FrontierLab@OsakaU ---Scientific Empowerment Program for International Students---

Syllabus

Objective

FrontierLab@OsakaU is a program designed to nurture creative competency in international students by offering them opportunities for learning in communities of research practice. The emphasis is on hands-on laboratory experience in a wide range of potential research directions. It is specifically created for international students seeking a challenging, short-term upgrading of vital research and analytical skills in the fields of Nanotechnology & Molecular Science, Life Science & Biotechnology, Systems & Robotics, Computing & Information Science, Advanced Material Science, Photon Science and other emerging fields.

As study outcomes, students should be able to:

1. Understand research backgrounds and relevant theories;
2. Acquire basic laboratory techniques relevant to their field of study;
3. Formulate a research plan, implement it by conducting experiment-based research, and convey the results in scholarly presentations.

As the basis for continuous development of research skills, FrontierLab@OsakaU also aims at cultivating in students the ability to:

4. Give constructive criticism by sharing ideas, data and findings with laboratory supervisors and peers through group work and peers cooperatively;
5. Enhance independent research capabilities;
6. Prepare research reports by assessing progress and describing accomplishments and failures of the research project.

Program Description & Grading Policy

Each participant in the FrontierLab@OsakaU Program will be assigned to a particular research group in one of Osaka University's science and technology fields. Thematic studies will be conducted under the close supervision of the faculty through experiments, peer consultation, group work and interactive discussions. Students will select one of the FrontierLab A, B, C and D courses with the total student workload ranging from 350 to 750 hours/semester. The four courses all emphasize laboratory/research experience for students and set the contact hours in the laboratory at between 180 to 420 hours/semester depending on the course. This accounts for more than 50% of the total workload. The program also sets independent study hours for revision/review at 90-210 hours/semester, 6-14 hours/week to read assigned texts and research papers, analyze research data, and prepare for the laboratory research report to be presented to the supervisor at the end of the program. The amount of assignments and preparation time depends on the assigned laboratory and the field of study. Further details concerning the student workload are described in "FrontierLab@OsakaU Course Options and Estimated Workload."

Students will receive a combined grade for contact hours (laboratory time), seminar, oral presentations and written report. Each element is considered essential to their success in the program.

1. Contact Hours: As the assessment of the level of understanding of laboratory procedures and proficiencies will form a basis for the overall grade, students are expected to consider the stated contact hours as a minimum requirement. Through group discussions and exchange of opinions, students are expected to develop their own ideas and formulate specific research plans.
2. Seminar Presentation and Participation: There will typically be a single seminar per week and seminar presentation/participation is essential for student grade. Good presentations as well as active participation in seminars are critical in acquiring a broad base of knowledge and further developing analytical skills. Failure to present/participate in seminars on a regular basis will lower the grade. Individual tutorial, either on a regular basis or otherwise, may be available or required.
3. Oral Presentations: Students are expected to carry out three oral presentations (or two in the case of students studying for a short period such as three months) during the study period. By giving three presentations, students will be able to integrate ideas and analyses on laboratory results into creative and academically coherent work. The final oral presentation will be attended and evaluated by FrontierLab@OsakaU coordinators and supervisors as part of a university-wide program.
4. Written Report: Submission of laboratory reports at the end of student participation in the program is required for successfully passing the course.

Prerequisties

Undergraduate students are required to have completed at least two years of study before participating in the FrontierLab@OsakaU program. Both undergraduate and graduate students in science, engineering and other relevant fields are required to have completed science and/or engineering foundation courses.

Crediting

6 to 14 credits/semester, an equivalent of 14-30 credits in ECTS unit will be awarded upon successful completion of the requirements.

Class / Laboratory Schedule

To be arranged with the supervisor.

Grading

Assessment of the Contact hours in the laboratory will comprise the general basis for grading.

Score Assessment

Textbooks