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Waseda University and Tokyo Women's University Collaborative Data Science Education Program

In a pioneering move to bridge educational gaps between universities, Waseda University in Shinjuku, Tokyo, has partnered with Tokyo Women's University in Suginami, Tokyo. The collaboration aims to cultivate talent in the field of data science, open to students across both institutions beginning in the fall semester of 2024.

The data science education program offered by Waseda University, which has been providing robust educational resources to its 50,000 students across various faculties, will now be extended to students at Tokyo Women's University. This initiative was formalized following a cooperative agreement signed in March 2023 and further operational agreements in December 2023, paving the way for a comprehensive educational framework.

Program Overview

The program will leverage Waseda University’s learning management system (LMS), known as W-MoRE, which is designed to deliver a fully on-demand learning experience. This means students can engage with the course content without restrictions regarding time, location, or device — a significant advantage in today's fast-paced, tech-oriented educational environment. Support will also be provided via online office hours, where Learning Assistants (LAs) from Waseda will assist Tokyo Women's University students with their studies.

Students who meet the requisite criteria in data science knowledge and skills will earn credits from Tokyo Women's University, along with a certificate from the 'Waseda University Data Science Open Certification Program'. This recognition is expected to enhance their academic and career prospects significantly.

Curriculum Details

The curriculum features 8 subjects focused on data science, beginning with two in the 2024 academic year and expanding to eight by 2026. The first two subjects, Introduction to Data Science α and β, will be offered to first-year students. The courses will cover theoretical foundations and practical skills necessary for navigating the data-driven landscape of the modern world. By 2026, more advanced subjects will be introduced, such as Data Science: Regression and Classification and Time Series Data Science, aimed at third-year students and beyond, ensuring a progressive learning pathway.

The program not only emphasizes statistical and machine learning techniques but also redefines data science as a scientific approach to decision-making. This unique perspective is reflected in the curriculum developed by dedicated faculty, ensuring consistency and clarity in educational content.

Learning Support Mechanisms

Students will benefit from Waseda's state-of-the-art LMS, W-MoRE, facilitating unrestricted learning. Additionally, scheduled in-person consultations with faculty at Tokyo Women's University and the support from data science LAs through a virtual office system will enhance the student learning experience.

Certification and Future Prospects

By successfully completing the courses and meeting specified standards, students will receive a Waseda University certificate, signifying their proficiency in data science. This certification will not only serve as a valuable addition to students’ portfolios but also support their future employment opportunities.

Voices from Education Leaders

松嶋 敏泰, Director of Waseda University’s Data Science Center, expressed gratitude towards the collaborative efforts of both universities, emphasizing the program's potential as a new model for inter-university cooperation. He noted, “This partnership has demonstrated significant progress and success thanks to the committed efforts of all parties involved.”

竹内 敦司, Director of the AI and Data Science Education Research Center at Tokyo Women's University, highlighted the program’s accessibility and flexibility, stating, “Students can learn at their own pace, free from the constraints of travel between campuses.” Both leaders are optimistic about the future of this partnership and the opportunities it will provide for students in the evolving field of data science.

As this collaboration unfolds, Waseda University and Tokyo Women's University are set to foster a new wave of data science professionals prepared to tackle the challenges of our data-centric world, potentially inspiring similar initiatives between educational institutions elsewhere.