Yamaguchi University
Department of Applied Sciences
Core Subjects

Applied Sciences is divided into three core subjects: Math, Physics, and English. The following sections offer a detailed overview of each subject.

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Physics is a required subject in all departments at the Yamaguchi University Faculty of Engineering. But why, one may ask, is physics required? This is because the natural sciences form the foundation of all fields of engineering, and physics forms the foundation of the natural sciences.

In response to the question of “what is engineering?”, the following answer has been put forth: Engineering can be understood as an academic discipline which aims to design/create structures (buildings, bridges, etc.) and environments for the general safety and welfare of the public through not only the natural sciences and math but also insights derived from culture and the social sciences (Committee for the Investigation on Curriculum in Faculty of Engineering, 1998). Physics is, thus, an indispensable part of engineering.

There are many subjects within the natural sciences that are commonly labeled as part of the so-called “sciences.” Physics forms the foundational subject of all these subjects, so if you are studying something “scientific,” you can apply your knowledge of physics regardless of one’s field.

Although students at the Faculty of Engineering will learn specialized knowledge related to their subject area (i.e., mechanics, electromagnetism, wave motion and optics, thermodynamics, rigid body dynamics, analytical mechanics, statistics, and condensed matter physics, to name a few), physics serves as the building block for each discipline, making the acquisition of physics the foundation for all academic majors.

Due to this, the Faculty of Engineering of Yamaguchi University has placed a strong emphasis on physics for engineering education, and the Applied Sciences plays a central role in delivering on this goal. Below are some of the ways in which we work to benefit our students:


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  • Practical Experiments: Physics is a subject that deals with a wide variety of natural phenomena, so it is important to understand how to properly observe these phenomena. In order to grasp the physical properties of an object or system, one must be able to verify the physical laws that govern these experiments. During the early stages of their education at the Faculty of Engineering, students from most departments will take “Physics Experiments,” a course designed to teach the foundational experiments related to physics. By using logically introduced equipment to conduct these experiments and verify results to a high degree of precision, students quickly learn what the “shape” of laboratory work should be. The experience of acquiring real-world scientific knowledge and not merely completing desk work ultimately proves invaluable as students proceed to their specialized studies in the later years of their education.
  • Specialized Education: Physics education is built upon a principle of allowing students to learn and interact with one another during classes known as Active Learning. They also have the opportunity to contribute their knowledge of physics to their local community through Open Campus exhibits and special lessons at local junior/senior high schools.
  • Research Guidance: All engineering students at Yamaguchi University are required to enter a research laboratory on their fourth year and produce a graduate thesis. In principle, students join the laboratories associated with their departments. However, in cases where students wish to pursue research specifically related to physics, such students can receive the instruction of one of the Applied Sciences physics staff. After graduating, students can receive further guidance if the wish to pursue physics-related research at the Master’s or PhD level.


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Mathematics occupies an extremely important place in engineering, playing an indispensable role within the field. Through abstract concepts and logical thought processes, it gives us the power to reason about and solve problems in the real world. However, that isn’t all: it also provides engineers of all fields with critical tools used both in problem solving and design processes. For instance, analyzing a structural framework or electric circuitry requires a fundamental understanding of the mathematical concepts to make sense of the data.

The Faculty of Engineering currently employs six educators dedicated to teaching the field of math. Under normal circumstances, universities assign instructors from their math departments to teach such classes. However, our engineering school has created a specially designated division of math experts who can enrich the learning of engineering students, drawing a clear distinction between Yamaguchi University and other institutions.

As math is a foundational component of engineering, its understanding and application is essential to technological innovation. Our aim at Applied Sciences is not only to teach students how to reason through mathematical concepts but also improve their abilities to apply these concepts towards solving real-world engineering problems. The reason we are dedicating so much effort to improving the mathematical skills of our students is precisely due to the complex nature of the technologies and problems they are faced with in their studies. Math serves as a central steppingstone to overcoming these challenges, and our goal is to ensure that students have a solid foundation upon which to achieve their professional goals.

Below is a brief introduction to some of the mathematics courses offered by the Faculty of Engineering by the Applied Sciences:

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  • Math I & Math II: Students will learn Differential Calculus, the foundation of all natural sciences. In learning to derive derivatives and integrals through variables and equations, students develop the ability to solve actual engineering problems.
  • Ordinary Differential Equations: Students learn the first two stages of differential equations, and through systematic exercises gain practical problem-solving abilities.
  • Linear Algebra: Using foundational concepts such as vectors, matrices, and linear transformation as a starting point, students learn to mathematically approach real-world engineering problems.
  • Linear Algebra & Analytical Theory: This course explores the basics of vector analysis, abstract linear algebra, and problems involving eigenvectors/eigenvalues.
  • Applied Analytics I: Students learn Fourier Analysis, an essential theory to signal processing and control system design.
  • Applied Analytics II: Students learn the basics of multiple factor analysis, a technique involving regular analytic functions often used in engineering fields like electrical engineering and fluid mechanics.
  • Probability Statistics: Through the foundations of statistics, students develop the techniques necessary for conducting data analysis and risk assessment to solve real-world engineering problems.

