Seminar of Development and Environmental Engineering (CE) I

Academic unit or major

Civil Engineering

Instructor(s)

Academic Supervisor

Class Format

Exercise

Media-enhanced courses

-

Day of week/Period
(Classrooms)

Seminar

Class

-

Course Code

ZSS.Y491

Number of credits

020

Course offered

2020

Offered quarter

3-4Q

Syllabus updated

Jul 10, 2025

Language

English

Syllabus

Course overview and goals

This course is designed to give students specialist knowledge in their fields of study as well as basic knowledge in broad areas with a focus on research assignments suggested by the academic supervisor (assignments may be decided through discussions with the academic supervisor). Students will incorporate gained knowledge into their own research, participate in academic discussions, and give presentations of their findings.
The aims of this course are not only to develop the students' skills such as literature search and analysis, and techniques for collecting, analyzing, and assessing data, but also to acquire linguistic proficiency and comprehension as well as the ability to present ideas and arguments effectively in academic writings through discussions and presentations.
Graduate education at Tokyo Tech is comprised of coursework education based on a structured curriculum and laboratory work characterized by individualized instruction. Research Seminar course is central to the laboratory based education, and active learning is strongly encouraged. By enrolling in Research Seminar courses and pursuing research, students are expected to develop expertise in their fields of study and gain skills necessary in society.

Course description and aims

Students will acquire the following by completing Research Seminar I to IV:
1) Theoretical understanding of the fundamentals of engineering necessary for professional practices and research.
2) Technical skills and knowledge required for practices and research in the field of civil engineering.
3) Appreciation of societal responsibilities of civil engineers, and understanding of ethics in the practice.
4) Management and communication skills to be competitive in the global market.

Keywords

Literature search, data collection, data analysis, academic-paper writing, presentation and discussion training,
laboratory-based education, coursework

Competencies

• Specialist skills
• Intercultural skills
• Communication skills
• Critical thinking skills
• Practical and/or problem-solving skills

Class flow

Classes are held at the academic supervisors' laboratories. The course schedule will be determined through discussions with the academic supervisors. In some cases, multiple laboratories may choose to hold joint classes. Some laboratories might hold classes in English. Check with your academic supervisor.

Course schedule/Objectives

Study advice (preparation and review)

To enhance effective learning, students are encouraged to spend approximately 100 minutes preparing for class and another 100 minutes reviewing class content afterwards (including assignments) for each class.
They should do so by referring to textbooks and other course material.

Textbook(s)

Specified by the academic supervisor as necessary.

Reference books, course materials, etc.

Specified by the academic supervisor as necessary.

Evaluation methods and criteria

Specifics of the assessment criteria and methods, which are in accordance with the student learning outcomes 1)-4), will
be announced prior to the start of the course.

Related courses

• None

Prerequisites

Students must be a member of one of the laboratories.