Department Introduction

Recent advances in life science research are unraveling the mysteries of life at the molecular level. Life science is not only a fundamental discipline that explores the principles of life, but also a source of cutting-edge technologies aimed at improving human health and well-being. As such, life science is a basic science with infinite potential, a technological science, and an integrated science that encompasses all fields of science and technology.

Educational Objectives

• The goal of our educational program is to provide a deep understanding of the fundamental theories and principles of rapidly evolving biomedical science—from the molecular level to the broader field of biology.
• Through research and experimentation, students are trained to investigate scientific phenomena and to generate novel experimental results.
• We aim to promote academic exchange both nationally and internationally, while fostering skilled life science professionals and researchers who can address the needs of our coastal community.
• Ultimately, the program seeks to contribute to the advancement of science and technology in Korea.

Major Fields of Study

• Master’s Program Major in Life Sciences
• Doctoral Program Major in Life Sciences

Career Paths After Graduation

Research Sector (pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology companies, national research institutes), Academia (secondary school teachers, university faculty members), Entrepreneurship (pharmaceutical and biotechnology startups)

Employment Status

National Forensic Service, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Institute for Basic Science (IBS), New Drug Development Support Center, Pharmaceutical companies, Southeastern Regional Radiation Medicine Center

Faculty Members

Department Regulations

A. Admission Requirements

• Master’s Degree Program and Integrated Program
  • Applicants who have obtained or are expected to obtain a bachelor’s degree from a domestic or foreign four-year university.
  • Applicants who have obtained, or are expected to obtain, a bachelor’s degree from a domestic or international four-year university.
• Doctoral Degree Program
  • Applicants who have obtained, or are expected to obtain, a master’s degree from a domestic or international graduate school.
  • Applicants recognized as possessing equivalent or higher academic qualifications in accordance with relevant laws and regulations.
  • Applicants applying to a program whose major differs from the one completed in the master’s degree program must obtain approval from the head professor of the relevant graduate department before applying.

B. Academic Credit Requirements

• The required coursework credits are as follows: Master’s degree program: at least 24 academic credits
  Doctoral degree program: at least 36 academic credits
  Integrated program: at least 60 academic credits
• Thesis research credits must be earned as follows: Master’s degree program: 2 credits (all taken in the final semester)
  Doctoral degree program: 4 credits (2 credits each in the final two semesters)
  Integrated program: 6 credits (2 credits each in the final three semesters)
• Up to 6 credits of courses completed prior to admission to the master’s degree program, whether at the undergraduate or master’s level, may be recognized. However, credits for these recognized courses are applied only toward the requirements of the master’s degree program.
• Excess credits earned prior to admission to the doctoral program may, upon recommendation by the responsible professor, be approved by the Graduate Dean as credits toward the doctoral program, up to a maximum of 6 credits.
• Master’s degree students may take up to 6 credits of undergraduate courses offered by the university, and these credits may be applied toward their graduate program requirements. Specific regulations regarding this matter shall be separately established.

C. Foreign Language Examination

In accordance with graduate school regulations, each course is graded on a 100-point scale, and a score of 60 or higher is required to pass the foreign language examination.

D. Comprehensive Examination

The comprehensive examination consists of two major subjects for the master’s program and three major subjects for the doctoral program. In accordance with graduate school regulations, each subject is graded on a 100-point scale, and a score of 70 or higher is required to pass the examination. (The subjects for the comprehensive examination are designated by the head of the department from among the courses completed during the program.)

E. Thesis Submission and Evaluation

• Master’s Degree: Candidates must satisfy at least one of the following conditions
  • One or more co-authored research papers published in SCI(E)-indexed journals, regardless of the number of authors.
  • Patent application
  • Presentation at an international conference (poster or oral).
• Doctoral Degree: SCI(E) Candidates must have at least one first-author research paper published in an SCI(E)-indexed journal.
  • Full-time students: SCI(E) The total impact factor (IF) of first-author SCI(E) research papers must be 5 or higher.
    • If the total IF is less than 5, the following converted scores can be added
      • Patent applications or registrations (IF equivalent; same content counted only once)

        	Application	Registration
        Domestic	0.5	1
        International	1	2

      • Review articles (IF equivalent)

        JCR Ranking	Q1	Q2	Q3	Q4
        Equivalent Score (Converted Score)	2	1.5	1	0.5

  • Part-time students: SCI(E) Must have at least one first-author SCI(E) research paper, regardless of IF.

Curriculum