General Studies Requirements
Basic policy of curriculum operation
Curriculum Classification
Course Code and Number
Credit classification and time indication
Course Requirements for graduation
- Undergraduate Course Requirements
- Graduate Course Requirements
Basic policy of curriculum operation
The education at Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) is focused on cultivating problem solving capability and independent creative research ability in addition to the traditional education by lectures. The curriculum is organized and integrated to lead from bachelor's to master's to PhD course; mutually recognized subjects between each course are established and determined by the applicable department (major) and specified in the department (major) curriculum.
Curriculum Classification
A. Courses are divided into subject courses and research courses.
- Subject courses for the undergraduate program are divided into general, basic, and major courses. General courses include mandatory general courses, and elective general courses in humanities & social science. Basic courses include mandatory basic course and elective major courses. Major courses include mandatory and elective major courses. Research courses include B. S. thesis research, internship program & research, individual study, and seminar.
- The subject courses for master's and doctorate programs are divided into mandatory general, mandatory major and elective major courses. Research courses include thesis research, internship program & research, individual research, and seminar.
B. The composition of the subject is determined based on the need of each department (major) by each department (major) and the credits assigned are assigned based on the importance of the subject and the hours required for lecture and experimentation.
Course Code and Number
| Course No. | Course | Course No. | |
| 000 | Course without credit | CC | 000 |
| 100 | Bachelor's Courses | 100 | |
| 200 | 200 | ||
| 300 | 300 | ||
| 400 | Course Restrictively Counted as Both Undergraduate & Graduate Course |
400 | |
| 500 | Master's Courses | 500 | |
| 600 | 600 | ||
| 700 | Doctoral Courses | 700 | |
| 800 | 800 | ||
| 900 | Seminar, Paper, Independent Study, etc. (Satisfactory-Unsatisfactory Course) | 900 | |
A. Courses are marked with a course code, which is considered appropriate for describing the characteristics of the department/major, before the course number.
B. The following numbering system is applied to the courses:
- Non-accredited courses are coded as "CC" and given a three-digit number between 000 and 099.
- Undergraduate courses are given a three-digit number between 100 and 499.
- For liberal arts and basic courses, a three-digit number (i.e. 100-199, 200-299) is given depending on their difficulty levels.
- For major courses, a three-digit number (i.e. 200-299, 300-399, 400-499) is given depending on their difficulty levels.
- Graduate courses are given a three-digit number between 500 and 899.
- Mandatory general courses are coded as "CC" and given a three-digit number between 500 and 599.
- Mandatory major courses and electives are given a three-digit number depending on their difficulty levels: 500-699 for master's and professional master's courses; and 700-899 for doctor's courses
- Mutually recognized courses for undergraduate and master's students are given a three-digit number between 400 and 599.
- Graduation Research, Thesis Research, Individual Research, Seminar and other S-U courses are given a three-digit number between 400 and 499 or between 900 and 999.
- Graduation Research is marked with 490 (undergraduate); Thesis Research with 960 (master's and professional master's) and 980 (doctor's); and Practicum and Research with 498 and 499 (undergraduate), respectively.
- Individual Research is marked with 495 (undergraduate), 965 (master's) and 985 (doctor's); Seminar with 496 (undergraduate), 966 (master's) and 986 (doctor's); and Thesis Seminar with 967 (master's) and 987 (doctor's).
C. Examples of course code and number
- The characteristics of the department/major are marked in English characters first and then a three-digit course number is given.
- The first digit of the three-digit number indicates the difficulty level of a course; the remaining two digits constitute a random course number unique for the course.
(e.g.) PH221 - Classical Dynamics I
PH: Department/major characteristics; 2##: Difficulty level; #21: Random course number - Computer code
- Marked with a five-digit number (i.e. ##.###), the computer code is used for computerized processing of courses and other purposes.
Credit classification and time indication
A. The course units are either credits or AU (Activity Unit), and the credit is classified into the subject credit and the research credit.
B. The subject credit can be classified into 1, 2, 3 and 4 credits depending on the importance and the number of class hours per week of the subject. 1 credit is given for a lecture of one hour per week for one semester or its equivalent number of hours. However, the experimental lab provides 1 credit for three hours per week for one semester of education or equivalent education hours.
C. Seminar credit shall be one credit per semester in principle, and depending on the requirement of each department (major), up to 2 credits can be granted. The assigned hours per week in a seminar are determined by each department (major).
D. Individual research credits can be granted up to 12 credits for each semester as decided by the advising professor of the student. However a total of 15 credits can not be exceeded.
E. Thesis research credits can be granted up to 3 credits for each semester as decided by the advising professor of the applicable student. However a total of 12 credits can not be exceeded.
