Department Overview
The Department of Mechanical Engineering provides students with the widest possible educational and research opportunities to enable them to gain a wide and substantial expertise and comprehensive skill set, as well as a fundamental knowledge of interdisciplinary areas that address current needs. The educational and research system of the department is substantial, so graduates usually go on to work as leading engineers and researchers. There are 45 subjects in the Master’s Course. They include not only the core of mechanical engineering, (material mechanics, mechanical dynamics, fluid dynamics, and thermodynamics) but also interdisciplinary areas such as machine design, manufacturing, system control, combustion, and bionics. Students can also take subjects in the Department of Hydrogen Energy Systems, which collaborates with this department.
The department offers the following types of subjects. For students in the global course, all lectures are provided in English:
- Advanced Subjects, to master fundamental knowledge ranging from elemental technologies to system technologies
- Advanced Specialized Subjects, to master more specifically specialized knowledge
- Professional Skill Development Subjects, to improve communication skills and acquire various comprehensive skills in engineering
- Different Fields subjects, which are courses outside of one’s own major that are taken in order to broaden one’s perspective by learning the ideas and perspectives of other fields, rather than focusing excessively on one’s specialty.
- Common Subjects for International Students, for foreign students to learn about the industrial situation in Japan, etc.Students can acquire various comprehensive skills through research in the laboratory and by writing their master thesis, in addition to the above subjects. The department provides students with a desirable environment and advanced activities in research, international exchange, and more.The curriculum meets the needs of a wide range of careers, from heavy industry, steel, automotive, and electronics to precision and medical machines. Graduates go on to work as leading engineers and researchers.
Educational Aims
Mechanical engineering covers not only the core of mechanical engineering (strength of materials, dynamics of machinery, fluid dynamics, and thermodynamics) but also interdisciplinary areas such as machine design, manufacturing, system control, combustion, and bionics. It is one of the most important engineering fields, and the basis of recent engineering that has been made more multidisciplinary by the fusion and diversity of technologies. The Master’s Course in the Department of Mechanical Engineering aims to provide students with the greatest possible opportunity to gain wide and substantial expertise and comprehensive skills in mechanical engineering, as well as fundamental knowledge of interdisciplinary areas that address current needs, so that our graduates can go on to work as leading engineers and researchers. The global course in the department is designed for students who wish to establish an international career in the field of mechanical engineering. The Doctoral Course seeks to cultivate innovative researchers and advanced professionals who extend the boundaries of mechanical engineering and achieve high levels of technology with substantial expertise and analytical skills in particular areas, as well as a wide knowledge of the state of the art in many areas of mechanical engineering.
Admission Policy
The Department of Mechanical Engineering seeks students who wish to be leading engineers in manufacturing industries, including heavy industry, steel, the automotive industry, electrical industries, precision and medical machines, or to become researchers in mechanical engineering. The department seeks students who have completed a bachelor’s program in mechanical engineering or a relevant field, as well as mathematics and English. The department, in addition to the above, seeks students who not only have knowledge but also understand phenomena theoretically according to scientific principles and fundamental laws, and who try to apply and develop their findings. The department expects students to have a keen interest in machines and mechanical engineering, as well as the pleasure of discovery, the spirit of inquiry, creativity, a positive attitude, and solid fortitude. The global course conducts entrance exams in English and seeks students who wish to build an international career in the field of mechanical engineering.
Education and Research Fields
Education and research fields in the Department of Mechanical Engineering cover broad areas in mechanical engineering. They include not only the core of mechanical engineering but also interdisciplinary areas such as energy and the environment, robotics, and bionics. Education for graphic science and international careers is also provided. Laboratories in the department are as follows:
Material Strength and Design System
Solid Mechanics
Machine Elements and Design Engineering
Structural Materials
Hydrogen Compatible Materials & Fracture
Micro Mechanics
Fluids Engineering
Flow Control Systems
Fluids Engineering Design
Thermal Engineering
Thermal Energy Conversion
Thermal Physics and Engineering
Reactive Gas Dynamics
Engine Systems
Thermal Energy Utilization Science
Dynamics of Machinery
Vibration and Acoustics
Machinery Dynamics
Control and Systems
System Engineering
Systems Control
Human Centered Robotics
Manufacturing Processes
Precision Machining
Material Processing
Bioengineering
Biothermal Engineering
Biofunctional Engineering
Advanced Medical Devices
Bio-medical Fluid Engineering
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.