While other university design programs remained under their colleges of Fine Art, our professor stressed the importance of design in choosing the department name Faculty of Design in 1975 and then College of Design in 1980. This set Kookmin University's design program apart from all others. Our determined design educators built a college with a new curriculum and teaching method based upon student experience and motivation. Today, too, we support each student's creative ideas and experimental concepts with open minds. Consequently, we are especially known for our teaching know-how. All of these efforts have formed the strong identity the College of Design has today.
Department of Forestry, Environment, and Systems
As the issue of global warming raises worldwide concern, low-carbon green growth is becoming one of the core policies for national growth. Therefore, it is becoming more vital to improve economic and national activities through the ecological management of forest resources and to preserve, restore, and maintain the natural environment, including forests. The objective of the establishment of the Department of Forestry, Environment, and Systems is to foster experts equipped with the expertise necessary to communicate between humanity and nature by applying scientific systems' approaches to forests and the natural environment; developing practicals kills for multipurpose management and sustainable uses of forests; executing the preservation and conservation of natural resources and advancing research methods for utilization of the beauty of forests and the improvement of both the mental and physical health of the people.
Department of Forest Products and Biotechnology
The Department of Forest Products and Biotechnology involves a of forest products and bioengineering technologies with the aim of extending support to the environment and mankind. As such, we aim to produce new experts in the fields of bio-energy, functional substances, and environment-friendly biomaterials (wood, paper). By using various microorganisms and regular organisms, we hope to create environment-friendly biomaterials that respond to the needs of the 21st century by focusing on low-carbon green growth. In particular, the Department of Forest Products and Biotechnology has been strengthening the application of biotechnology in the field of wood / paper-manufacturing industries to contribute to realizing a healthier and more environment-friendly bio-industry, which is being given more significance in consideration of the current changes in the environment, society, and the economy. The department program is centered on areas that place higher social demands on experts, such as environment-friendly wood construction and wood engineering, functional bio-substances and herbal medicine, bio-energy engineering, the use of new ingredients, and the preservation of paper sciences. In order to respond to the central goal, we are equipping our students with the foundational requirements of industries, in addition to the academic theories that they need to grasp. In this sense, our curriculum strengthens the experimental training of students, expands the courses requiring the collaboration of industry and academe and offers internships and on-site training in order to achieve a higher employment rate.
Department of Nano and Electronic Physics
The education and research goal of the Department of Nano and Electronic Physics is to explore quantum phenomena on the nanometer scale, to apply the principles of physics to electronic systems, and to cultivate the manpower needed in 21st century industry. The research and education is done through analyzing information from cutting-edge experiments and developing new methods to overcome the limitations of conventional methodologies on the nanometer scale. The department also focuses on theoretical and numerical studies of physical phenomena in the nanometer region. The educational program for 1st and 2nd year students is focused on providing basic understanding of both theoretical and experimental physics. For the 3rd and 4th year students, the department provides a team-oriented education program in conjunction with the department's graduate program.
Department of Applied Chemistry
The Bio and Nano Chemistry major offers a full range of courses in the fields. The Department of Bio and Nano Chemistry has excellent laboratory facilities with the latest equipment, which will allow students to gain experience using the wide range of instrumental methods practiced in today's chemical institutes and industries. In addition to their academic interests, Bio and Nano Chemistry faculty members have active research programs. The link between teaching and research is vital in the continuously evolving scientific field. The Bio and Nano Chemistry major provides a great deal of flexibility and prepares students for a wide variety of career options. The required courses for the major can be completed in three years, leaving the final year open for advanced and independent work under the supervision of a professor.
Department of Food and Nutrition
The Department of Foods and Nutrition offers a specialized program in clinical nutrition and food biotechnology. Students will develop a strong background in general biological sciences at the lower division level and practical skills in the areas of clinical nutrition and food biotechnology as their special focus on the upper division level. Graduates can apply for the certificates of a nutritionist, a food-processing engineer, and a biotechnology engineer. Graduates also have attractive job opportunities as nutritionists in hospitals, schools, and industries, as well as researchers in the food industry. In addition, graduates can apply to become patent attorneys after co-majoring in the interdisciplinary program of industrial rights.
Department of Information Security, Cryptology, and Mathematics
The Department of Information Security, Cryptology, and Mathematics offers systematic education in mathematical cryptology through diverse courses that have been developed to produce experts in information security. It is the only university department in Korea that combines basic mathematics and computer engineering courses with intensive major courses, such as side channel analysis, financial security, and digital forensics, in a systematic and organic way.
Department of Bio and Fermentation Covnergence Technology
Fermentation science and technology generally deals with the production of functional biomaterials by mass cell culture and thus is related to many disciplines. It is one of the main subjects of the green industry, which is gaining much attention as a driving force for the future. This department is unique in offering a program that focuses on every aspect of fermentation science and technology. The program is organized in a multidisciplinary way, and covers not only biological sciences but also engineering, design, and human sciences. Specific areas include bio- and medicinal-material technology, microbial fermentation technology, food biotechnology and bioenergy engineering, cold preservation technology, design technology, and medicinal and historical science for fermented foods. The program was established to foster experts who have the collective knowledge and skills needed to commercialize fermentation products. Therefore, students will be trained not only in the basic sciences but also in practical technology. In addition, students are required to take research and experimental courses conducted jointly with industry and research institutes. Graduates will be experts or scientists in fermentation science and technology and have successful careers in academies, research institutes, and industry.