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Amidst the rapidly advancing wave of global digital transformation (DX), communication with foreign countries has become more familiar and commonplace today. As such, English ability is becoming increasingly required by Japanese companies and the manufacturing industry. In response to the rapidly growing demand for engineering talent, the English education division of Applied Sciences has been providing undergraduate and graduate education programs since 2013 to cultivate students who can thrive in the global community. Unlike the general English students generally learn through high school, this program focuses on the practical English skills known as "Technical Communication" that engineers and scientists need in business and academic research settings. Original texts and mobile teaching materials developed by the Faculty of Engineering at Yamaguchi University are used exclusively for this purpose.

At Yamaguchi University, all first-year students are required to take the TOEIC IP exam as part of their general education coursework. In order to determine which Technical Communication courses will be taken at Tokiwa Campus, students are divided into three groups based on the test scores obtained during their first year: 550 points and above, the 450-545 points, and below 450 points (with some variation depending on the department). Students will then proceed with their studies in each respective class.

Technical Communication
TCA・ESE
550 points and above
General Education
Take TOEIC IP
(Compulsory)
Academic
Writing
450・550 points
(Elective)
E-LAB
(Application)
TCI・BCG
Between 450 ~ 545 points
TCB・ECE
~ 445 points and below
Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4
Year 1
General Education
Take TOEIC IP
(Compulsory)
Year 2
TCA・ESE
550 points and above
TCI・BCG
Between 450 ~ 545 points
TCB・ECE
~ 445 points and below
Year 3
Academic
Writing
450・550 points
(Elective)
Year 4
E-LAB
(Application)
School of Engineering English Education Flow

Students who score 550 or higher on the TOEIC in their first year are eligible take the advanced courses (TCA/ESE). In these courses, students are assumed to possess basic English skills, and classes are conducted entirely in English to improve the practical communication that is essential in a global professional context. Specifically, students will learn technical communication through actual English texts and materials used in the workplace, discussions and presentations using technical terms and topics in engineering, and skills such as data analysis. These courses also provide an excellent opportunity to interact with students of various nationalities and cultures due to the high number of international students who take the course.

Students who score between 450 and 545 on the TOEIC in their first year can take the intermediate courses, where they will also receive basic training in technical communication. The main focus is on practical business English that is necessary in the manufacturing industry, and students will learn skills such as email writing, basic data description in presentations, and English needed for overseas travel and conference management. Additionally, there will be basic essay writing lectures and exercises as a bridge to the Academic Writing course that begins in the third year, with all four skills addressed in a balanced manner. In class, active learning methods will be used to foster high levels of speaking and communication frequency training. Students will actively engage in activities by envisioning various real-life situations in overseas business, making it a fun way to acquire practical English skills. Moreover, learning vocabulary and practical expressions is an effective way to study for proficiency exams such as TOEIC.

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Finally, for students who scored below 450 on the TOEIC in their first year, a beginner's course is offered. In this course, TOEIC exam content is used as teaching material to strengthen students' basic English skills. Activities such as reading aloud, extensive reading, shadowing, and dictation are conducted to help students "use" English (the actual instruction method may vary slightly depending on the department). If students improve their English skills and achieve a TOEIC score of 450/550 by their second year, they can take intermediate or advanced English courses as elective subjects in their third year. In this way, the education program is designed to motivate students to gradually improve their language skills.

Starting from the third year, the elective course "Academic Writing" is offered. In this course, students learn the English necessary to write research papers as experts through the study of comprehensive academic writing. Practices such as essay drafting and peer review (a learning method in which learners evaluate each other) help students to deepen their understanding of the entire writing process.

In addition, from the fourth year, students can enroll in a personalized English learning support service called "E-LAB" to further enhance career-related English skills. Information about E-LAB can be found here.

For students in the Graduate School of Integrated Sciences and Engineering (Engineering Division), a series of continuous-learning courses on "Science and Technology English Special Topics" are available. In addition to acquiring the composition of scientific and engineering English academic papers, these courses cultivate advanced English communication skills used in manufacturing business. In consideration of current recruiting trends in manufacturing, refined development of the four language skills while maintaining awareness of language functions is prioritized so that the logical and accurate English expressions appropriate for executive careers can be used.


CONTACT US






"The skills engineers must acquire continue to increase and diversify. Success requires not only a solid grounding in one's field, but also a knowledge of how to learn and English communicative ability. We thus strive to equip our students with the foundational tools they need in order to meet the challenges of an ever-changing world."



Please direct all inquiries to the School of Engineering administration office.

0836-85-9005
2-16-1 Tokiwadai, Ube
Yamaguchi, JAPAN 755-8611