Bio-Molecular Function

The Bio-Molecular Function program at Pohang University of Science and Technology offers an innovative and comprehensive education focused on understanding the fundamental mechanisms that govern biological molecules and their roles in living organisms. This program is designed to equip students with a solid foundation in biochemistry, molecular biology, and biophysics, enabling them to explore the intricate functions of biomolecules such as proteins, nucleic acids, lipids, and carbohydrates. Students will engage in advanced coursework and hands-on research projects that delve into areas such as enzyme activity, gene regulation, signal transduction, and cellular communication, all through the lens of molecular function.

The curriculum emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach, integrating principles from chemistry, biology, and physics to provide a holistic understanding of biomolecular systems. Through laboratory exercises, students learn essential experimental techniques including structural analysis, spectroscopy, and molecular imaging, which are crucial for characterizing biomolecules and investigating their functions. The program also fosters critical thinking and problem-solving skills, preparing students to contribute to cutting-edge research in biomedical sciences, drug discovery, and biotechnology industries.

Faculty members involved in the program are renowned experts dedicated to advancing knowledge in molecular functions and biological processes. They supervise student research activities, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared for doctoral studies or careers in scientific research, pharmaceuticals, or biotechnology sectors. The university’s state-of-the-art facilities and collaborative research environment provide an ideal setting for aspiring scientists to develop their expertise.

Graduates of the Bio-Molecular Function program will have the opportunity to work on innovative projects that address critical challenges such as disease mechanisms, molecular diagnostics, and therapeutic development. With its rigorous academic standards and emphasis on practical research, the program aims to produce highly skilled professionals capable of contributing to life's scientific understanding and technological advancement. Whether students pursue academic research or industry roles, this program offers a comprehensive education and valuable research experience that will serve as a strong foundation for their future careers in life sciences.

To better coordinate research and education in graduate program, the Program has adopted a Track System of four major tracks of Structural and Molecular Biology, Molecular Medicine, Cellular & Developmental Biology, and Plant Sciences. Each track provides recommended courses and guides graduate students coherently throughout the program.

• Track 1 : Structural & Molecular Biology
• Track 2 : Molecular Medicine
• Track 3 : Cellular & Developmental Biology
• Track 4 : Plant Science

Track 1 : Structural & Molecular Biology

Based on the knowledge accumulated from protein crystallography, protein engineering, biophysics, bioinformatics, and so on, the Structural and Molecular Biology Group of POSTECH Life Science is trying to elucidate the mechanism of target proteins at the molecular level which play as the sources for various diseases in living organisms. They are also conducting systematic education from basics to applications through research and development of useful bio-activators by effectively controlling and/or activating the target proteins. Particularly, they train the students to become scientists with differentiated international competitiveness which can be readily applied to industry by fusing such leading-edge techniques as protein recognition of computational chemistry, inhibitor designing, spectroscopic analysis, mass analysis, and so on with research techniques of life science, and conducting highly intensive interdisciplinary researches.

Track 2 : Molecular Medicine

Based on in-depth understanding of molecular properties of components of living organisms, fundamental principles in their interrelationship, and how they are related with human diseases, the Molecular Medicine Group try to provide the students with systematic education covering from basics to application so that the knowledge base can be utilized for research and development of new drugs. Focusing on disease areas related with immunology, inflammation, infection, allergy, and so on, the Group aim to produce competent scientists with specialized capacity and leadership in the field of molecular medicine.

Track 3 : Cellular & Developmental Biology

Reflecting the paradigm shift in life science research after the successful completion of the Genome Project, the Cellular and Developmental Biology Group provide a wide-range education not only to elucidate the individual function of bio-components but also to promote understanding of intra-, inter-cellular, network functioning of these components. Students are encouraged for quantitative and convergent thinking of life phenomena, and are educated to become creative and frontier scientists who can create new knowledge and technology through flexible thinking and attitudes.

Track 4 : Plant Sciences

The Plant Sciences Group educate the students to understand the whole process of development and growth in various plants from the stage of 발아 to that of senescence at molecular and cellular levels. They also aim to apply the accumulated knowledge and information through elucidation of fundamental principles of plant systems into plant biotechnology. Students play critical roles for conducting researches to achieve these objectives. Ultimately, the program focuses on producing competent scientists who can be future leaders in the field of plant sciences after graduation.

