Tokyo Tech Education Reform

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Tokyo Tech Education Reform

For current students continuing degree programs in April 2016

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Program

• Overview

• Main points of education reform

• Q & A

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国立大学法人東京工業大学

教育改革のお知らせ

We will cultivate students with the drive to excel and

the vision to contribute to society through science

and technology.

Yoshinao Mishima

President, Tokyo Tech

Goal of Education Reform

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Students will be exposed to the wonders of research and motivated to pursue careers in science and technology.

Aiming to Become One of the World’s Top Ten Research Universities

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Inspiring ambition with the new Lecture Theatre

New undergraduates will attend lectures by leading Tokyo Tech researchers and faculty, Nobel Prize- level scientists, and industry experts.

英国王立科学研究所レクチャーシアター (協力:ブリティッシュ・カウンシル)

Encourage study abroad for all students

Invite faculty from the

world’s top universities Academic tuning for easier credit transfer

Tokyo Tech World’s Top Universities

Accreditation of credits &

degrees

New curricula tuned to those of the world’s leading universities

The Royal Institution of Great Britain TOKYO TECH LECTURE THEATRE

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Tools for Self-Initiated Learning and an Enhanced Support System

事前・事後の学修が充実するため、

授業中は理解を深めることに集中。

Active learning

Students will cultivate initiative, communication skills, and leadership skills, and be better equipped to prepare for and review lessons.

Enhanced support system

Academic advisors will support students in their goals, education plans, and employment searches.

Learning portfolios will help provide seamless transitions between degree programs.

To support their ambitions, students will be able to consult their academic advisors at any time. All students will have at least one scheduled meeting with their academic advisors per academic year.

Learning portfolios

Students will maintain an extensive record of their learning progress and outcomes. Learning portfolios will include objectives, education plans and check sheets, completed assignments, reports, and lists of earned credits.

Massive open online courses (MOOC) will provide greater flexibility and allow for study both on and off campus.

Through group work, discussions, and presentations, students will take more active roles in their education.

Online learning

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Schools

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Undergraduate and graduate schools will be joined – a first in Japan

Schools

Seamless degree programs

The education system will allow for easier transitions from bachelor’s to master’s and master’s to doctoral programs.

Students will be able to better visualize their academic goals and choose from various courses and challenges to achieve those goals.

3rd year 2nd year 1st year

2nd year

1st year

4th year

3rd year

2nd year 1st year

600-level

500-level

400-level

300-level 200-level 100-level

Master’s Thesis Research Master’s Major Courses

Undergraduate Major Courses Doctoral Thesis Research Doctoral Major Courses

New Curriculum

Course Numbering System

Current Curriculum

School Year

Under certain conditions,

undergraduates will be able to take master’s-level courses and join research projects. Qualifying master’s students will be able to do the same for doctoral-level courses and research.

This will provide a more seamless transition between degree programs.

With the new education system, students will gain vital

leadership skills through broad training in their majors, research, and liberal arts courses.

Leadership education Earlier involvement in

graduate-level research Undergraduate

Schools

Graduate Schools

Liberal Arts Courses Master’s Thesis

Research Master’s Major Courses

Undergraduate Major Courses Doctoral Thesis Research Doctoral Major Courses

Liberal Arts Courses

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Course Numbering System

A numbering convention where courses are numbered according to category and order in which they should be taken in the curriculum structure.

An Education System that Supports Diverse Learning Opportunities

100 200 300 400 500 600

With the quarter system, Tokyo Tech’s academic calendar will align with more overseas universities. Students will be better able to participate in internships and study abroad.

Students may study more than one field of

specialization concurrently (e.g., biotechnology and mechanical engineering)

Students may start preparing for doctoral research.

Students may gain work experience at a research institution or company anywhere in the world while conducting their doctoral research.

Bachelor’s program admission

First year students will take courses that are foundational to studying science and technology. Life sciences has become part of the compulsory courses in addition to math, physics, chemistry, English, and liberal arts. The courses thoroughly cover the basics and are fundamental to providing broad

knowledge. The curricula are also designed to develop communication skills, creativity, and other competencies useful in any field.

