Department Overview
The educational goal of the Master’s Program in the Department of Hydrogen Energy Systems is to help students gain the ability to understand the materials, processes, and safety engineering that are the basic elements of hydrogen energy technology, on the basis of mechanical engineering fundamentals, and to be able to understand and design machines and devices for hydrogen energy systems. To achieve this goal, the program provides the following opportunities through research for a master’s thesis under the categories of advanced expertise subjects, advanced specific subjects, different Fields subjects, and ability development subjects:
- An education that produces mechanical engineers and researchers who understand materials and process engineering
- The knowledge of fundamental science and engineering in hydrogen energy technology and relevant technologies for human and environmental symbiosis
- Improved international capabilities, and an education that emphasizes practice in cooperation with industry
- A primary education in mechanical engineering, in cooperation with the Department of Mechanical Engineering (for students who are not from mechanical engineering departments)
Doctoral course students in the Department of Hydrogen Energy Systems can request financial assistance to help them concentrate on their studies. The department also helps students build their careers through collaboration with the Fukuoka Strategy Conference for Hydrogen Energy and the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology.
Educational Aims
The Department of Hydrogen Energy Systems is a unique educational department that offers an education in science and technology relevant to hydrogen energy. As a Mechanical Engineering Department, it has been designed to provide students with the greatest possible opportunity to gain a fundamental knowledge of science and engineering in hydrogen energy and relevant technologies for human and environmental symbiosis. We expect our graduates to lead the way, as engineers and researchers, toward building a low-carbon society.
No energy systems can be designed without Mechanical Engineering. However, since hydrogen is produced and used through energy conversion, an understanding of the processes of chemical reactions is also necessary. It is necessary as well to understand the design of a wide range of materials, including the metals, polymers and ceramics used in energy systems. In addition, knowledge of safety is required, as it is vital to gain public acceptance of hydrogen technology. The educational goal of the Department of Hydrogen Energy Systems is to help students gain the ability to understand materials, processes, and safety engineering on the basis of mechanical engineering fundamentals, and to be able to understand and design machines and devices for hydrogen energy as systems, through education and advanced research in the interdisciplinary energy field.
After completion of the program, the majority of graduates become professional engineers working for private companies, or researchers or academic staff in private companies, governmental research institutions, and universities in the fields of energy and the environment, including hydrogen energy, both at home and abroad.
Admission Policy
The Department of Hydrogen Energy Systems seeks applicants with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, as well as those from other relevant science and engineering departments, who wish to become engineers or researchers in the field of energy technologies for human and environmental symbiosis. The International Master’s Program conducts entrance examinations in English.
Education and Research Fields
Education and research fields in the Department of Hydrogen Systems extend from various fields in mechanical engineering to materials and process engineering related to hydrogen energy systems.
Hydrogen Utilization Systems
Hydrogen Utilization Processes
Fuel Cell Systems
Hydrogen Production Processes
Advance Hydrogen Energy System
Hydrogen Storage Systems
Hydrogen Storage Systems
Hydrogen Materials Strength and Machine Design
Solid Mechanics
Tribology
Advanced Hydrogen Materials
Hydrogen Thermofluid Engineering
Thermofluid Physics
Reactive Gas Dynamics
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.