Educational Objectives

The graduate program in the Department of Chemistry aims to cultivate professionals with advanced knowledge who, building on the fundamental knowledge acquired during undergraduate studies, can develop new theories and methodologies. Additionally, the program strives to prepare outstanding graduates who can contribute to the advancement of science and technology both domestically and internationally.

Fields of Study

• Master’s Program Physical Chemistry, Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry
• Doctoral Program Physical Chemistry, Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry

Faculty Overview

Department Regulations

A. Admission Requirements

Admission to the Master’s and Doctoral programs in the Department of Chemistry is conducted in accordance with the Graduate School’s admission regulations and is open to applicants who demonstrate the ability to pursue graduate study. Preference is given to graduates of the Department of Chemistry. The recognition of related disciplines, the subjects tested in the General Admission and Special Admission categories, and other specific guidelines are determined by the Departmental Faculty Council.
In accordance with the Graduate School’s admission regulations, admissions are divided into General Admission and Special Admission categories. The selection ratio for each category is determined by the Departmental Faculty Council. Applicants must meet one of the following eligibility criteria:

• Master's Program
  • Graduates or prospective graduates of a four-year university (domestic or international).
  • Individuals recognized by law as having equivalent or higher academic qualifications.
• Doctoral Program
  • Holders or prospective holders of a master’s degree from a domestic or international graduate school.
  • Individuals recognized by law as having equivalent or higher academic qualifications.
  • Applicants whose previous major differs from the program’s major must obtain approval from the department’s designated faculty advisor before applying
• Integrated Master’s–Doctoral Program
  • Eligibility is governed by the “Regulations on the Operation of the Integrated Master’s–Doctoral Program.”

B. Credit Requirements

• Recognition of Related Departments Any department in which chemistry is a fundamental course is recognized as a related departments.
• Credit Acquisition The Master’s and Doctoral programs in the Department of Chemistry are offered in an integrated courses. Students must complete the credits stipulated in the Graduate School Regulations.
• Minimum Credit Requirements by Program as Stipulated in the Graduate School Regulations All graduate students must earn coursework credits and thesis research credits as follows:
  • Coursework credits: at least 24 credits for the Master’s program, 36 credits for the Doctoral program, and 60 credits for the Integrated Master’s–Doctoral program.
  • Thesis research credits: 2 credits for the Master’s program (2 credits in the final semester), 4 credits for the Doctoral program (2 credits in each of the final two semesters), and 6 credits for the Integrated program (2 credits in each of the final three semesters).
  • Up to 6 credits of undergraduate or linked graduate-level courses completed before admission to the Master’s program may be recognized; such credits are counted only toward the Master’s degree.
  • For the Doctoral program, excess credits earned before admission may be recognized up to a maximum of 6 credits, upon recommendation by the academic advisor and approval of the Dean of the Graduate School.
  • Students enrolled in the Master’s program may take up to 6 credits from undergraduate-level courses offered at the university; these may be counted toward the required coursework credits. Further details will be specified separately.
• Supplementary Courses Supplementary courses for Master’s and Doctoral students from non-chemistry backgrounds are determined by the Departmental Faculty Council. However, if equivalent courses were previously completed at the undergraduate or graduate level, exemptions may be granted by decision of the Departmental Faculty Council.

C. Foreign Language Examination

The foreign language examination for Master’s and Doctoral students is administered to those who have completed at least one semester of enrollment and consists of a written examination in one foreign language(English). In accordance with the Graduate School Regulations, the examination is scored on a 100-point scale, and a minimum score of 60 is required to pass.

D. Comprehensive Examination

The comprehensive examination for Master’s and Doctoral students is administered only to those who have passed the foreign language examination, as stipulated by the Graduate School Regulations. Master’s students must take written examinations in two subjects; Doctoral students must take written examinations in three subjects. Only those who score at least 70 out of 100 in each subject are granted eligibility to submit their thesis for graduation.

E. Thesis Submission and Evaluation

• Eligibility for Master’s and Doctoral Thesis Submission
  • Master’s Thesis Submission Eligibility Eligibility is granted to students who have earned the required credits as stipulated by the Graduate School Regulations, passed both the foreign language and comprehensive examinations, and presented at least once at a national-level academic conference.
  • Doctoral Thesis Submission Eligibility Eligibility is granted to students who have earned the required credits as stipulated by the Graduate School Regulations, passed both the foreign language and comprehensive examinations, and published at least one paper in an SCI-indexed journal (100% authorship credit, as defined by the department).
• Preliminary Review of Master’s and Doctoral ThesesA preliminary review of the Master’s and Doctoral theses shall be conducted.
• Final Review of Master’s and Doctoral Theses The final review of Master’s and Doctoral theses shall be conducted publicly, with the attendance of at least two-thirds of the Department of Chemistry faculty. The candidate must deliver a 30-minute oral presentation on the thesis topic in the order of introduction, main body, and conclusion. A summary of the presentation must be distributed to all faculty members at least one week in advance. The thesis must follow the format prescribed by the Korean Chemical Society.
• Final Review Procedures The final review procedures shall follow the regulations set forth by the Graduate School.

Curriculum