Course Numbering

System

If they meet certain requirements, students can take courses in the master’s program curriculum in advance.

Transfer Master’s program (upon passing entrance exam)

Doctoral program (upon passing screening)

Admission Admission

Flexible, paced curricula that allow students

to study their areas of interest.

4 to 6 cumulative years to earn a master’s degree

3 to 4 years to earn a bachelor’s degree 6 to 9 cumulative years to

earn a doctoral degree

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Combining Undergraduate and Graduate Departments

Current System New System

Undergraduate 3 Schools 23 Departments

Mathematics / Physics / Chemistry / Information Science / Earth and Planetary Sciences

School of Science

Metallurgical Engineering / Organic and Polymeric Materials / Inorganic Materials / Chemical Engineering / Polymer Chemistry / Mechanical Engineering and Science / Mechanical and Intelligent Systems Engineering / Mechano- Aerospace Engineering / Control and Systems Engineering / Industrial and Systems Engineering / Electrical and Electronic Engineering / Computer Science / Civil and Environmental Engineering / Architecture and Building Engineering / Social Engineering / International Development Engineering

School of Engineering

Bioscience / Biotechnology

School of Bioscience and Biotechnology

Mathematics / Physics (Particle-, Nuclear- and Astro-Physics) / Physics (Condensed Matter Physics) / Chemistry / Earth and Planetary Sciences / Chemistry and Materials Science / Metallurgy and Ceramics Science / Organic and Polymeric Materials / Applied Chemistry / Chemical Engineering / Mechanical Sciences and Engineering / Mechanical and Control Engineering / Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering / Electrical and Electronic Engineering / Physical Electronics / Communications and Computer Engineering / Civil Engineering / Architecture and Building Engineering / International Development Engineering / Nuclear Engineering

Graduate School of Science and Engineering

Graduate 6 Schools, 45 Departments

Life Science / Biological Sciences / Biological Information / Bioengineering / Biomolecular Engineering

Graduate School of Bioscience and Biotechnology

Innovative and Engineered Materials / Electronic Chemistry / Materials Science and Engineering / Environmental Science and Technology / Built Environment / Energy Sciences / Environmental Chemistry and Engineering / Electronics and Applied Physics / Mechano-Micro Engineering / Computational Intelligence and Systems Science / Information Processing

Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Science and Engineering

Mathematical and Computing Sciences / Computer Science / Mechanical and Environmental Informatics

Graduate School of Information Science and Engineering

Human System Science / Value and Decision Science / Industrial Engineering and Management / Social Engineering

Graduate School of Decision Science and Technology

Management of Technology / Innovation

Graduate School of Innovation Management

6 Schools, 19 Departments

Science

Engineering

Materials and

Chemical Technology

Computing

Life Science and Technology

Environment and Society

Institute for Liberal

Arts

Schools Departments

Mathematics Physics Chemistry

Earth and Planetary Sciences Mechanical Engineering

Systems and Control Engineering Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Information and Communications Engineering Industrial Engineering and Economics

Materials Science and Engineering Chemical Science and Engineering

Mathematical and Computing Science Computer Science

Architecture and Building Engineering Civil and Environmental Engineering Transdisciplinary Science and Engineering Social and Human Sciences

Innovation Science

Technology and Innovation Management (professional master’s degree program)

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Schools, Departments, and Majors

Science

Engineering

Materials and Chemical Technology

Computing

Graduate Major

Mathematics Physics

Chemistry

Earth and Planetary Sciences

Undergraduate Major

Mathematics

Physics

Chemistry

Earth and Planetary Sciences

Mechanical Engineering

Systems and Control Engineering

Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Information and

Communications Engineering

Industrial Engineering and Economics

Materials Science and Engineering

Chemical Science and Engineering

Mathematical and Computing Science

Computer Science

Life Science and Technology

Architecture and Building Engineering

Civil and Environmental Engineering

Transdisciplinary Science and Engineering

Social and Human Sciences

Innovation Science

Technology and Innovation Management (professional master’s degree program)

