Curriculum

Curriculum Policy

It is important to keep on learning in specific context of each subject in stages from the first to the fourth year to develop (1) a high professional capability in Systems Information Science; (2) the ability to explore and conceptualize problems supported by research skills and associated attitudes; (3) the ability to express information through teamwork and co-creation; (4) the ability to learn autonomously and continuously (meta-learning); (5) humanity required for a specialist that the Future University Hakodate mentioned in the Diploma Policy.

Students will learn and understand importance of; the ability to explore and conceptualize problems supported by research skills and associated attitudes, the ability to express information through teamwork and co-creation; (3) the ability to learn autonomously and continuously (meta-learning), humanity required for specialist in Common Subjects for both departments, Communication Subjects, Core Curriculum for 1st to 2nd-year students based on learning objective and contents that are suitable for the level of the 1st and 2nd year students. Then, they will acquire basic knowledge and skills required for studying in their major courses.

After the 2nd year, students will acquire a high professional capability in Systems Information Science in each Course-Specific Subjects, and deepen the ability to explore and conceptualize problems supported by research skills and associated attitudes, the ability to learn autonomously and continuously (meta-learning), humanity required for a specialist in the field of practice such as Project Learning and Graduation Study.

The Curricula of each subject group is designed and implemented in accordance with the following objectives: (1) depending on the goals of each subject, the Curricula is implemented to promote students’ autonomous learning by combining lecture, practicum, training, discussion and fieldwork; (2) students’ achievement is evaluated in accordance with the goals of each subject; (3) FUN will grant appropriate credit hours to those who are approved.

1. Core Curriculum (for 1st – 4th year students)

The Core Curriculum consists of subjects promoting human development, social participation, understanding of science, technology and the environment, and health preservation. Students are encouraged to be aware that they are a member of society, and are expected to acquire expertise for autonomously conducting activities for the future. The Core Curriculum offers a wide-ranging education that becomes the basis for the understanding of things, making assumptions, and generating decisions.

2. Communication Subjects (for 1st and 2nd year students)

Communication courses at FUN aim to develop multi-modal and multi-literate communication skills within the contexts of science, engineering and design. The courses provide a collaborative, multi-disciplinary approach to communication by addressing special areas within information science and local/global issues. The Communication courses provide a synergistic pedagogical, learning and meta-learning combination for students to creatively communicate through a variety of media. Students will actively develop academic skills as well as professional attitudes within a supportive learning community.

3. Common Subjects in each course

Students acquire computational thinking, mathematical thinking, and design thinking. Reading comprehension, vocabulary acquisition, and writing skills both in Japanese and English are necessary to learn in a professional manner in all courses. Project Learning offered in the 3rd year teaches students how to locate a problem in society or the local or global community and then solve the problem as a team. Graduation Study offered in the 4th year allows students to be assigned an academic advisor. Under the advisor’s supervision, students work on their own research project using the appropriate methods of their specialty. Students must write a diploma thesis and give a presentation.

4. Information Systems Course (for the 2nd – 4th year students)

In the Information Systems Course, students learn basic and applied technology of networking, security, database, and software to support the realization of a safe, secure, and comfortable information society.

In the Graduation Study, students work on a specific problem from the perspective of promoting a safe, secure, and comfortable information society by: (1) the creation of valuable information systems; (2) the establishment of an efficient and reliable network systems; (3) the generation and analysis of wide and large-scale information. Based on the evaluation of the results, students refine their abilities to cultivate new methodologies and academic disciplines.

5. Advanced ICT Course (for the 3rd – 4th year students)

In the lectures of the Advanced ICT Course, students learn basic network technologies, security, database, and software to support the realization of a safe, secure, and comfortable information society. The course helps students to foster developmental techniques, management skills, and communication skills through practicum on systems development via government-industry-academia collaboration.

In the Graduation Study, students identify a specific problem within society and solve the problem by using ICT through: (1) the creation of valuable information systems; (2) the realization and operation of high-quality information systems; (3) team development and project management. Based on the evaluation of the results, students refine their abilities to cultivate new methodologies and academic disciplines.

6. Information Design Course (for the 2nd – 4th year students)

In the Information Design Course, students acquire knowledge, methods, and attitudes necessary for working on various problems through the experiences associated with the design process. Grounded in the theories of informatics and cognitive science, the process includes problem-finding, analysis, trial and error, suggestion, and evaluation.

In the Graduation Study, students work on a specific problem within the context of design, information engineering, and cognitive science skills and knowledge for: (1) service and value creation; (2) manufacturing and making things (kotozukuri) supported by infographics; (3) developing research areas that contribute to human-centered design. Based on the evaluation of the results, students refine their abilities to cultivate new methodologies and academic disciplines.

7. Complex Systems Course (for the 2nd – 4th year students)

In the Complex Systems Course, students learn the basis of information processing necessary for an analytical method, as well as the logical thinking necessary to understand complex systems, and then mathematically model the systems. Students interested in the laws of nature and society can acquire the ability of mathematical modelling, analysis, and application. Furthermore, students take subjects in three areas – information, math/physics, and complex systems – in order to deepen their understanding of various complex systems. Consequently, students will acquire knowledge of mathematical modelling as the basis of the analytical method.

In the Graduation Study, students work on a specific problem from the standpoint of complex systems concerning: (1) breakthrough in the laws of nature and society; (2) mathematical modelling; (3) worldwide implementations. Based on the evaluation of the results, students refine their abilities to cultivate new methodologies and academic disciplines.

8. Intelligent Systems Course (for the 2nd – 4th year students)

In the Intelligent Systems Course, students acquire logical thinking skills necessary for the breakthrough and mathematical modelling of intelligence, in addition to developing the information processes necessary for the implementation of intelligent systems. The course helps students to open their eyes to various problems of intelligence, including environment, cognition, language, media, and body. The course educates students to acquire the ability and perspective to implement the intelligent systems worldwide.

In the Graduation Study, students work on a specific problem by exploring problems on intelligence as well as new relationships between humans and artifacts. Through a constructive approach, students consider: (1) breakthroughs in human intelligence and human functions; (2) mathematical modelling; (3) worldwide implementations. Based on the evaluation of the results, students refine their abilities to cultivate new methodologies and academic disciplines.