Problem-based learning that cultivates practical experience and thinking

　In the exercises, the PBL (Project Based Learning) format is the main focus. After 1 to 2 years of introductory exercises, full-scale exercises will be conducted in 3 to 4 years.Practical exercises aimed at solving corporate problems using raw data from about 50 collaborating companies and local governments, such as Toyota Motor Corporation, NTT DoCoMo, and Teikoku Databank, are also available.

　“Issues range from marketing such as the effects of using coupons at retail stores to medical analysis using medical receipt data. Students convey a sense of mission and enthusiasm to solve the issues. Corporate employees serve as instructors. It seems to be a big stimulus to hear the voices of the students in the lectures, "says Dean Shiina.

　Many students improve their sense of practice through joint research with partner companies, and there are a wide range of industries in which their knowledge can be utilized. The first student graduated in March 2021, but many students are not only aspiring to be data scientists, but are also thinking of making it a strength to utilize data in their work.In addition, about 3 people went on to graduate school.It seems that the seeds sown are gradually blooming, with some students starting up venture companies that analyze data and support attracting customers on the Internet.

Shiga University was selected by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology as a base school for "strengthening education related to mathematics and data science" in 2017, and as a base school for "promotion of nationwide expansion of mathematics, data science, and AI education" in 2022. We are also working to popularize data science education.Currently, starting with the production of teaching materials for university students and researchers, lectures by faculty members of the Faculty of Data Science that anyone can watch are also open to the public on the video distribution system "MOOC (Massive Open Online Courses)". Until September 2022, 9, "Introduction to Data Science for High School Students" is also open to the public for free.The need for human resources with data utilization skills has already been recognized by several government strategic meetings and ministries.Data science field that is indispensable for future industry and business development such as utilization of big data.Shiga University and its graduates will be in charge of that field in the future.