There is a demand for science and engineering personnel with advanced expertise and flexibility to apply knowledge in all areas of society. In response to this social demand, the science and engineering departments of many universities now offer diverse and attractive learning opportunities. I appreciate your picking up this Guide to Sophia University Faculty of Science and Technology from among the many guides to other universities’ science and engineering departments. To realize the founding goal of “nurturing individuals with a broad perspective as a university,” Sophia University established the Faculty of Science and Technology in 1962, about 50 years after its founding. Since then, the university has built a research institute, expanded its facilities, and established and reorganized the graduate school, leading to the present three-department system that was established in 2008 and remains in place to this day. Underpinned by these changes that had ensued over more than half a century, the Faculty of Science and Technology of Sophia University has continued to provide education with the “acquisition of knowledge and wisdom that combine science and engineering and transcend the boundaries of humanities and science, i.e., interdisciplinary knowledge” and the “enhancement of English education and cultivation of international perspectives” as the main pillars.
The emergence of generative AI has the potential to bring about fundamental changes in not only our attitudes toward work but also the way society itself is conceptualized. In addition, advanced information technologies such as deep learning have made available services that none of us have ever imagined in our everyday lives, and their further development will nurture the buds of new technologies in information and related fields in a continuous cycle. Individuals who are capable of flexibly responding to such rapid changes and developments in science and technology are no other than those who possess a high level of expertise and are well-versed in multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary fields spanning science and engineering. Moreover, to solve problems that are inextricably linked to scientific and technological development in today’ s increasingly complex society, we need talented people who have a keen awareness of issues and judgment across the disciplines of humanities and science. The acquisition of “interdisciplinary knowledge” based on this integration of science and engineering and the fusion of humanities and science is the core of academic experiences at the Faculty of Science and Technology of Sophia University.
In terms of English education, we have introduced a systematic English learning program that specializes in science and technology from the freshman year and offers short-term overseas English training twice a year. In addition, with the establishment of the Green Science Program and the Green Engineering Program (2012), followed by the founding of the Green Science and Engineering Division (2013) in the graduate school, we, as an organization, have made significant progress in globalization. In those programs and division, classes are taught in English to students who come from various countries and regions around the world. As such, Sophia University Faculty of Science and Technology provides a multicultural environment to all students who are living in Japan, enabling them to improve their ability to think logically in English and make presentations in English. Furthermore, we value interactions among students centered on the university’s philosophy “For Others, With Others,” which will lead to the development of the foundation necessary for active participation in the global society.
At a time when global issues such as environmental destruction and the fight against unknown infectious diseases constantly arise, all of us must aim to serve humanity and contribute to the development of the world as members of society. Following the founding motto “Sophia—Bringing the World Together,” Sophia University Faculty of Science and Technology is committed to developing individuals who can share their wisdom for the common good. We hope that each of you will develop the ability to find your path to realize your dreams, even at a time when the future seems uncertain. We, the faculty members of Sophia University Faculty of Science and Technology, will provide a place for you to learn these skills. We look forward to meeting you soon.