F. AU is an activity for completing the physical education requirement, Humanity/Leadership and service activities that is not included in the graduation credit. 1 AU is an activity for one hour per week for one semester or the activity with equivalent hours.
G. Lecture: Lab: Credit: Assignment -> "Lecture" is a number of lecture hour per week, "Lab" is the experiment/lab hours per week, "Credit" is the total number of credits, and "Assignment" is the number of assignments per week.
Course Requirements for graduation
- Undergraduate Course Requirements
1. Graduation Credits
- At least 130 credits in total
- A cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or higher out of a possible 4.3 in all coursework.
2. Completion of General Courses: At least 27 credits and 9AU (applicable to students entering KAIST in 2009 and onward; for those who have entered KAIST before 2009, refer to the Course Completion Requirements by Year of Admission)
- Required General Courses
| Academic Year | Credits | Required Courses |
| In 2009 and onward |
6 credits and 9AU |
English Communication(1), Critical Thinking in English(2), Writing(3), Physical Education(4AU), Community Service(2AU), Humanity/Leadership(2AU), Ethics and Safety(1AU) |
| Between 2007 and 2008 |
7credits and 9AU |
English Communication I(1), English Communication II(1), English Reading&Writing(2), Writing(3), Physical Education(4AU), Community Service(2AU), Humanity/Leadership(2AU), Ethics and Safety(1AU) * English Communication I -> English Communication * English Communication II -> English Conversation * English Reading&Writing -> Critical Thinking in English |
- 1. English: 3 credits (applicable to students entering KAIST in 2009 and onward; for those who have entered KAIST before 2009, refer to the Course Completion Requirements by Year of Admission)
- Students entering KAIST in 2009 and onward: English Communication (1), Critical Thinking in English (2)
- Students entering KAIST between 2007 and 2008 (4 credits): English Communication I (1), English Communication II (1), English Reading&Writing (2)
- * Criteria for credit recognition of English courses (applicable to students entering KAIST in 2009 and onward; for those who have entered KAIST before 2009, refer to the criteria by Year of Admission)
- The criteria for credit recognition of "English Communication" is the sum of scores from a certified English test taken before entering KAIST (TEPS/TOEFL/IELTS; 50%) and the KAIST Speaking Test (50%).
| Grade | Score | Credit Recognition |
| 1 |
91-100 |
To be exempt from English Communication and graded with an "S" |
- The criteria for credit recognition of "Critical Thinking in English" is the sum of scores from a certified English test taken before entering KAIST (TEPS/TOEFL/IELTS; 50%) and the KAIST Speaking Test (50%).
| Grade | Score | Credit Recognition |
| 1 |
91-100 |
To be exempt from Critical Thinking in English and graded with an "S" |
- 2. Writing: 3 credits
- Writing certification system upon graduation: Undergraduate students are required to take one or more graduation tests on writing and record 60 points or a higher score before graduation (applicable to students entering KAIST in 2009 and onward).
- Graduation tests on writing are held once each semester.
- Credit recognition and course-taking criteria for writing courses (applicable to students entering KAIST in 2009 and onward; for those who have entered KAIST before 2009, refer to the Course Completion Requirements by Year of Admission)
- Level tests are held to classify students into three grades (i.e. A, B, C) and provide them with differentiated writing guidance depending on their writing levels.
| Grade | Credit Recognition and Course-Taking Criteria |
| A | To be exempt from writing courses (graded with an "S") and the graduation test on writing |
| B | To take one of the writing courses; those earning a B- (2.7) or a higher grade are exempt from the graduation test on writing |
| C | To take the "Non-Accredited Writing" class provided by the Writing Center before taking the writing course; those not wishing to take Non-Accredited Writing are allowed to take the writing class if they take another level test and get a B or a higher grade |
- 3. Physical Education: 4 AU should be completed. (not counted for GPA but required for graduation.)
- Since each course in Physical Education has 2 AU, 2 courses should be taken
- 2 AU among 4 AU can be replaced by sports club activities.
- 4. Community Service : Students who entered the KAIST in or before 2006 must complete 4AU; those who enter the KAIST in or after 2007 must complete 2AU. (not counted for GPA but required for graduation.)
- Service at the flower town, serving as an executive member of student association, serving as a student representative of a department, service in the school clean-up campaign, service at a public welfare organization such as the welfare center, service at public organizations such as the national park management corporation, service at government offices such as a city hall and a town-block office.
- The proof of the community service sealed with the signature of the service organization for the off-campus service and of the head of the corresponding administrative office for the on-campus service should be submitted to the department of school affairs (school register).
- 5. Humanity/Leadership : 2AU(not counted for GPA but required for graduation.)
