Department of Aqualogy

1. Overview

The Department of Aqualogy cultivates highly qualified professionals with advanced expertise and technical knowledge in Aqualogy. Aqualogy integrates educational and research resources from across Shinshu University and collaborating institutions. The Aqualogy program is centered on the science and engineering of materials for aqua-related technologies aimed at clean water technologies and water-resource-based renewable energy systems and fosters graduate students as generalists and specialists capable of addressing global challenges related to water and green hydrogen.
Degree Awarded: Master of Engineering (M.Eng.)

Admission Information for the Division of Aqualogy

2. Educational and Research Philosophy and Objectives

"Aqualogy" is a new interdisciplinary academic field that takes water as its point of departure to understand, in a comprehensive and multi-dimensional manner, the complex interactions among materials, energy, life, and society, and to translate such understanding into globally applicable solutions.

Going beyond conventional disciplinary boundaries, the program promotes education and research spanning molecular and materials-level transformation processes, global water circulation, and societal dimensions including policy, business, and public acceptance.

Based on scientific knowledge, technological excellence, and strong ethical values, the Department aims to cultivate professionals and researchers who possess the ambition to tackle challenging problems, the vision to identify innovative research topics, and the ability to contribute to society by shaping the future of both local communities and the global society through Aqualogy.

3. Ideal Candidate Profile

We seek highly motivated, forward-thinking applicants who demonstrate the vision, expertise, and adaptability to meet the following standards:

• Advanced Expertise & R&D Excellence: Creative, highly skilled professionals with deep expertise in engineering and research and development, dedicated to building knowledge-based, environmentally sustainable societies.
• Multidisciplinary Problem-Solving: Analytical thinkers capable of resolving complex challenges by leveraging foundational knowledge across, but not limited to, various disciplines in science, engineering, textile science, agriculture, and medicine.
• Cross-Disciplinary Agility: Innovative researchers who transcend traditional academic boundaries to approach complex problems from broad, interdisciplinary perspectives.
• Eco-Minded Leadership: Future leaders equipped with strong environmental consciousness and cutting-edge R&D capabilities to pioneer interdisciplinary technologies while honoring natural ecosystems.
• Autonomous Local Problem-Solving: Lifelong, self-directed learners who build upon core specializations to independently design, implement, and sustain solutions tailored to regional community needs.
• Global Vision with Local Impact: Globally minded professionals committed to tackling local issues, fostering regional revitalization, and driving sustainable community growth.

4. Target Competencies

Students in the Department of Aqualogy are expected to develop the following competencies:

• Advanced knowledge and understanding of water, materials, energy, and environmental systems
• Interdisciplinary integration and systems thinking
• Ability to identify, define, and formulate research problems
• Research competence and technological innovation capabilities
• International communication and intercultural collaboration skills
• Project management and implementation design skills
• Data literacy and the ability to apply digital technologies
• Ethical awareness and a strong sense of social responsibility
• Self-reflection and a commitment to lifelong learning

5. Curriculum Policy

The Department of Aqualogy offers an interdisciplinary curriculum designed to equip students with advanced analytical and problem-solving skills grounded in specialized knowledge of the water cycle, water-based renewable energy technologies, and the materials science that underpins these fields. The curriculum is built upon a strong foundation in physical chemistry and materials science while providing interdisciplinary education and research that address global challenges, including the emerging water and hydrogen economy. Students engage in cutting-edge research projects conducted across the university, enabling them to develop deep disciplinary expertise alongside broad interdisciplinary perspectives. Through these experiences, they cultivate the creativity, independence, and research competence required to address complex scientific and technological challenges.

To prepare graduates for leadership in the global scientific and engineering community, all courses—including lectures, seminars, laboratory classes, and practical training—are conducted in English. The program also offers diverse experiential learning opportunities, including support for domestic and international internships, to foster professional development and global engagement.

6. Diploma Policy

In accordance with the mission of the Graduate School, the Division of Aqualogy awards the degree of Master of Engineering (M.Eng.) to students who have successfully completed the prescribed program of study, demonstrated the required academic and research competencies, and satisfied all degree requirements.

Upon completion of the program, graduates are expected to demonstrate the following knowledge, skills, and attributes:

1. Advanced engineering knowledge in the interdisciplinary field of Aqualogy, together with the research ethics and professional integrity required to address complex challenges in water treatment and purification, water resource management, and water-based renewable energy technologies.
2. The creativity, initiative, vision, and research competence to advance interdisciplinary science and technology by integrating materials science, data science, and related disciplines.
3. The ability to analyze global environmental and water-related challenges from innovative and interdisciplinary perspectives, apply logical and critical thinking, and communicate research findings effectively to diverse audiences in the international scientific community.
4. The leadership, collaborative skills, and environmental responsibility required to work effectively with diverse stakeholders and to lead the development and implementation of sustainable water-related technologies for the benefit of society.

7. Admission Policy

Please refer to the following pages for details regarding the Admission Policy.

→ Admission Information for the Division of Aqualogy