Niigata University Implements Generative AI and Data Science Education Using MATLAB Copilot

MathWorks announced that Niigata University has implemented data science education using MATLAB® and MATLAB Copilot as part of a new 'Generative AI Practice' course offered as part of its general education curriculum.

As part of its educational reform to promote integrated social creation education, Niigata University is focusing on training students to have practical skills in mathematical data science and Generative AI. Mathematical data science is already a required subject for all students, where MATLAB has been utilized.

To further develop these efforts, the 'Generative AI Practice' course was established in fiscal year 2025, and MATLAB along with MATLAB Copilot, an AI assistant, were introduced to strengthen students' data analysis capabilities.

MATLAB supported practical learning through its integrated environment for high-speed, high-precision numerical computation, data visualization, and handling both data science and Generative AI. Furthermore, MATLAB Online enabled students from various academic fields to work on exercises in a unified analysis environment.

The course structure provides a common learning experience regardless of whether students are in the humanities or sciences. In two out of 15 classes, data science exercises using MATLAB and MATLAB Copilot were conducted. Students experienced the entire analysis process—from visualization, Principal Component Analysis (PCA), and clustering to evaluation—using survey data collected in class. MATLAB Copilot served as an interactive assistant for exploring analysis methods and understanding code, helping students think through objective setting, the validity of methods, and interpretation of results. Consequently, a collaborative learning environment utilizing Generative AI and MATLAB was formed.

Takehiko Asaga, Vice President in charge of educational reform at Niigata University, stated: 'Previously, I viewed Generative AI as separate from mathematical data science, but with MATLAB, I strongly feel they are linked and function as one powerful tool. Through classes utilizing this tool, I hope students will cultivate the ability to see the essence from data. It is also very important that it can be used in the cloud, providing an equal learning environment for all students. Moving forward, I would like to think about the role of MATLAB in education together with MathWorks.'

Effective use of Generative AI is a challenge in Japanese higher education. Concerns about over-reliance and issues regarding the reproducibility and interpretability of analysis results have been raised. This initiative is a practical case of Generative AI and data science education in a university-wide curriculum utilizing Campus-Wide access to MATLAB and Simulink, and serves as a model for other universities designing education programs incorporating Generative AI.