- Applicable to students who enter the KAIST in or after 2007 and is mandatory for graduation
- Program and credit recognition per course
| Course | Program | Credit |
| Humanity/Leadership I | Complete either 7H leadership training or phoenix leadership training | 1AU |
| Humanity/Leadership II | Communication training | 1AU |
| Humainty/Leadership III | Complete one program among photography, musical instruments, jazz dance, hip-hop, a cappella, etc | 1AU |
- * Only students within their first 2 semesters can attend the Humanity/Leadership III course
- 6. Ethics and Satey II : 1AU(applicable to all of the students presently studying at KAIST. not counted for GPA but required for graduation.)
- Ethics and Satey II(HSS179) includes Research Ethics, Lab Safety, Sex Education and Leadership. Students do not have to register for the course but go to the web-site(http://eethics.kaist.ac.kr), complete the course and pass the test with the grade "S" if they satisfy the criteria below.
| Year | Criteria | Notes |
| 2009 | 60 or higher in all of the 4subjects(Research Ethics, Lab Safety, Sex Education and Leadership) | Total 100 in each subject |
| 2010 | 60 or higher in all of the 4subjects(Research Ethics, Lab Safety, Sex Education and Leadership) | |
| 2011 | 60 or higher in all of the 4subjects(Research Ethics, Lab Safety, Sex Education and Leadership) |
- Opening semester : Spring, Fall
- Started in March, 2009
- Elective Courses in Humanities & Social Sciences: at least 21 credits
- Take (6 credits) 1 course of each of the following 2 categories among 3 categories : Humanity, Society and Literature and Arts; the rest can be chosen regardless of the category. (applicable to students entering KAIST in 2009 and onward; for those who have entered KAIST before 2009, refer to the Course Completion Requirements by Year of Admission)
- Students entering KAIST in 2007 and onward should earn at least 18 credits through English lectures among the 21 credits required as Elective General Courses in Humanities & Social Science.
- ¡Ø Students having a double major take 12 credits without considering categories. (Students entering KAIST in 2007 and onward should take 12 credits through English lectures.)
>> Liberal education course requirements for international students in the undergraduate program
A. English language courses : As for international students, those who have completed high school at an English-speaking high school are exempt from English language requisites, granted credit recognition, and given a grade of S. (applicable to students who enter the KAIST in or after 1998)
B. Completion of Korean language courses(Exemption from Writing course) : International students are exempt from Writing course, which is a liberal education requisite. However, the students who are exempt from Writing course should take HSS006(10.108, Basic Korean I for foreign Students, 3 credits) , which is a liberal education requisite, and HSS193(10.167, Basic Korean II for foreign Students, 3 credits) , which is a general elective. (applicable to students who enter the KAIST in or after 1998)
C. Completion of AU courses : International students must complete AU courses (Total 9 : Physical Education 2AU, Community Service 2AU, Humanity/Leadership 2AU, Ethics and Safety II 1AU), which are liberal education requisites. However, Humanity/Leadership may be substituted by Cultural Experience (applicable to students who enter the KAIST in or after 2007).
- * Students entering KAIST in 2006 or before : Physical Education 4AU, Community Service 4AU, Ethics and Safety II 1AU (Total : 9AU)
3. Completion of Basic Courses: at least 32 credits (applicable to students entering KAIST in 2008 and onward; for those who have entered KAIST before 2009, refer to the Course Completion Requirements by Year of Admission)
- Mandatory Basic Courses: 26 credits
- 1. 1 course among Fundamental Physics I (3), General Physics I (3), and Advanced Physics I (3)
- 2. 1 course among Fundamental Physics II (3), General Physics II (3), and Advance Physics II (3)
- 3. 1 course of General Physics Lab I (1)
- 4. 1 course of Basic Biology (3) or General Biology (3)
- 5. 1 course of Calculus I (3) or Honor Calculus I (3)
- 6. 1 course of Calculus II (3) or Honor Calculus II (3)
- 7. 1 course among Basic Chemistry (3), General Chemistry I (3), and Advanced Chemistry (3)
- 8. 1 course of General Chemistry Lab I (1) or Advanced Chemistry Lab (1)
- 9. 1 course of Basic Programming (3) or Advanced Programming (3)
- 10. Freshman Design Course : Introduction to Design and Communication (3)
- * Students having entered KAIST in 2007 or before : 23 credits (¨ç~¨ï)
- * The students who major in Industrial Design should complete 20 credits and are exempt from taking General Physics II (Basic, General, Advanced), and Calculus II (General, Advanced).
- Elective Basic Courses: at least 6 credits (Each department has different specific requirements. Please refer to the departmental requirements for course completion.)
