Department of Earth Resources Engineering

The Department of Earth Resources Engineering provides a wide range of professional education from surveying to the development and use of mineral and energy resources, which underlie today’s industry and society, based on coexistence with the global environment. Following this, we aim to produce talented engineers and researchers responsible for earth resources and environmental issues. Applicants who have enthusiasm, wide-ranging curiosity and interest in our planet, the earth, earth resources and environmental concerns, in addition to basic academic ability, including foreign languages, are encouraged to apply for admission to our department. We welcome applicants who are ready to be proactive in facing the challenges of our educational program goals, that is the development of: a well-rounded character, an ethical approach to technology, engineering application, advanced specialized academic skills, ability to explore and solve problems, ability to communicate, persistence in study, ability in management, internationalism and leadership.

The courses for the master program at the Department of Earth Resources Engineering are categorized into ‘advanced subjects,’ ‘advanced specialized subjects,’ ‘professional skill development subjects,’ and ‘different field subjects.’ The ‘advanced subjects’ facilitate transferring from fundamentals at bachelor programs to advanced and practical topics. The ‘advanced specialized subjects’ provide highly advanced and state-of-the-art knowledges and skills. The ‘professional skill development subjects’ train to enhance the practical skills and capability to handle and solve problems. The ‘different field subjects’ extends the field of view by understanding subjects relevant to specialties. Each student enrolled in the master program belongs to one of the laboratories and addresses a study project to complete his/her master thesis under supervision by a professor at the department.
To achieve the ultimate goal of the Department of Earth Resources Engineering, the doctoral program trains students to enhance their knowledges and practical skills as engineers and researchers, acting and leading globally, through lectures, exercises, and specific study projects. The program provides the ‘research subjects’ course relevant to students’ study projects and the ‘engineering research planning’ course to extend their field of view by making presentations and discussions at joint seminars held by all the departments consisting of the Graduate School of Engineering. Each student enrolled in the doctoral program belongs to one of the laboratories and addresses a study project to complete his/her doctoral thesis under supervision by a professor at the department. The doctoral candidate is required to:

1. Understand the state-of-the-art knowledges in the field of study subject,
2. Successfully analyze, evaluate, and integrate the conventional ideas and concepts,
3. Make sufficient contribution to the outcome by designing and conducting the study project independently,
4. Make sufficient contribution to creating new knowledges using originative approaches,
5. Explain using scientifically accurate expressions,
6. Follow ethical approaches for scientific research.

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.

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.

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.