Department of Chemistry

Tel: +82-42-869-2802
http://www.chem.kaist.ac.kr

The department offers an undergraduate program which covers the fundamental aspects of chemistry through theoretical learning and laboratory experiments. The department offers the general chemistry courses during the first year, followed by the mandatory courses in physical, organic, inorganic and analytical chemistry, and biochemistry. Leading to further specialization, a wide range of special topics are offered to 3rd and 4th year students. The program is designed to provide a balance among theoretical learning, training in modern experimental methods, and computing. The students are encouraged to undertake a research project during their senior year, and must submit a report to a faculty committee for review. Students must accumulate a total of 130 credits for graduation, of which some 49 credits must be from courses offered by this department, which may include a limited numbers of graduate courses. Although the undergraduate program normally lasts 4 years, early graduation is possible for students who have fulfilled all the requirements in a shorter time.

Major Requirements

Students wishing to major in Chemistry must first complete all the general chemistry requirements of KAIST. They must then pass all the courses marked as "mandatory" in the table below, plus enough additional courses listed in the table to bring the total number of chemistry credits up to 49. In addition, chemistry majors are required to complete 3 credits of research. If one counts this last requirement, the total number of chemistry credits required is 52.

Double Major Requirements

Students wishing to double major in chemistry and another subject must still satisfy all of the requirements for a chemistry degree, except for the research credits, which are waived.

Minor Requirements

Students wishing to minor in chemistry must pass a total of 12 chemistry credits in the "mandatory" category and 9 more in the "elective" category, for a total of 21 credits.

The department offers exciting opportunities and unique advantages for students to pursue their studies in the fields of physical, organic, inorganic, analytical and polymer chemistry, and biochemistry, leading to an M.S. and Ph.D. degree. The main objective of our program is to provide a suitable environment and necessary guidance to enable students to become independent scientists. Research is the main focus of the program. Through active participation in original research, built around a student's own interest and that of their chosen supervisor, the student can develop his/her creativity and become fully prepared for successful career in an academic or industrial institution. This department actively promotes joint research with industrial and other research organizations in both basic and applied chemistry; there is a minimum two semester-residency requirement for all Master's program students.

Course Requirements

In addition to the general requirements of KAIST, all students in Chemistry must take:

Masters students are also required to take enough additional courses from the table below to bring their total credits up to 36. Up to 12 of these can be from the "research" category. Doctoral students are required to take enough extra courses from the table to bring the total number of credits up to 72. At least 30 of these must be from the "research" category.

Thesis Requirement

All students must submit an acceptable thesis to graduate. This must be accompanied by a successful oral presentation of their work to a committee of three faculty members.