Approved Program for Mathematics, Data Science and AI Smart Higher Education, designated by the Gov of Japan

With the progression of digital technology, the importance of data has increased, and the value and services available through the huge amount of data collected everyday are gradually becoming more apparent in our lives.
However, in order to use information technology appropriately, we first need to gain the ability to logically come up with ideas based on data, and make use of ICT to communicate with the world.
To this end, Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University will begin offering a new educational program, the [APU Data Science Program (Basic Level)].

"Bridging the large gap between beginner-level information technology and Data Science"
Students are provided with more opportunities to explore the possibilities of ICT in university education and discuss basic information technology-related topics with reference to real-world situations. (Course topics include basic information technology concepts, data processing skills, basic data science knowledge, awareness of information ethics, and more.) Students will gain basic information processing skills through use of specialized tools, be exposed to basic information about data science and its applications, and gain the knowledge necessary for using ethical and secure internet resources.

• Understand the basic structure of technologies such as AI and big data which will form the core of the 4th industrial revolution, as well as the status and future prospects of their use in fields such as in transportation, finance, and healthcare.
• Understand what to take into consideration when using data and AI, such as protection of personal information and data ethics.
• Gain the ability to read and understand data, and learn techniques for explaining it via diagrams, charts, etc.

(Completion Requirements)

Earn credits for courses eligible for the program offered by your college

(APU Information Literacy Courses)

from AY 2023

Subject Field: Common Education
Subject Name: Information Literacy 
Credits: 2 credits
Semester: 1st semester students only
Eligible colleges: College of Asia Pacific Studies (APS) 2023 Curriculum / College of International Management (APM) 2023 / College of Sustainability and Tourism (ST) 2023 Curriculum
Registration limits: Registered by university (1st semester). Students can drop the course themselves during the course registration period. Cannot be taken in 2nd semester or beyond.
Class format: On Demand
Course overview:
This course will discuss introductory topics of internet and data science in terms of basic concepts, data processing skills, entry level knowledge to data science, and awareness on business applications and information ethics, in real-world context.(1) Internet, information and changes happening in society (2) collecting, reading, processing and utilizing data (3) technology trends in AI in data science (4) state of the art business trends in AI and data science applications and information ethics.

AY 2022

Subject Field: Common Education
Subject Name: Special Lecture (Liberal Arts Subject)
Credits: 2 credits
Eligible Semester: 1st semester or higher
Eligible colleges: College of Asia Pacific Studies (APS) 2017 Curriculum / College of Asia Pacific Studies (APS) 2011 Curriculum / College of International Management (APM) 2017 Curriculum / College of International Management (APM) 2011 Curriculum
Registration limits: Elective Course
Class method: On Demand
Course overview:
This course will discuss introductory topics of internet and data science in terms of basic concepts, data processing skills, entry level knowledge to data science, and awareness on business applications and information ethics, in real-world context.(1) Internet, information and changes happening in society (2) collecting, reading, processing and utilizing data (3) technology trends in AI in data science (4) state of the art business trends in AI and data science applications and information ethics.

For detailed information on courses, please check the Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University Online Syllabus.

• Online Syllabus

(Name of Organization)

Academic Affairs Committee

(Items for Discussion)

Items related to basic policies of academic affairs (curriculum reform, the yearly course policies and academic overviews, etc.), teaching and academic matters related to the colleges and graduate schools

(Members)

Dean of Academic Affairs (Chair), Associate Dean(s) Designated by the Dean, Associate Deans of Academic Affairs, Deputy CLE Director(s) Designated by the CLE Director, EDLSC Director, Deputy Manager of the Division of Academic Affairs

(Self-Assessment / Self-Evaluation)

In [APU Data Science Program (Fundamentals)], self-assessments and self-evaluation will be carried out based on learning outcomes, class surveys, and external evaluation.

Self-Assessment / Self-Evaluation Documents

• AY 2023 SPRING SEMESTER

The Mathematics, Data Science and AI Smart Higher Education Program Approval System aims to increase students' interest in mathematics, data science, and AI, help them develop the basic skills they need to understand and use them appropriately (literacy level), and give them the practical skills needed to solve problems (applied basic level) by having the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology (MEXT) select and certify regular courses (educational programs) at universities and other institutions that provide systematic education in knowledge and technology related to mathematics, data science, and AI.

The [APU Data Science Program (Basic Level)] was selected in 2023 as a "Mathematics, Data Science, and AI Smart Higher Education Program (Literacy Level)."

（ [APU Data Science Program (Basic Level) ] Approval Period: Until March 31, 2028）

• Approval and Selection Results for the Math / Science / AI Smart Higher Education Program (Literacy Level / Applied Basic Level) (MEXT website)
• Mathematics, Data Science, AI Smart Higher Education Program (Literacy Level) Approval System Application (PDF)