Engineering

This course focuses on how a solar heating system can be integrated into and cooperate with a building's main energy system. An important part of the course is to teach the uses of simulation programs for investigating the performance of the solar system. The course covers the following topics: basic energy knowledge and the problems connected to the use of energy; radiation physics, the annual irradiance distribution and the climatic conditions for using solar energy in Sweden, calculation of solar angels and the irradiance on different surfaces; performance and efficiency of different types of solar collectors; material and optical properties of different types of energy-efficient surfaces; the function and performance of the components in a solar thermal system; system design of small and large solar thermal systems; building integration of solar systems; and the use of simulation programs for estimation of annual and monthly performance of solar thermal systems. The course includes laboratory lessons, computer simulations, and study visits to solar thermal installations. The recommended background is basic knowledge in mathematics, building and service installations, and thermodynamics as well as experience in using calculation programs such as e.g. Excel or Matlab.

This course discusses the evolution of industry, the production of goods through the transformation of raw materials or materials that have already undergone one or more transformations and the exploitation of energy sources. It focuses specifically on “Industry 4.0,” which refers to digital technological innovations. Additionally, the course covers lean management and its associated tools and methods. 

The Individual Research Training Senior (IRT Senior) Course is an advanced course of the Individual Research Training A (IRT A) course in the Tohoku University Junior Year Program in English (JYPE) in the fall semester. Though short-term international exchange students are not degree candidates at Tohoku University, a similar experience is offered by special arrangement. Students are required to submit: an abstract concerning the results of their IRT Senior project, a paper (A4, 20-30 pages) on their research at the end of the exchange term, and an oral presentation on the results of their IRT Senior project near the end of the term.

This course offers an introduction to robotics. Topics include: perception in robotics; actuation in robotics; navigation; processing elements; decision-making in robotics; human-robot interaction; novel applications.

This course offers a panoramic view of several tools available for predictive modeling. It explores the main concepts in linear models and their extensions. Topics include: simple linear regression; multiple linear regression; linear regression extensions; logistic regression.

This course offers a study of the technological principles of HVAC, lighting, and renewable energy systems in buildings. Topics include: energy consumption in buildings; heating and cooling loads; refrigeration and heat generation; HVAC systems; lighting systems; photovoltaic systems; power factor compensation.

The latest industrial revolution is named as Industry 4.0, which is defined as the combination of smart manufacturing systems and developed information technologies. The success model of Industry 4.0 is enabled by a group of tools such as cloud computing, machine learning, big data, internet of things, and cyber physical systems. This course provides a study of Industry 4.0 and its revolutionary implications to smart manufacturing, smart products/services, and smart cities. The implementation, opportunities and challenges of Industry 4.0 are also discussed. The powerful change in production techniques will require the extensive use of digital intelligence in the entire production process. As one of the important manufacturing methods of Industry 4.0, additive manufacturing (AM) or three-dimensional (3D) printing is introduced in the second part of course. 3D printing offers numerous benefits to a smart factory, such as high production efficiency, time and material saving, rapid prototyping, and decentralized production methods. This course provides a comprehensive study on the liquid, solid and powder-based 3D printing methods. It also offers insights on the applications and future trend of 3D printing.

The course is divided into the following basic sections:

·Water Treatment and Water Pollution Control Engineering

·Solid Waste and Hazardous Solid Waste Management, Treatment and Disposal Engineering

·Air pollution control engineering

·Clean energy and soil and groundwater pollution control engineering

Overall objective: to provide students with a basic understanding of the principles, main contents and development frontiers of environmental engineering, to cultivate their interest in engineering solutions to hot environmental issues, and to help them identify their interests and directions for further study and research in the future.

This course exploits the development of biobased materials involving the biology of biological feedstock, the chemistry of biobased building blocks and polymers, the technical processes, principles of circularity, and environmental and societal implications. This course creates a critical and creative attitude towards biobased materials and technologies. Pre-req: Organic Chemistry. Assessment includes assignments, presentations, written exams, and attendance.