1st years join one of seven academic groups

Energy Science and Engineering

Nuclear Engineering

Artificial Intelligence

Urban Design and Built Environment

Department School

Human Centered Science and Biomedical

Engineering Engineering

Sciences and Design Engineering Sciences and Design

Engineering Sciences and Design

Nuclear Engineering

Nuclear Engineering Mathematics

Physics

Chemistry Earth and Planetary Sciences

Mechanical Engineering Systems and Control Engineering

Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Information and

Communications Engineering Industrial Engineering and Economics

Mechanical Engineering Systems and Control Engineering

Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Information and

Communications Engineering Industrial Engineering and Economics

Materials Science and Engineering Chemical Science and Engineering

Materials Science and Engineering Chemical Science and Engineering Mathematical and Computing

Science Computer Science

Mathematical and Computing Science

Computer Science

Life Science and Technology Life Science and Technology Architecture and Building

Engineering

Civil and Environmental Engineering

Transdisciplinary Science and Engineering

Architecture and Building Engineering

Civil Engineering

Social and Human Sciences

Innovation Science Technology and Innovation Management

Energy Science and Engineering

Engineering Human Centered Science and Biomedical

Engineering

Engineering Human Centered Science and Biomedical

Engineering

Institute for Liberal Arts Liberal arts courses taken throughout each program

Global Engineering for Development Environment and Society

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More Options for Specialized Fields and the Quarter System

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Students will have more options for specialized fields of study

Example: A student interested in studying materials 3 Departments

Department of Metallurgical Engineering

Department of Organic and Polymeric Materials

Department of Inorganic Materials

1 Department

Department of Materials Science and Engineering

Field of Study

= Faculty member

Before After

Quarter System

• Intensive learning in shorter periods will enhance learning effectiveness.

• Flexible academic plans will make it easier to study abroad or do internships.

• Offering courses more frequently will better accommodate students.

• Enrollment in Tokyo Tech will be more accessible for international students.

1Q 2Q Summer Vacation

Mid August–mid September

3Q 4Q

April–early June Mid June–early August

Late September–

late November

Early December–

early February

Under the quarter system, one academic year will be divided into four quarters.

Education system which divides fields Education system which combines fields

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Interdisciplinary Graduate Majors

Engineering Engineering Sciences

and Design Energy Science and

Engineering Nuclear Engineering Artificial Intelligence Urban Design and

Built Environment

 Features

1. A novel set of interdisciplinary majors, each based on a newly established field of study that spans across disciplines.

2. Administered across multiple departments.

3. Faculty members from different fields of specialization will provide unique perspectives to each interdisciplinary field.

4. Students and researchers from diverse academic backgrounds and specializations will gather to engage in novel, socially significant fields of study. Students who enroll in these majors will have the chance to study in a highly stimulating environment.

 Degree completion requirements

Requirements for the completion of a degree will be stipulated for each major. For example, the same requirements apply to the Nuclear Engineering major administered by the Mechanical Engineering Department and that administered by the Materials Science and Engineering Department.

 Certification of major

The name of the major will be printed on the diploma.

Example: Energy Science and Engineering, Department of Chemistry, School of Science

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Faculty Members Assigned to Master’s and Doctoral Programs

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1. Faculty members will be affiliated with schools, research laboratories, etc., and

assigned to teach for a graduate major.

2. Some faculty members may be assigned to teach for multiple majors.

Example 1. Prof. A is assigned to two majors in the Department of Mechanical

Engineering: Energy Science and Engineering; and Mechanical Engineering.

Example 2. Prof. B is assigned to two majors in the Department of Materials

Science and Engineering: Materials Science and Engineering; and Human

Centered Science and Biomedical Engineering.

3. Students are affiliated with a school and department of preference and must

select a graduate major.

4. A list of graduate majors and associated faculty is provided at the following sites:

http://www.titech.ac.jp/graduate_school/news/2015/031139.html (Japanese)

http://www.titech.ac.jp/english/graduate_school/international/international_graduate/index.html (For publication dates of relevant application guides, see the Examination Schedule section.)