Major  Electives

• Virology
• Advanced Biochemistry
• Immunology
• Pharmacology
• Neurobiology
• Plant Physiology
• Advanced Cell Physiology
• Advanced Developmental Biology
• Advanced Cell Biology
• Plant Molecular Biology
• Advanced Molecular Biology I
• Advanced Molecular Biology II
• Viral Molecular Genetics
• Current Topics in Molecular Biology A~D
• Current Topics in Genetics A~D
• Current Topics in Plant Science A~D
• Current Topics in Virology A~D
• Current Topics in Protein A~D Biochemistry and Enzymology
• Current Topics in Cell Biology A~D
• Current Topics in Neuroscience A~D
• Current Topics in Neuroscience A~D
• Graduate Seminar I
• Research and Thesis for M.S.
• Methods in Plant Molecular Genetics
• Methods and Logic in Molecular Biology
• Regulation of Gene Expression
• Practical Methods in Enzymology
• Muscle Physiology
• Receptor Biochemistry
• Developmental Genetics
• Molecular Endocrinology
• Techniques in Cell Membrane and Lipid Biochemistry
• Laboratory Techniques in Plant Physiology
• Techniques in Plant Biochemistry
• Plant-Environment Interaction
• Advanced Plant Pathology
• Current Topics in Protein Crystallography
• Techniques in Molecular Immunology
• Signal Transduction in Cells
• Molecular Biophysics
• Chemical Carciorgenesis and Teratogenesis
• Methods in Cell Physiology
• Mammalian Genetics
• Metabolic Regulation
• Graduate Seminar II
• Research and Thesis

Requirements

• Applicants must fill out the online application.
• Personal Statement and Research Plan - Download format from the website: http://admission.postech.ac.kr/linkUsen.do?f=sub3-2
• Curriculum Vitae (Free style personal resume)
• Copy of Passport
• Signed Consent Form - Download format from the website: http://admission.postech.ac.kr/linkUsen.do?f=sub3-2
• List of Honors and Awards (optional) - Applicants who have received any honors, awards, or fellowships during their undergraduate or graduate studies may list them in the order of importance.
• Application fee: 80 USD or 80,000 KRW
• Official Transcript(s)
• Degree Certificate(s)
• Recommendation Letters - From two recommenders (academic faculty) - Must be e-mailed or sent by post directly by each recommender, enclosed in a sealed envelope.
• Score Report of English Proficiency Test - The official TOEFL/IELTS Score Report issued by ETS/British Council can be sent to POSTECH Graduate Admissions and Student Affairs directly by requesting it at the ETS/ British Council website. Applicants must enter POSTECH’s institution code (0329) in order for ETS to send the official score report to our office. - TOEFL ITP organized only by POSTECH is accepted
• Degree Theses (option

Scholarships

• Korean Government Scholarship Program (KGSP)
• Global Education
• POSCO Asia Fellowship
• SK hynix Fellowship
• POSTECH Teaching or Research Assistantship
• POSTECH Fellowship for Excellent International Students(PFES)
• POSTECH Settlement Allowance for New International Students

The Bio-Molecular Function program at Pohang University of Science and Technology is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental mechanisms that govern biological molecules and their activities. This program emphasizes the study of proteins, nucleic acids, lipids, and carbohydrates, focusing on how these biomolecules contribute to cellular processes and overall organism functionality. Students engage in coursework that integrates principles of chemistry, biology, and biochemistry to develop a multidisciplinary perspective on molecular biology.

The curriculum includes advanced topics such as enzyme mechanisms, molecular interactions, gene regulation, structural biology, and bioinformatics. Students gain practical experience through laboratory work, which involves techniques like spectrophotometry, chromatography, electron microscopy, and molecular cloning. Hands-on research projects allow students to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scientific problems, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills essential for careers in research, pharmaceuticals, and biotechnology industries.

Faculty members involved in this program are renowned experts in their fields, engaged in cutting-edge research that advances understanding of biomolecular functions. They mentor students through individual projects, encouraging innovation and discovery. The program supports collaboration with national and international research institutes, providing opportunities for internships and joint projects that broaden students’ scientific perspectives.

Graduates of the Bio-Molecular Function program are equipped with a strong foundation for careers in academia, industry, and healthcare. They are well-prepared to pursue further studies, including master's and doctoral programs, or to enter the workforce as research scientists, product developers, or laboratory managers. The program also emphasizes ethical scientific practices and effective communication skills, essential for contributions to global scientific communities.

Overall, the Bio-Molecular Function program at Pohang University of Science and Technology offers a dynamic environment that fosters scientific inquiry and innovation. It combines rigorous academic coursework with practical research experience, aiming to cultivate the next generation of molecular biologists who will contribute to advancements in medicine, biotechnology, and fundamental biological sciences.