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Message to High School Students

Let Us Lead the Creation of a New Society
The 16th President of Sophia University
Department of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Faculty of Science and Technology
Prof. Yoshiaki Terumichi

Science and technology have made continuous development in Japan, and our current position would not have been possible if we lacked either one. Moreover, advances in science and technology have contributed to the world as a driving force for the development of modern society. Research and educational efforts at Sophia University Faculty of Science and Technology over the past 60 years have led to unique development under the university’sphilosophy of neighborliness and internationality.
The learning environment of Sophia University Faculty of Science and Technology has a distinctive structure. Studies that cover the aspects of both science and engineering are assigned to the three departments, and all students learn the basics of natural science. In today’s society where social issues have become increasingly complex, academic development has also become more integrated in nature; it is thus even more important to learn the foundations of natural science extensively and to advance learning in pursuit of studies in highly specialized areas as well as integrated studies. In the later years of university, students conduct graduation research targeting areas of high interest or topics they are drawn to. For students who go on to graduate school, programs designed to train experts in each field will further their learning. The process of learning the basics in a comprehensive manner and using that knowledge to identify one’s own expertise is essential to acquire a broad range of application skills, and this will nurture the ability to respond flexibly to issues that are becoming more and more complex.
In addition, Sophia University has a single campus where all departments and graduate schools of natural sciences, humanities, and social sciences are located, and for this reason, students are endowed with the opportunity to work on a problem from a multifaceted perspective. We believe that the leaders of future society will be those who possess multifaceted leadership skills. We look forward to learning with you and enhancing our research.

  • Chairperson, Graduate School of Science and Technology

    Department of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Faculty of Science and Technology

    Prof. Kazuhiko Shimomura

    1. Why I decided, in high school, to go on to a science and engineering university
    When I was in elementary school, I was interested in science—I looked forward to every issue of the journal “Gakken to Kagaku,” and I chose to experiment on falling objects as my summer break research project. In junior high school, I developed a passion for mathematics and read many books about mathematics and mathematicians. As a high school student, I found physics and chemistry interesting and thought it would be great if I could work in these fields in the future.
    2. Good points and fun of science and engineering courses
    Being exposed to cutting-edge research is the most thrilling thing. My research is about creating things that are not yet available in the world. The university provides an environment where you can develop an idea and give shape to it with your own hands. I think the real pleasure of doing this kind of research is that the object of communication naturally extends to researchers overseas, and global connections are established as research progresses.
    3. Things you should do now (in high school)
    Although I see the need to memorize formulas, etc., to prepare for the university entrance exam, by all means, I hope that you will develop the habit of learning the fundamental principles. In addition, although you can easily get a lot of information through the Internet nowadays, it is necessary not to accept it at face value, e.g., to think ‘it shouldn’t be wrong because it was written as such,’ and not to have any preconceived notion. It is important to make a habit of researching and thinking on your own and checking to make sure the information is correct.

  • Chairperson, Department of Materials and Life Sciences

    Prof. Nobuhiko Kuze

    1. Why I decided, in high school, to go on to a science and engineering university
    When I was in elementary school, I watched the movie “Close Encounters of the Third Kind,” and after entering junior high school, I read any book that was published by Hayakawa Bunko. My interest in science fiction opened doors to the world of science. I was interested in the kind of future science and technology would bring, including dystopia. In high school, when I had to choose between science and humanities courses in my sophomore year, I half-heartedly picked science. As my grades in chemistry classes happened to be good, I decided to aim for a science and engineering university.
    2. Good points and fun of science and engineering courses
    Mathematics is used in many fields of science and engineering, and as there is a perception that mathematics is an academic discipline characterized by strict logical thinking, you’d think things would proceed logically in science and engineering. However, that is not the case. We often get unexpected data or have laboratory equipment suddenly malfunctioning. What is good about science and engineering is that you examine problems with a scientific approach as they arise. Verification is often tough, but you’ ll realize how fun it is when the problem is solved.
    3. Things you should do now (in high school)
    As you proceed to pursue studies in science and engineering, if you are not good at mathematics and physics, it will be good to dispel the feeling that they are your weak points before entering the university. If you are good at them, please keep it that way. Also, if you find ideas in books, movies, overseas news, political and economic topics, and daily events that enhance your scientific and engineering mind, remember them. One day, they may be helpful in your experiments and research.

  • Chairperson, Department of Engineering and Applied Sciences

    Prof. Masafumi Miyatake

    1. Why I decided, in high school, to go on to a science and engineering university
    I was good at math and science (physics and chemistry), and those subjects were interesting to me. The main reason was that I wanted to make them my specialty. Even when I was a high school student, I had my mind set on going to a university with a department or faculty related to the global warming issue, a topic that was then becoming increasingly relevant, or transportation such as railways and automobiles that I had liked since childhood. When I look back to my high school days, what I miscalculated was that I did not imagine how much English I would need to use, even in science.
    2. Good points and fun of science and engineering courses
    There are two steps in science and engineering. First, up to the third year, you will learn established theories and verify them through experiments—it is fun solving problems with known answers. Then, in the fourth year and graduate school, you will be trying to uncover an answer that nobody knows yet. This step is challenging, but because it is, you will be elated when you get a good result. As science and technology are universal, in a way, it’s the advantage of science and engineering that results are evaluated all over the world as they are.
    3. Things you should do now (in high school)
    High school is a very busy time; you study for university entrance exams and at the same time engage in club activities, etc. I am sure you are working as hard as you can to keep up with the amount of studying you have to do. Regardless, it will be good if you make a habit of understanding things by digging a little deeper than others. For example, instead of memorizing math and physics formulas straight from the book, think about why they are as they are. You may realize the fun of learning or discover the truth outside the scope of studying for the entrance exam. If you acquire that habit, it will blossom in university.

  • Chairperson, Department of Information and Communication Sciences

    Prof. Hiroshi Takahashi

    1. Why I decided, in high school, to go on to a science and engineering university
    Since I was in elementary school, I loved making things, and I often made paper crafts or plastic models, played with radio-controlled toys, and tinkered with electronics. The joy of solving complicated issues during the process and finally completing something that posed a challenge was instrumental in my decision to pursue studies in science and engineering. I wanted to get a job in the future at company S, a world-famous video and audio equipment manufacturer, and produce electrical products used around the world, so I went on to a university in science and technology.
    2. Good points and fun of science and engineering courses
    The university has facilities and instruments not available in the general society, so you can perform experiments, practical training, and research, all of which you cannot do by yourself. The biggest attraction is that these experiences will refine your expertise and help you grow as an expert. Having professional skills will not only help you get a job but also give you the satisfaction of doing things others can’t do and being useful to society.
    3. Things you should do now (in high school)
    I suggest setting goals and making a habit of thinking for yourself what you should do. High school baseball players work hard aiming for Koshien, but they can’t win the game just by swinging the bat earnestly as told by their coach. The same is true in the field of science and technology. It is important to devise a plan and execute it yourself, even if it is a clumsy one, and take a step forward with whatever strength you have. You will naturally gain strength by making small advances repeatedly.