EducationChair's Massage

Jun Mitani (Chair of the College)

Learning in the College of Information Science at Tsukuba University

Smartphones, tablet devices, laptops, and even wearable devices such as smartwatches have become indispensable in our daily lives. Information and communication infrastructure and data centers form the foundation that supports our society. Especially recently, the rapidly developing AI technology holds the potential to fundamentally change our culture and thoughts. Information science is an essential discipline for understanding and developing the foundation of such technologies that significantly transform the world we live in.

Many of you who are interested in the College of Information Science at Tsukuba University have grown up as digital natives, having been exposed to digital devices since birth. You probably view the existence of various devices and electronic services, as well as communication through networks, as a given. However, in this era of rapid technological evolution, it is crucial to return to the basics of information theory, learn the flow of past technologies, and have a broad perspective to envision the future. In the College of Information Science, we focus not only on the application of cutting-edge technology but also on deeply understanding the underlying theories.

The history of computers began with Charles Babbage’s mechanical calculator in the 19th century, went through Alan Turing’s theories in the 20th century, and entered the era where individuals could own computers with the advent of microprocessors in the 1970s. The rapid spread of the internet in the 1990s and the arrival of smartphones in the 2000s have realized a modern advanced IT society. Moreover, recent developments in AI based on deep learning have made it realistic for computers to possess ‘intelligence’, previously believed to be exclusive to humans. Along with this, computers present not only the potential to enrich human life but also new challenges. In this context, individuals with knowledge of information science are in demand across various fields, and their technology and knowledge are expected to contribute to society.

In today’s world, where you can learn much on the internet and obtain interactive responses from AI based on large language models, what is the significance of studying at a university? It lies in the interactions with like-minded peers and faculty members in the physical space of the campus. Our university has one of the largest campuses in Japan, equipped with excellent facilities and an educational system. We hope you will learn together with your peers in this place, absorb knowledge and wisdom from experienced faculty members, and grow every day.

The College of Information Science offers a wide range of subjects, including foundational courses in the first year, specialized courses from the second year onwards, and various practical subjects. The curriculum is designed to broadly and deeply cover the basics to applications in areas such as software, information systems, and intelligent information media. Through graduation research, you aim to challenge the forefront of the information science field, pioneering new knowledge and technology.

Through your studies in the College of Information Science, we hope you will expand your potential, meet peers, and make it a fruitful starting point for your life.