Program Overview

Introduction to the Electrical and Electronic Engineering Program

The Electrical and Electronic Engineering program is a cornerstone of modern scientific and technological advancements. As the world grapples with dwindling natural resources, environmental degradation, and the integration of artificial intelligence into human society, the network of electrical and electronic systems that underpins our daily lives will play a pivotal role in addressing these challenges. From household appliances and personal computers to the internet and other communication technologies, electrical energy and information processing are fundamental to our existence. Moreover, the advent of the Internet of Things (IoT), big data utilization, and artificial intelligence is ushering in a new era of value creation across various sectors, including industry, transportation, communication, agriculture, finance, healthcare, and economics. The Electrical and Electronic Engineering program is designed to provide a comprehensive education and research experience in these critical technologies, as well as the underlying scientific principles.

History and Development

The Electrical and Electronic Engineering program has a rich history, dating back to the establishment of its predecessor, the Electrical Engineering Department, in 1898. With the rapid development of electronic engineering, the department evolved to include the Electronic Engineering Department, which was the first of its kind in Japan, established in 1954. Subsequent advancements in related fields led to the creation of the Second Electrical Engineering Department, resulting in three electrical engineering departments. Through a process of developmental reorganization, the Electrical and Electronic Engineering program was formally established in 1995, marking a significant milestone in the integration of electrical and electronic engineering education and research. Since 2016, the program has been further enhanced through collaborations with various research centers and institutes, including the Graduate School of Engineering, the Graduate School of Informatics, the Graduate School of Energy Science, and the Center for the Promotion of Excellence in Higher Education.

Curriculum Overview

The curriculum of the Electrical and Electronic Engineering program is designed to equip students with a solid foundation in the principles of electrical and electronic engineering, as well as the ability to apply this knowledge to a wide range of problems. The program is structured to provide a balanced education, with basic subjects such as mathematics, physics, electromagnetism, electrical circuits, electronic circuits, semiconductor engineering, and information processing taught in the first and second years. Specialized subjects are introduced in the third and fourth years, allowing students to choose from a variety of fields, including electrical energy, system control, electronic materials and devices, vacuum and plasma, communication networks, computer science, and biomedical engineering. Each student is assigned an advisor who guides them in selecting their specialized field of study.

Specialized Fields

The program offers a range of specialized fields, each with its unique set of courses and research opportunities. These fields include:

• Electrical Energy: Focuses on energy conversion devices, power electronics, and advanced topics such as superconductivity and its applications.
• System Control: Covers circuit theory, system optimization, automatic control, nonlinear phenomena analysis, digital control, and intelligent systems.
• Electronic Materials and Devices: Explores the application of quantum mechanics to electronics, including superconducting materials, laser optics, optical communication, and nanotechnology.
• Vacuum and Plasma: Deals with the behavior of electrons and ions in vacuum and plasma, and their applications in semiconductor processing and measurement techniques.
• Communication Networks: Introduces information theory, communication methods, digital communication principles, and the structure and operation of the internet.
• Computer Science: Starts with logic circuits and progresses to computer hardware, software, and systems, including digital information processing and human-computer interfaces.
• Biomedical Engineering: Focuses on understanding biological mechanisms and dynamics, and applying this knowledge to medical technology and healthcare.

Research and Graduation Thesis

In the fourth year, students engage in a special research project under the guidance of a faculty member or graduate student. This project, known as the graduation thesis, requires students to apply theoretical, simulation, and experimental skills to solve a real-world problem. The research results are presented in a thesis and often published in academic journals or presented at conferences.

Graduate School

The Electrical and Electronic Engineering program is closely linked with the Graduate School of Engineering, which offers advanced degrees in electrical engineering, electronic engineering, energy science, and informatics. The graduate school provides opportunities for further research and specialization, preparing students for careers in academia, industry, or research institutions.