Colleges at Biwako-Kusatsu Campus

Mathematics is known as "the language of science." Faculty members instruct students in algebra, geometry, analysis, applied mathematics, and probablility theory, developing experts in each field who are capable of thriving in international society. The curriculum also integrates information technology, and students take part in information related courses throughout their university careers.

After graduation, students embark not only on computer-related careers, but also work in the fields of manufacturing, finance, and education.

Physics is a universal discipline which abstractly models physical interactions and space-time.

Recently, with the birth of biophysics, growth of astrophysics, and advances in material physics, the role of the physicist has broadened widely. The department aims at training professionals able to participate in 21st century ventures, utilize up-to-date research equipment, conduct experimental research, and develop original theories.

The Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering was founded in 1914 as a training school for electrical engineers, and it has one of the longest traditions among universities in the Kansai area. More than 7,000 graduates of the Department have been actively involved in various fields of the public and private sectors. Today, electrical engineering covers a vast range of fields. In general, it can be broadly classified into the areas of energy, information, and materials.

The Department's curriculum falls into three categories: general and basic courses, electrical engineering courses, and electronic engineering courses. In selecting appropriate courses, students should accomodate the following subjects in their studies: 1) Measurement and Control, 2) Electric Power Applications for Electronic Engineering, 3) Physical Devices, and 4) Communications and Electronics Applications.

The basic courses provide fundamental knowledge which is a prerequisite for advanced studies. All students are required to take a research course. Individual creativity and practicality are encouraged. Necessary equipment and devices are available for individual research and experiments.

The union of optics and electronics has generated a new field of technology called "photonics." Photonics has dramatically changed and improved modern technologies, including telecommunications, data storage, printing, remote sensing, and measurement. This new technology is expected to play an even more important role in the 21st century.

The Department of Photonics was established in 1996 to foster qualified students who can contribute to society with this new technology.

The department offers a comprehensive curriculum that fully covers all scientific and technological subjects related to photonics from fundamental theory to up-to-date application technologies. Advanced courses in this department are divided into three fields: 1) Photonic Information and Communication Systems, 2) Optoelectronics and Optomechatronics Systems, and 3) Photonic Devices and Materials. Students are encouraged to select appropriate courses form the above fields depending on their interests and post-graduation plans.

In the 21st century, IT will play an important role in almost everything around us, supporting human intelligence, ability, and emotions. The key to this technology is found in LSI (large-scale integration). How LSI is designed can drastically change society’s vision of the future in terms of the development of high-value-added manufactured goods.

The department aims to cultivate technicians and researchers who have the knowledge and design skills necessary to develop LSI.  A variety of courses, emphasizing electro-intelligence design experiments and integrated-circuit maneuvers and promoting practical design skills, are offered in the electrical engineering and telecommunications curricula.

Covering the four fundamental areas of Engineering-energy, Information, Materials, and Manufacturing, mechanical engineering includes an extremely wide range of advanced science and engineering fields. Mechanical engineering can be considered to be one of the most basic fields of study in engineering. Graduates of the department are currently engaged in a wide range of industry, research and education in the fields of design, manufacturing, development and machine research. Mechanical engineers of the future will be required to have a high level of expertise and a broad view of the possibilities of technology. To cultivate these engineers and reseachers, the department provides an ideal list of courses that is both systematic and up-to-date. In basic courses, common subjects of study are offered, including mathematics, dynamics, and computer programming. In advanced level courses, students study in one of four fields: Materials, Energy Systems, Control and Production Engineering.

The prominent subjects in the field of micro-system technology are Device Design Technology, Manufacturing Process Technology, Material Assessment Technology, and Systemization Technology. The Department of Micro-System Technology, developed in the 2004 school year, aims to train people capable of further developing these subjects through high-value added micro-systems.

According to the curriculum, first and second year students take basic science courses in mechanical engineering and robotics. A variety of original courses are available for third and fourth year students, in addition to mechanical engineering and basic science. High-level practical skills are developed in micro-machine design and production through training courses that emphasize CAD maneuvers and micro-machine experiments.

Ritsumeikan is cultivating leaders to play a prominent role in the construction and administration of the social infrastructure of the 21st century. It is necessary to have extensive knowledge regarding not only social infrastructure but also people's daily lives in order to excel in urban planning. This department places the utmost importance on utilizing the entire spectrum of a student's resources.

Most graduates continue onto careers in their respective fields, and once beyond graduation continue to work closely with their fellow graduates.

In the pursuit of sustainable development in the 21st century, technical skills are becoming increasingly important for the creation of an environmental system model dedicated to environmental reform and management and the establishment of a monitoring system, as are techniques for analyzing environmental issues on a macro scale, aiding in the development of a new environment while measuring our integration with the natural environment. Ritsumeikan provides a progressive education and research system instilling skills in system development while maintaining focus on environmental management and policy and urban environmental design.

Graduates of the program continue on to careers with ODA (Official Development Assistance), public and private firms dealing in environmental management, as well as urban/regional planning and ecobusiness.

The Department of Architecture and Urban Design was established in 2004 to merge the fields of architectural design and urban design, and develop individuals able to consider both architecture and urban planning from the aspects of comfort, aesthetics, convenience, and safety. Advocating an all-encompassing approach to architecture and urban design, specialized courses are offered in the subjects of history, environment facilities engineering, construction, material, and execution management technology.

Our students develop into true architectural design and urban design specialists through comprehensive education and research, drawing on knowledge gained from courses and practical training.