2025 (Current Year) Faculty Courses School of Materials and Chemical Technology Department of Chemical Science and Engineering Graduate major in Chemical Science and Engineering

Frontiers of Chemical Science and Technology V

Academic unit or major: Graduate major in Chemical Science and Engineering
Instructor(s): Yutaka Abe / Naoya Amino
Class Format: Lecture (HyFlex)
Media-enhanced courses: -
Day of week/Period (Classrooms): Intensive
Class: -
Course Code: CAP.T427
Number of credits: 100
Course offered: 2025
Offered quarter: 3-4Q
Syllabus updated: Sep 18, 2025
Language: Japanese

Syllabus

Course overview and goals

【Overview】
In this lecture, we will invite experts from fields related to applied chemistry that differ from university-based research and education, such as commercialization, intellectual property, and government-related work, to introduce these topics.

【Objectives】
The aim of this lecture is to provide an opportunity for students to understand the role that applied chemistry plays in real-world applications, such as commercialization, intellectual property, and government-related work, in addition to university research and education. This will help students broaden their perspectives and consider various possibilities for their future career paths. Furthermore, the lecture aims to help students learn about the concrete connections between academia and society.

Course description and aims

Students will understand the role of applied chemistry in the real world and the various career opportunities it offers, as well as gain a concrete understanding of the connections between academia and society.

Keywords

Applied Chemistry, Intellectual Property Rights, Career, Commercialization

Competencies

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

Class flow

阿部裕先生: 食品添加物のレギュラトリーサイエンス
網野直也先生: タイヤの科学と開発

Course schedule/Objectives

	Course schedule	Objectives
Class 1	"Regulations on Food Utensils, Containers, and Packaging in Japan" Have you ever considered the safety of items such as chopsticks, plates, cooking utensils used during meals, or the containers and packaging that wrap the food we commonly purchase? In this lecture, we will introduce Japanese laws and standards related to food utensils, containers, packaging, and the regulatory science research associated with them. Together with Lectures 2 and 3, this will provide an opportunity to reflect on the everyday items that surround us.	To understand Japanese laws and standards related to food utensils, containers, packaging, and the regulatory science research associated with them.
Class 2	How much processed food do you consume from convenience stores or supermarkets? Many food additives are used in processed foods. Have you ever thought about the safety of the food additives you regularly consume? In these lectures, we will explain the laws and standards related to food additives in Japan, from their history to the current situation. Additionally, we will introduce regulatory science research related to food additive standards, with a particular focus on research in analytical chemistry.	To understand regulatory science research related to the standards of food additives, with a focus on research in analytical chemistry.
Class 3	The same as above	The same as above
Class 4	"The Science of Tires" We will explain questions about tires such as: Why are tires black? Why do cars turn when you steer? How are tires structured? What are the differences between low-fuel-consumption tires and ordinary tires? The lecturer will introduce their experiences in various roles across industry, academia, and government, providing students with an opportunity to reflect on their own career paths after graduation.	Gain an opportunity to think about questions related to tires.
Class 5	"Understanding Tire Functions" We will present research results obtained using various analytical instruments to clarify the friction and wear resistance of rubber, as well as the arrangement and structure of compounding agents within rubber. Examples of studies conducted at synchrotron radiation facilities such as SPring-8 will also be discussed. This will provide an opportunity for students to discuss their career aspirations. In preparation for Lecture 3, students are asked to summarize the discussion content within a few minutes.	Understand part of the methodologies for analyzing tire functions.
Class 6	"Environmentally Friendly Tire Development" We will introduce initiatives implemented by tire manufacturers to reduce environmental impact. These include efforts to produce raw materials for tires from biomass and to utilize recycled materials. The lecturer will act as a facilitator, guiding the presentations and discussions based on the topics from Lecture 2's discussions.	Understand aspects of new tire development.

Study advice (preparation and review)

Textbook(s)

No specification.

Reference books, course materials, etc.

No specification.

Evaluation methods and criteria

Attendance at all classes is mandatory in principle, and attendance will be checked in each session. Grading will be based on reports.

Related courses

CAP.T423 ： Frontiers of Chemical Science and Engineering I
CAP.T424 ： Frontiers of Chemical Science and Engineering II
CAP.T425 ： Frontiers of Chemical Science and Engineering III

Prerequisites

No specification.

Other

1st Session:
Date/Time: September 30, 2025 (Tue), 10:45–12:25, 13:30–17:05
Lecturer: Dr. Yutaka Abe (National Institute of Health Sciences)
Format: HyFlex lecture
Venue: Suzukakedai Campus, in-person lecture G1-103 (G114) (Ookayama TBD)
The classroom information will be announced on T2SCHOLA as soon as it is finalized.

2nd Session:
Date/Time: February 2, 2026 (Mon), 10:45–12:25, 13:30–17:05
Lecturer: Mr. Naoya Amino (The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd.)
Format: HyFlex lecture
Venue: Ookayama Campus, in-person lecture TBD (Suzukakedai TBD)