Four Master course students from the graduate course lecture "Introduction to Multiphase Flows with applications to microfluidics, biofluids, energy and material processing" have visited Royal institute of Technology (KTH), Sweden from February 15-25, 2013. The program was supported by the Japanese government's "Re-Inventing Japan Project" aiming to establish and implement high-quality cooperative educational programs with the world's top-level universities. The lecture was given by Professor Fredrik Lundell, Department of Mechanics, KTH, who is the winner of "Teacher of the year, 2011" in Sweden. The course was intended to provide students with (a) an introduction to the physics of flows with spherical and non-spherical particles and gas-liquid flows, (b) experience in Peer Instruction, a teaching method focusing on discussion and understanding in class, and (c) opportunity to improve discussion and arguing skills in English.
The short-term visit program was offered as an extension of the above lecture, and the four students were selected from the lecture to participate to the program. During the visit, the participants have attended graduate-level lectures of KTH including the one taught using the Peer Instruction, performed measurements of a fibre suspension flow with the magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasonic velocity profile, and visited labs/discussed with students in the research area related to their own. Through the activities, the students have not only gained international experience, but also learned the difference between the University of Tokyo and KTH in how the lectures and research are conducted. Together with the follow-up group discussion on the merits and demerits, the experience has made the students rethink their own ways to conduct studies and research. In addition, the discussion with KTH researchers helped the students to confirm the standpoint of their own research, which they find useful on continuing their research at the University of Tokyo.