The ongoing Fourth Industrial Revolution and the current situation with the pandemic have introduced great uncertainty to the world. In this situation, the demand for various forms of data-driven information and communications technology (ICT) is rapidly increasing. In response, Korea University (KU) has decided to establish four new departments in the areas of natural sciences and engineering at the undergraduate level in 2021.

The world today, which is turbulent and uncertain, requires more people to be equipped with skills in high-tech industries. The four undergraduate-level departments to be established in KU are the Department of Data Sciences, the Department of Integrative Energy Engineering, the Department of Smart Security, and the Department of Semiconductor Engineering. The four departments specialize in cutting-edge technology and are expected to help KU increase its research standing in a technology-driven world.

Knocking on the Doors of High-Tech Industries

As part of the College of Informatics, the Department of Data Sciences specializes in big data and artificial intelligence (AI). According to KU, data sciences is a field of study that involves the collection, storage, management, and analysis of big data from a wide range of different areas. Big data appears in numerous forms, including social network service (SNS) data, medical treatment data, and scientific experiment data. Data scientists analyze this information and help professionals make decisions. KU explains that, with the increasing demand for new data analysis techniques in the ICT industry, the significance of departments such as this one has become more evident.

In a world where techniques related to data sciences are becoming more integral, the establishment of the Department of Data Sciences is expected to prepare KU students to take the lead in high-tech industries. In particular, Professor Yu Heonchang (Department of Computer Science and Engineering), the head of the Department of Data Sciences, emphasized the significance and vision of this new department. He delivered that the department is planning to nurture specialists equipped with up-to-date knowledge and skills in in the big data system software, machine learning, and AI.

Professor Yu added that KU is endeavoring to make this newly established department distinct from similar programs or departments in other universities. He stated, “There are not many other universities in South Korea where data sciences is offered at an undergraduate level. KU is planning to develop and apply programs that will teach students to manage and analyze data based on AI technologies.” Furthermore, the professor commented that the department is not only looking for students who are already experienced with software development. He stated that “the door is open for any student who is interested in developing and learning about software.” Indeed, Professor Yu believes that, by following the curriculum designed for the department, students will be able to grow as leaders in the field of data sciences.

Contributing to the Development of a Sustainable Society and Safe Technology

The United Nation (UN)’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) include goals related to energy, such as organizing climate action and establishing sustainable cities and communities. In order to promote sustainable growth and meet the global demand for sustainable energy, KU has decided to provide an integrative education on materials, systems, and policy at an undergraduate level. The Department of Integrative Energy Engineering is a part of the College of Engineering established with the goal to provide education in utilizing nanotechnology, ICT, and biotechnology to generate sustainable energy.

KU stresses the significance of establishing this department by pointing out the importance of developing energy sources that are both eco-friendly and efficient. This is because future technology such as autonomous vehicles, various wearable devices, and smart cities requires a considerable amount of energy. The key is to develop efficient energy sources for a fast-paced, technology-driven world as well as to minimize the damage done to the natural environment. Thus, the undergraduate curriculum designed for the Department of Integrative Energy Engineering seeks to educate students with foundational courses in engineering and then in-depth knowledge on energy generation.

Moreover, the rise of the Fourth Industrial Revolution requires all smart technology to be internalized. As a result, smart security has been acknowledged as crucial to the guarantee of the safe and sustainable development of smart technology. KU, therefore, has decided to establish the Department of Smart Security in order to nurture aspiring leaders in smart society who can take the lead in suggesting solutions related to smart security. Through the study of smart security, KU expects students to become smart security specialists who take responsibility for promoting social values.

Opening Up Promising Opportunities for Students

Another department that will be newly established in 2021 is the Department of Semiconductor Engineering. It was originally only possible to study semiconductor engineering at the graduate level. However, starting from 2021, KU has decided to partner with SK Hynix, a South Korean multinational company with expertise in semiconductor engineering, in offering undergraduate level courses. Students, upon graduation, will obtain the opportunity to be employed by SK Hynix or choose to enter graduate school to continue their education in semiconductors. In either case, students will be able to work with SK Hynix as core researchers in developing a diverse range of future technology.

The benefits that will be offered to students enrolling in this department include scholarships and opportunities to participate in various programs, and so on. According to KU, semiconductors account for 20 percent of South Korea’s exports, and it is the number one industry in South Korea. In addition, semiconductors play a key role in the ICT industry, such as AI and autonomous vehicles. Therefore, KU has decided to invest in semiconductor education with the goal of producing professionals with practical knowledge in the field and skills in creative problem-solving.

The four new departments are closely linked to each other in that they are all designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills that are most needed for the Fourth Industrial Revolution. The implications of the establishment of these departments are yet to be discovered, but KU’s desire to better prepare students for a world of uncertainty has a promising outlook.