information system.
We provide financial assistance to graduate students.
We provide support services for international students, and continuing education students.(5) Additional Objectives
We endeavor to work closely with local communities and initiate projects to provide continuing education programs to working individuals.
We have established a system of cooperation between government, industry, and academia to provide internship training opportunities for graduate students.
We promote our International Special Course on Environment Systems Engineering, and foster cultural academic exchange with universities in other countries. We have also developed an effective system of remote international education.
We encourage international exchange in every area of expertise, and support international research meetings.