Department Overview
To study the broad range of technologies required for marine technologies and naval architecture, students must acquire fundamental engineering knowledge as well as organizational skills based on a wider vision than simply marine technologies and naval architecture. This course of study combines structural, fluid, heat, materials, and control engineering in a curriculum designed to develop system engineering skills which can be practically applied in the design or construction of ships, and marine and offshore structures. In addition, lectures and seminars related to numerical skills, e.g. computer programming languages, numerical analyses and simulations, are provided as these numerical skills have an important role in the design and production of marine technologies.
This course of study consists of the following eight areas of education and research: 1) Marine Hydrodynamics, 2) Marine Dynamics and Control, 3) Structural Design of Marine Systems, 4) Fatigue, Fracture, Welding Mechanics and Production Systems, 5) Functional Systems Engineering, 6) Ship Design and Maritime Intelligent Technology, 7) Ocean Energy Resources, 8) Planning of Marine Systems.
Some of the representative research subjects include: computer aided design using meta heuristic algorithms; the development of optimization methods for the hydrodynamic performance of hulls and propellers; the development of automatic vessel navigation systems; the methodology of safety design based on the risk assessment for ship and ship building; final buckling strength of hull structures; response analysis of Very Large Floating Structures (VLFS); development of fatigue life evaluation methods based on numerical fracture mechanics; and the establishment of a database for long-term wave statistics based on satellite information.
Research facilities including a circulating water channel, a sea keeping and manoeuvring basin, hydraulic fatigue testing machines, an impact loading test rig and laser-arc hybrid welding system are available.
Educational Aims
Effective utilization of ocean space, especially development of transportation systems, utilization of artificial land space on the sea and sustainable marine resources development, is an important challenge. It is imperative to develop new-generation systems that are able to integrate land, coastal and ocean transportation. Coastal transportation systems are viewed as a potential solution for supplementing saturated land transportation. Intelligent access procedures are required for efficiently developed waterfront communities. Planning and construction methods are needed for the utilization of artificial land space on the sea, the construction of infrastructures (offshore floating airports and power plants, etc.) and the facilities for leisure activities (passenger cruise ships, marine leisure complexes, etc.). In addition, the development of peripheral technologies for the exploration and mining of marine resources, such as subsea transportation and machine operation, is in high demand. Amongst other technologies required for ocean development, naval architecture is particularly important. To provide useful solutions for these social demands, the Department of Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering is offering students the opportunity to study marine utilities and naval architecture, including marine transportation systems, biological and mineral resource development technologies and the planning of ocean spaces. The research objective of this department is to propose a wide range of environmentally-friendly marine applications and to develop technologies related to them, whilst taking full advantage of the achievements in naval architecture, marine engineering, industrial engineering and systems engineering in a comprehensive manner.
Admission Policy
Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering is the study and investigation in the technology to utilize functions of marine resources that consists of 1) functions of traffic and transportation, 2) functions of energy, mineral, or life resources production, 3) functions of spaces for stock or habitation. Students who wish to study in this department are expected to have following:
- Completed a bachelor program in Marine engineering, i.e., mathematics, marine hydrodynamics, and marine structural mechanics to study our programs smoothly.
- A strong interest and vocation in the issues of marine systems engineering, e.g., utilization of ocean space, utilization or transportation of marine products or energy resources, sustainable marine resources development, traffic and transportation systems, and desire to undertake applied research based on fundamental knowledge, and a strong sense of engineering ethics.
- Sufficient knowledge of language to deal with international issues.
Education and Research Fields
Department of Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering
Marine Hydrodynamics
Marine Dynamics and Control
Structural Design of Marine Systems
Fatigue, Fracture, Welding Mechanics and Production Systems
Functional Systems Engineering
Ship Design and Maritime Intelligence Technology
Ocean Energy Resources
Planning of Marine Systems
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.