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Relationship of Current Departments to the New System

School under the

New System Departments of Current Graduate Schools

Science Mathematics / Physics(Particle-, Nuclear- and Astro-Physics) / Physics (Condensed Matter Physics) / Chemistry / Earth and Planetary Sciences / Chemistry and Materials Science

Engineering Mechanical Sciences and Engineering / Mechanical and Control Engineering / Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering / Electrical and Electronic Engineering /

Physical Electronics / Communications and Computer Engineering / Nuclear Engineering / Energy Sciences / Electronics and Applied Physics / Mechano-Micro Engineering /

Information Processing / Mechanical and Environmental Informatics / Industrial Engineering and Management / Social Engineering

Materials and Chemical Technology

Chemistry and Materials Science / Metallurgy and Ceramics Science /

Organic and Polymeric Materials / Applied Chemistry / Chemical Engineering / Nuclear Engineering / Innovative and Engineered Materials / Electronic Chemistry / Materials Science and Engineering / Environmental Chemistry and Engineering

Computing Mathematical and Computing Sciences / Computer Science / Computational Intelligence and Systems Science

Life Science / Biological Sciences / Biological Information / Bioengineering / Biomolecular Engineering

Civil Engineering / Architecture and Building Engineering / International Development Engineering / Nuclear Engineering / Environmental Science and Technology / Built Environment / Mechanical and Environmental Informatics /

Human System Science / Value and Decision Science / Social Engineering / Innovation / Management of Technology (professional master’s degree program)

Note: Underlined departments are affiliated with more than one school. This table does not necessarily reflect the current affiliations of faculty assigned to majors under the new system.

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Apr. 1–June 12 June 13–Aug. 10 Sept. 23–Nov. 28 Nov. 29–Feb. 11 (includes winter vacation)

1Q 2Q 3Q 4Q

Term 2 Term 1

Admission (all degree programs) Admission

(master’s and doctoral degree programs)

Graduation Graduation

Start and end dates for each quarter will vary slightly from year to year. Students enrolled in master’s and doctoral programs can also graduate at the end of June or December.

Registration, classes, make-up classes, and final exams

• Course registration will be carried out at the beginning of each term for the comprised two quarters. (Registration changes can be made at the beginning of 2Q and 4Q.)

• A preparatory period (lasting a few days) will be set between 1Q and 2Q and between 3Q and 4Q when no classes will be held. This period will allow students time to review material from the previous quarter and prepare for the next quarter.

• Grades will be released on a quarterly basis on the Web System for Students and Faculty. However, formal awarding of grades will occur at the end of each term.

Quarter Registration and Changes Classes Make-Up Classes and Final Exams

Preparatory Period

Release of Grades

Awarding of Grades

(Academic transcript)

Graduation

1Q Registration: April Changes for 2Q courses:

mid June to early July

Apr. 5–May 29 May 30–June 8 June 9–12 Late June

Sept. 21

Autumn graduation: Sept. 21 Master’s and Doctoral thesis

approval: end of June

2Q June 13–July 31 Aug. 1–10 ― Early Sept.

3Q Registration: late Sept. to mid Oct.

Changes for 4Q courses:

end of Nov. to mid Dec.

Sept. 24–Nov. 14 Nov. 15–24 Nov. 25–28 Mid Dec.

Mar. 26

Spring graduation: Mar. 26 Master’s and Doctoral thesis

approval: end of Dec.

4Q Dec. 1–Jan. 31 Feb. 1–11 ― Early Mar.

Class schedule

• Classes will be organized in 45-minute periods. Most classes will span two periods (90 minutes).

• Example: Course A (worth two credits) is taught twice a week on Mondays and Thursdays during periods 1 and 2. (Note: Not all courses have classes twice a week.)

• A course within a quarter will consist of 15 classes and 2 make-up classes.

The academic year (AY) will be divided into quarters, with two quarters in each term. (Some courses may last longer than a quarter.)

Academic Calendar (AY 2016-17)

Dates are subject to change.

13 Summer

vacation

Spring vacation

(Dates will change slightly from year to year.)

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Student studies curriculum under new education system. Student must take new courses corresponding to current courses to satisfy degree requirements effective at time of matriculation.

