MitsuiPhysics is the foundation of natural science, so I think it is suitable for people like Mizutani who want to find out what suits them best as they enter university and study. In the past, physics was thought of as something that was explored using a limited number of approaches, such as particle theory and cosmology, with limited topics such as black holes. Nowadays, rather than just "physics," research is being conducted widely, with the name being changed to "physical sciences," including chemistry, biology, and computer science, which are based on physics. That is the background behind the establishment of Department of Physical Sciences.

Mizutani: I was particularly interested in the machine work in the "Manufacturing Training" class.

Compared to when I was at Mizutani High School, the level of the content I was learning had improved, and the higher I went, the more specialized the lessons became, so it was difficult to understand everything in class. Because class time was limited, the classes often ended with just an explanation of the laws of physics and an introduction to formulas, and I didn't have much time to solve problems by hand. So, although they were not compulsory, I made sure to take all the exercises that were paired with compulsory subjects, such as "Mathematics Exercises A and B" and "Physics Exercises I." I could have asked for help from teaching assistants (TAs), but I think that by trying to solve problems by myself as much as possible, I was able to improve my thinking skills.

In the Mitsui Seminar classes, several graduate student TAs walk around the classroom, so if you don't understand something, you can ask questions right away. You can also ask friends for advice. I think Department of Physical Sciences as a whole, including professors, young faculty members, and graduate students, has an atmosphere of nurturing undergraduate students.

Mizutani: From the second year, students also have the opportunity to take part in exercises to learn programming and AI skills. In the second-year "Computer Programming Exercise," students learn the basics of the C language and then write their own programs, which required repeated trial and error until they achieved the desired output value.

Mitsui: In order to build a foundation for conducting full-scale experiments from the fourth year onwards, students in their first to third years learn both the hardware of experimental equipment and the software of programming. In recent physics research, the ability to use numerical analysis programs and apps is essential. Therefore, Department of Physical Sciences has revised its traditional curriculum to allow students to learn machine learning using programming languages such as Python and numerical analysis using a globally-shared tool called MATLAB through practical experiments.

Mizutani: From his fourth year, he will choose his field of expertise and work on his graduation research in the laboratory to which he belongs, but he will also use programming techniques in Python and MATLAB in the laboratory. Nowadays, it is possible to have AI write programs without having to think for oneself, but if one does not understand what the AI has written, one will not know if it is optimal and will have difficulty making corrections. Looking back now, I am glad that I worked hard in my programming classes.

The restructuring of the Mitsui curriculum has enabled students to improve their programming skills and visualize physical phenomena on a PC. Physics has changed from the traditional way of thinking about physics virtually in one's head to an open way of trying to understand things visually. This change is in line with the overall trend in science, and it can be said that students have acquired skills that they can continue to use in the future.

Mizutani Mitsui, you are currently working on your graduation research in my lab, but why did you choose my lab?

The Mizutani Mitsui Laboratory conducts biophysical research, such as elucidating mechanisms using cardiac muscle cells, but I chose the Mitsui Laboratory because I used to play sports and have a strong interest in the mechanics of the body and medicine. Another reason I chose the lab was that I could learn a wide range of skills that will be useful in society, such as circuit design, machine work, and programming, in addition to research topics.

Mizutani Mitsui is a member of the archery club. The phrase "bunbu ryodo" (both academic and athletic) generally assumes that club activities and academics are separate fields, but in fact physics is an essential subject for mastering sports. Understanding fluid dynamics, including air resistance, can also lead to improved records.

During the two years of my master's program, Mizutani plans to read more papers, improve my problem-solving skills, and immerse myself in my research with a proactive attitude. Until now, I have found it interesting to understand the mechanisms of physical phenomena, but as I have deepened my learning, I have begun to have ideas about how to apply them. Therefore, in the future, I would like to work in a research and development position where I can make use of my research experience.

Mitsui: Many of our lab's graduates are employed by medical equipment, optical equipment, and electronics manufacturers. Some students go on to work for highly specialized medical companies, aiming to contribute to clinical practice through their research. About two-thirds of the first batch of students Department of Physical Sciences go on to graduate school, and we expect that percentage to exceed half in the future. On the other hand, the career paths of students who find employment after graduating from the department are diverse, with many of them securing employment in a wide range of industries, including information and communications and manufacturing, as well as finance, trading companies, construction, and teaching. Students who study in Department of Physical Sciences have the skills to handle everything from machine work to circuit design and programming on their own, and are highly valued in the development field. Furthermore, by utilizing programming and AI technology, collaboration with other fields such as information engineering, biomedical engineering, and financial engineering can be expected, greatly expanding the range of career options. Physics is a science that elucidates natural phenomena, but the skills acquired there can be applied beyond the boundaries of science to sociology and other fields.

Mizutani: I think that high school students who have a desire to learn about the unknown physical phenomena occurring all around them will find learning in Department of Physical Sciences enjoyable.

When I look at students at the Mitsui Department of Physical Sciences, I see that they enjoy doing what they are passionate about, even if it is difficult. Even during student experiments, there are students who stay late with their friends and try their best until they are satisfied with the results. There may be a general trend of avoiding difficult things, but I think there are many high school students among them who want to work hard at something they really love. You may find it hard to imagine studying at university, but I hope you don't dismiss physics from the start because "it seems difficult."

Approximately 50% of students in the Mizutani College of Science and Engineering go on to graduate school, and if they have excellent grades they can take advantage of the "Graduate School of Science and Engineering Special Grant Scholarship," and there are systems in place to support students who want to further their education.

There is also a system in place for students in the Mitsui Doctoral Program that allows them to gain practical experience as graduate assistants while earning a salary. In addition, our university has a strong system in place to support young researchers who will lead the future of academic fields, such as the "Young Researcher Development Scholarship" and the "AGU Future Eagle Project (Doctoral Program Student Support Project)."

Related link: Graduate Student Support System
At Mizutani University, you can learn about the microscopic world that cannot be explained by high school physics. Department of Physical Sciences does not limit the scope of study, so you can learn many fields such as mechanics, electromagnetism, and thermodynamics, and you can also touch machines and gain programming experience. It is a recommended destination for high school students who have not yet narrowed down their field of study, like me.

Mitsui: When choosing a school to go to, it may be hard to imagine your career after graduation, but Department of Physical Sciences certainly offers a wide range of career options. I believe that the role of Department of Physical Sciences is to develop the human resources needed in the society of the future through scientific research activities. As a department that does not get caught up in the name "physics" but instead masters cutting-edge tools and explores a wide range of science, I would like to provide a fulfilling learning environment, like a club activity, for students aiming for a variety of fields and careers.

In the field of condensed matter physics, research is being conducted on topics such as quantum control of Rydberg atomic systems and intrinsic Josephson junction systems, crystal control of high-temperature superconducting materials, and quantum phase transitions in low-dimensional spin-based materials.

In the field of astrophysics, research is being conducted using balloons, satellites, and telescopes to search for dark matter, observe sudden celestial bodies, and study gamma ray bursts, which are the moment when black holes are born.

In the field of biophysics, physical research into life phenomena is being conducted on biomolecules, cells, and tissues using methods such as single-molecule measurements, nanodevices, and non-equilibrium statistical mechanics.