Activity Report of Open Application Course vol.12
Exchange between Japanese and Korean students: Studying the operating principles of medical equipment through actual practice
Report from Tokyo City University
From November 16 (Thurs.) to November 25 (Sat.), 2017, a group from the Kumoh National Institute of Technology (KIT), which is located in Kumoh City, Korea, participated in a program of the SAKURA Exchange Program in Science held at the Department of Medical Engineering in the Faculty of Engineering, Tokyo City Univ. (TCU). The group consisted of eight undergraduate students, two graduate students, and one supervising faculty member.
The program enabled Korean students to experience the basic elements of "Clinical Equipment and Practical Exercises," a compulsory subject for junior students in the Dept. of Medical Engineering. Through actual practice, students studied the systems of the human body, as well as the functions and operating principles of medical equipment.
One the first day of activities, an orientation was held to introduce SAKURA Science, TCU, and the program contents. Korean students also became more familiar with TCU by touring the TCU campus and dining at the student cafeteria.
In the afternoon, faculty members and students from the Dept. of Medical Engineering attended an introduction of KIT given by the KIT faculty member leading the Korean students. This helped deepen mutual understanding between the two universities. Afterwards, participants went to their respective laboratories to get to know each other better and to prepare for the practical exercises.
The day after orientation, participants toured the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation (Miraikan) located in the Odaiba neighborhood. Miraikan features a variety of exhibits including a show by a bipedal robot. Each student displayed interest in exhibitions on different fields such as robotics, the environment, and the universe.
In addition to scientific technology, the Korean students showed great interest and familiarity with a variety of Japanese trends. For example, some of the students were interested in information on the Gundam statue located in Odaiba. Their close knowledge showed that the Korean students are interested in Japan.
The practical exercises at the core of the program were composed of eleven items. Students learned how to use analytical equipment and biometric instruments at the Dept. of Medical Engineering. For two days, students used the equipment to measure their own bodies and analyzed the acquired data.
A wide range of items were measured including electrocardiograms, electromyograms, brain waves, blood oxygen concentration, pulse, blood pressure, ultrasound images, and information on blood circulation in the brain. Also, based on the measured results, students learned about various systems of the human body, including how the brain reacts to light and the increase in pulse during exercise.
(a male students from KIT has electrodes attached to his head for measurement)
(observing the shape and circulation of the carotid artery)
When asked about their impression of the practical exercises, Korean students expressed their gratitude at being able to use equipment which is normally not available in order to acquire a variety of information on their own bodies and the bodies of their friends. Also, one KIT student who underwent an electrocardiogram was found to have arrhythmia. Students showed great interest in these test results.
Another aim of the program was to promote communication among laboratory students through the introduction of their research activities. To accomplish this goal, preparation and review was held in the library.
Participating KIT students were informed that all TCU students had already completed the exercises being performed during the program. Therefore, KIT students were able to ask any of the TCU students for help. Upon actually holding activities, everything went according to plan and KIT students soon established friendly relations with TCU laboratory students. Outside of the university, TCU students enjoyed taking Korean students to sightseeing spots in Tokyo. Everyone formed strong friendships.
The day before KIT students were scheduled to return to Korea, a presentation was held to announce results. Each student gave a presentation on results and opinions regarding their area of particular interest from among the eleven program themes. In addition to scientific technology, KIT students also reported on Japan and Japanese universities, students, and culture.
In many cases, the practical exercises and theories introduced in the program were new to the KIT students. Even so, the students gave extremely detailed presentations. Attendees were impressed by the high academic ability and passion of participating KIT students.
After the presentation, a completion ceremony was held. All participating students received completion certificates and commemorative gifts from the director of the International Center. A group photograph was also taken. Finally, a farewell party was held as a last opportunity for the Japanese and Korean students to interact. This marked the completion of the program.