AY 2015–16

4th year student (enrolled

2012)

April 2015

April 2016

April 2017

April 2018

April 2019

M affiliation under new system D affiliation under new system

Entrance examination

April 2020

Affiliation with department Current curriculum

Current curriculum

New curriculum

New curriculum 3rd year

student (enrolled

2013)

2nd year student (enrolled

2014)

New curriculum

1st year student (enrolled 2015)

Current curriculum New curriculum

1st year student (enrolled 2015)

who repeats

1st year Current curriculum

M affiliation under new system

M affiliation under new system B affiliation under current system

B affiliation under current system

D affiliation under new system

Semester system

Further details on next page

Quarter system B: Bachelor’s

student M: Master’s

student D: Doctoral

student

Standard Timeline for Undergraduate Students from Admission to Graduation

Affiliations and Curricula

Entrance examination

Entrance examination Affiliation with

department

Affiliation with department Affiliation with

academic group

Affiliation with academic group

B affiliation under current system

M affiliation under new system

Undergraduate thesis research (1 year) Undergraduate thesis

research (1 year) Undergraduate thesis

research (1 year)

Undergraduate thesis research (1 year)

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April 2015

April 2016

April 2018

Master’s Program (2 years standard)

Doctoral Program (3 years standard)

March 2016 Eligibility to join a department

• Student must earn 4 credits in arts, 6 credits in international communication I & II, 14 credits in basic science and engineering, and 1 credit in health and physical education.

• May join a department in 4th Academic Group (Mechanical Engineering and Science, Mechanical and Intelligent Systems Engineering, Mechano-Aerospace Engineering, International Development Engineering, Control and Systems Engineering, Industrial and Systems Engineering).

Admission to Bachelor’s Program

Student takes courses in arts, international communication I & II, basic science and engineering, health and physical education, and others. Student must satisfy the requirements to join a department. (If student has to repeat a year at this stage, the new 100-level courses must be taken in AY 2016–17. In this case, new courses that are equivalent to the old courses provided before April 2016 must be taken.**)

Majors in Mechanical Engineering and Science

Student studies the new 200- and 300-level courses to meet program requirements. (New courses equivalent to the old courses provided by the Mechanical Engineering and Science Department before April 2016 must be taken.**) Student may study abroad, do an internship, etc.

March 2018 Eligibility to start undergraduate thesis research

• Must meet general education requirements and requirements specified by the department.

• Must choose a faculty member (laboratory) within the department.

• Student studies 200- and 300-level courses to meet program

requirements. (New courses equivalent to the old courses provided by the department before April 2016 must be taken.**)

• Student may take master’s level courses (400 level) in advance (up to 10 credits; courses in career development and liberal arts are excluded).

• Bachelor’s thesis research (year long).

• Entrance exam for master’s program; details at right [★].

• Student may study abroad, do an internship, etc.

Admission to Master’s Program in Mechanical Engineering

• Student takes major courses, career development courses, and liberal arts courses (400- and 500-level courses).

• Student may choose a minor or interdisciplinary minor.

• Student must conduct master’s thesis research.

March 2018 Fulfilment of the completion requirements for the bachelor’s degree program

• Pass undergraduate thesis review

• Acquire designated number of credits (124 credits or more) specified by the department.

• Must meet general education requirements and requirements specified by the department.

March 2021 Attainment of achievement level prescribed by the master’s degree program

• Pass master’s thesis (or independent research project) review and final defense.

• Acquire designated number of credits (30 credits or more) required for the major.

• Must meet general education requirements and requirements specific to the major.

Admission to Doctoral Program in Mechanical Engineering

• Student takes major courses, career development courses, and liberal arts courses (600-level courses).

• Student must conduct doctoral thesis research.

March 2024 Attainment of achievement level prescribed by the doctoral degree program

• Pass doctoral thesis review and final defense.

• Acquire designated number of research seminar credits (12 credits in principle, but if completing early, the number of credits accrued during enrollment) plus 12 credits from other courses required for the major.

• Must meet general education requirements and requirements specific to the major.

★ Summer 2018 Entrance Exams for Master’s Programs (details to be decided)

Student can apply based on the academic advisor or academic discipline of his/her choice. After passing the exam, student will be admitted to study a major in his/her chosen department and school (e.g., major in Mechanical Engineering, Dept. of Mechanical Engineering, School of Engineering; or major in Mathematics, Dept. of Mathematics, School of Science).

