Ferrous Technology

Ferrous Technology at POSTECH offers a cutting-edge undergraduate program dedicated to the study and innovation of ferrous metals, primarily focusing on steel and iron-based materials. This program is designed to equip students with comprehensive knowledge of the physical, chemical, and mechanical properties of ferrous materials, as well as their processing techniques, applications, and development of new alloy compositions. Students will engage in advanced coursework covering metallurgy, materials science, thermodynamics, and manufacturing processes, combined with practical laboratory and research projects to foster hands-on experience.

The curriculum emphasizes modern technologies in steel production, refining, and finishing, enabling graduates to contribute to the steel industry’s innovations and sustainable practices. Collaboration with industry partners ensures students are exposed to the latest trends and challenges faced by the ferrous industry, preparing them to excel as engineers and researchers. The program also encourages interdisciplinary learning, integrating principles from mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, and environmental science to promote comprehensive understanding and innovative problem-solving skills.

Research opportunities are abundant, allowing students to participate in state-of-the-art projects related to new alloy development, corrosion resistance, lightweight steel, and environmentally friendly manufacturing processes. The faculty, comprised of leading experts in ferrous metallurgy, mentors students and guides them in pursuing research excellence and technological advancements.

Graduates of the Ferrous Technology program are well-prepared to enter various sectors including steel manufacturing, materials development, automotive, construction, and energy. They are equipped with the technical expertise and innovation mindset necessary to drive sustainable growth and technological progress in the ferrous metals industry. This program is ideal for students passionate about metallurgy, materials design, and engineering solutions that shape the infrastructure and industries of tomorrow.

The academic curriculum program emphasizes an interdisciplinary approach to the field of steel technology by combining all relevant aspects of the following engineering disciplines: Materials Science, Metallurgy, Mechanics, Chemistry, Solid State Physics, Manufacturing Technology, Process Control, and Computer Science. 
The graduate level courses are all taught by the full time GIFT faculty, who, through their own research achievements, are recognized experts in the subjects they are teaching. The courses are designed to teach students the most up-to date science and technology. They also serve as a starting point for the students’ efforts to develop new insights and achieve scientific and technological progress through their research. 
The individual course programs of study are planned in consultation with the faculty members. The programs may be directed toward fundamental science, engineering or a combination of these, depending on the preference, capabilities, and professional career goals of the individual graduate student. 
GIFT students may also take courses for credit in other POSTHECH departments or other institutions of higher learning if they and their academic advisor consider it will enhance their research potential. This opportunity provides GIFT students with a high degree of academic freedom. 
GIFT has a specialized expertise in steel-related education, and it is continuously developing and improving an already exceptional curriculum consisting of courses covering all the areas of steel research and technology. 
The rich GIFT curriculum offers courses in both traditional subjects and advanced ferrous materials science topics. In all cases the courses have been newly designed by academic and industry experts who are leaders in their field of research. 
Often, the approach is unique. Examples include the GIFT course on solidification which is used to introduce phase field modeling concepts. The courses devoted to steel products emphasize physical materials science principles. Ferrous alloy theory emphasizes solid state physics and introduces first principles calculations. Advanced courses on metal forming and steel processing are also part of the GIFT curriculum, as are courses on joining and welding metallurgy.

Physical Metallurgy Module

Basic

• GIFT700 Introduction to metallurgical engineering

Core

• GIFT612 Understanding of modern steel products
• GIFT620 Phase transformation in steels
• GIFT701 Characterization and microanalysis

Advanced

• GIFT611 TEM
• GIFT6111 TEM Laboratory
• GIFT610 Solid state physics for ferrous technology
• GIFT624 Crystallography(intensive)
• GIFT621 Modeling of phase transformations in steels
• GIFT632 Advanced X-ray Diffraction Analysis
• GIFT669 Selected Topics on the Mechanical Properties of Steel
• GIFT702 Solidification
• GIFT634 Welding and joining
• GIFT660 Structure and properties of metallic alloys
• GIFT613 Theory of dislocations
• GIFT618 Magnetic mater. and app.
• GIFT619 Special topics on physical metallurgy
• GIFT642 Special Steels

Chemical Metallurgy Module

Basic

• GIFT700 Introduction to metallurgical engineering

Core

• GIFT600 Metallurgical thermodynamics
• GIFT602 Principles of steelmaking process
• GIFT601 Metallurgical Reaction Kinetics and Mechanism
• GIFT603 Principles of iron making process
• GIFT703 Steel production technology
• GIFT671 Corrosion Science and Engineering
• GIFT674 Introduction to organic coating
• GIFT640 Thermal and fluid engineering
• GIFT604 Convective Heat and Mass transfer
• GIFT678 Special topics on chemical metallurgy
• GIFT606 Computational thermodynamics
• GIFT673 High temperature oxidation and coatings
• GIFT675 Protective coatings for steel corrosion
• GIFT676 Principles of non-ferrous metallurgical processes
• GIFT677 Statistics for experiments

Mechanical Metallurgy Module

Core

• GIFT630 Mechanical Properties of Ferrous Alloys
• GIFT653 Plasticity and Forming

Advanced

• GIFT657 Continuum mechanics
• GIFT655 FEM for Crystalline Solid
• GIFT654 Brittle and Ductile Fracture
• Deformation and fracture in metals
• GIFT658 Experimental mechanics
• GIFT651 Special topics on mechanical metallurgy
• GIFT659 Mechanisms of Fatigue

Control and Automation Module

Core

• Automatic Control Theory

Advanced

• Advanced Control Theory and Applications
• Robotics
• Special Topics in Control and Automation

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

Ferrous Technology at Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH) is a specialized program focused on the study and development of ferrous metals, primarily iron and steel materials. This program aims to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental principles of ferrous metallurgy, including material properties, processing techniques, and applications in various industries such as construction, automotive, and manufacturing. The curriculum covers a broad spectrum of topics, including raw material extraction, ironmaking processes, steelmaking technologies, heat treatment, and advanced characterization methods. Students gain hands-on experience through laboratory work, industrial internship opportunities, and research projects, which are designed to foster practical skills and innovation.

The program emphasizes the integration of scientific research with engineering applications, preparing graduates for careers in steel production companies, research institutions, and academia. Faculty members are leading experts in ferrous metallurgy, working on cutting-edge research related to alloy development, process optimization, and sustainable steel manufacturing practices. The program also promotes interdisciplinary collaboration, often partnering with materials science, mechanical engineering, and environmental engineering departments to tackle complex technological challenges.

Students enrolled in Ferrous Technology benefit from POSTECH's state-of-the-art facilities, including advanced laboratories equipped with modern analytical instruments. The university's strong industry connections provide students with opportunities for internships and collaborative projects, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared for professional careers. Moreover, the program reflects a commitment to sustainable development, incorporating courses on eco-friendly steel production and resource efficiency. Graduates typically find employment in steel corporations, research institutes, and governmental agencies related to materials and metallurgical engineering, contributing to advancements in ferrous materials technology and supporting national and global industrial growth.