Note: Periods of study may be shortened to a minimum of 3 years for the bachelor’s program, 1 year for the master’s program, and 1 year for the doctoral program. (A minimum period of 3 years is required when both master’s and doctoral programs are taken.)

*For students who begin a bachelor’s program before AY 2016–17, affiliation and graduation requirements effective at admission will apply until graduation.

**Some courses will not be replaced but will be offered their original form.

Example: A first year undergraduate in Mechanical Engineering and Science who later enters master’s and doctoral programs in Mechanical Engineering.

Standard Timeline for Students from Admission to Graduation

15 Bachelor’s

Program (4 years standard)

April 2019

April 2021

Dept. of Mechanical Engineering

Dept. of Mechanical Engineering and Science

4th Academic Group

Graduation Requirements Designated by Major

Graduation Requirements Designated by Major Graduation Requirements Designated by Department

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2nd year student (enrolled Apr.

2014)

Screening

Current curriculum

New curriculum

New curriculum 1st year

student (enrolled Apr.

2015)

1st year student (enrolled Apr.

2015)

Current curriculum

Student studies curriculum under new education system. Student must take new courses corresponding to current courses to satisfy degree requirements effective at time of matriculation.

M affiliation under

current system D affiliation under new system

M affiliation under current system

D affiliation under current system

D affiliation under new system Master’s

program

Doctoral program

2nd year student (enrolled Oct.

2013)

M affiliation under current

system D affiliation under current system

Affiliations and Curricula

B: Bachelor’s student M: Master’s student D: Doctoral student

AY 2015–16 ^Semester_system ^Quarter_system

April 2015

April 2016

April 2017

April 2018

April

2019 April 2020

Screening

Standard Timeline for Graduate Students from Admission to Graduation

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For Students Continuing Degree Programs in April 2016 (Part 1)

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What Won’t Change

1. Affiliation

• Current undergraduate school, graduate school, and department affiliations will not change.

• Students will graduate from their current affiliation.

2. Course content

• Content of the courses offered in April 2016 and onward have been designed to satisfy current degree requirements.

• In principle, courses equivalent to the currently available courses will be provided.

(Some currently offered courses will remain after April 2016.)

• A cross-reference table will be available by October 2015.

3. Requirements for completion of degree programs

• Degree requirements that were effective at the time of admission will continue to apply.

• Degrees will be awarded from the current undergraduate and graduate schools of affiliation.

• There will be no changes to the conferred degrees: Bachelor/Master/Doctor of Science, Bachelor/Master/Doctor of Engineering, Master of Arts, Doctor of Philosophy, or Master/Doctor of MOT.

4. Time of Graduation

• No changes will be made.

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For Students Continuing Degree Programs in April 2016 (Part 2)

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What Will Change

1. The curriculum will follow an academic quarter system

• Under the current education system, an academic year is divided into two terms. After the reform, each term will comprise two academic quarters.

2. Course numbering system

• Courses will be numbered to clarify the level of each course and the order in which courses should be taken.

Bachelor’s program: 100–300 level Master’s program: 400–500 level Doctoral program: 600 level

3. Syllabi

• All syllabi will be provided both in Japanese and English.

• Competencies and assessment methods will be specified.

4. Advanced study of graduate degree courses

• Undergraduate students may take master’s degree-level courses (up to 10 credits;

defined by the departments). This differs from the current rule allowing only two courses to be taken in advance.

• Master’s students may take doctoral degree-level courses (excluding some courses).

Note: Credits from higher degree courses will not count towards completion of the current degree program.

5. Learning portfolio

• A learning portfolio will be available to all students. (see p. 4)

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Relevant Links

19

June 2015

National University Corporation Tokyo Institute of Technology

1. Education Reform at Tokyo Tech

http://www.titech.ac.jp/english/education/reform/

2. Admissions

http://www.titech.ac.jp/english/graduate_school/

http://www.titech.ac.jp/english/graduate_school/international/international_graduate/index.html

(For publication dates of relevant application guides, see the Examination Schedule section.) http://www.titech.ac.jp/english/graduate_school/admissions/doctoral.html

Also linked on the top page of the Tokyo Tech website.