- * The students who major in Industrial Design can take General Physics II (Basic, General, Advanced), and Calculus II (General, Advanced) as elective basic courses.
- ¡Ø Students having a double major take 3 credits.
4. Completion of Major Courses: at least 40 credits (Each department has different requirements. Please refer to the departmental requirements for course completion.)
5. Completion of Elective Courses:
Take mandatory and elective major courses from other departments. (Some departments requires students to take some specific courses. Please refer to the departmental requirements for course completion.)
6. Completion of Research Courses: at least 3 credits (Please refer to the departmental requirements for course completion.)
- Please be sure to take 3 credits for graduate research (However, students having a double major are exempt)
- Each department grants different credit hours for individual study or the seminar course. (Please refer to the departmental requirements for course completion.)
7. English Proficiency Requirements upon Graduation
- Students are required to meet one of the following requirements on English proficiency before entering KAIST or during their years of enrollment: 560 points in PBT TOEFL; 220 points in CBT TOEFL; 83 points in IBT TOEFL; 6.5 points in IELTS; 720 points or 760/775 points in TOEIC (see below); or 599 points or 670/690 points in TEPS (see below).
- * Criteria for TOEIC and TEPS scores
- Students submitting scores from new TOEIC (held in May 2006 and onward) or TEPS held on March 1, 2007 and onward: 720 points in TOEIC; or 599 points in TEPS
- Students submitting scores from old TOEIC (held before April 2006) or TEPS held before February 28, 2007:
- Students entering KAIST in 2008 and onward: 775 points in TOEIC; or 690 points in TEPS
- Students entering KAIST in 2007 or before: 760 points in TOEIC; or 670 points in TEPS
8. Minor and Double Major
- Minor: at least 18 credits outside major (according to the article 81 of Academic Policies and Regulations)
- The departmental requirements vary. Please refer to the requirements of interest for course completion.
- Double Major
| General | Basic | Major | Double Major | Re- search |
To- tal |
||||
| Required General | Elective in Humanities & Sciences |
Sub-total | Re- quired |
Elec- tive |
Sub-total | ||||
| 6 +(9AU) |
12 or above(without considering divisions) | 18 or above | 26 | 3 or above | 29 or above | refer to the requirements for each | 40 including mandatory major courses | 0 | 130 or above |
- Applicable all of the attending students. However, in the case of required general course and required basic course, refer to the course completion requirements by year of admission.
- In the case of Elective General Courses in Humanities & Social Sciences, students entering KAIST in 2007 and onward should take 12 credits through English lectures.
- In the event that major courses and double-major/minor courses overlap, up to 9 credits can be applied to both courses of study.
- Completion of minor and double major courses is based on the requirements of the admission year or the time of application.
- In case of completing minor and double major courses, the credits taken for minor and double major are included into the ones for graduation (credits of elective courses among 130 credits).
9. Taking Special Courses
- In case the course subtitles are different from each other, up to 3 courses may be taken; a make-up course can be taken only if the course subtitles are the same.
- However, make-up courses can be taken for cultural subjects of the same category offered from the 1999 summer semester and for the major special courses opened within the same course/major from the 2004 winter semester, if it is allowed by the dean of the department.
10. Leadership Mileage
- This system has been offered from 2007 for the undergraduate students so that they can grow as wholesome human beings with knowledge-creating leadership and serve as leaders in the community
- A fixed amount of mileage is given for leadership activities as humanity/leadership course attendance, on/off campus volunteer activities, physical training and leadership experience
- A certificate of silver(over 200 mileage), gold(over 250 mileage), platinum(over 300 mileage), diamond(over 350 mileage) grade is granted according to the mileage amount
- The mileage can be added to the GPA used in settling tuition fees(Not in the academic transcript)
- For 50 leadership mileage, 0.1 GPA is added when settling tuition fees
- Only mileages over 100 can be used(ex. 50 mileage can be used when holding 150 mileage)
- Maximum of 150 mileage can be used per semester
11. Undergraduate Research Participation (URP) program courses
- To expand undergraduate students¡¯ opportunities for participation in research and to foster creative and outstanding experts through a wealth of research experience, URP program courses will be offered from spring 2007.
- Courses
| Course No. | Code | Course Name | Lec.:Lab.:Cre. | Semesters | Remarks |
| URP495 | 08.495 | URP (A) (Undergraduate Research Participation) |
0:6:3 | Spring, fall | - Cannot substitute for graduation research (although the credits for this course are recognized as research credits, graduation requirements follow those for each department) - Eligibility . Students in the first semester of their third year or an earlier stage in the undergraduate program conducting individual research for independent study . Students conducting team research for independent study |
| URP490 | 08.490 | URP (B) (Undergraduate Research Participation) |
0:6:3 | Spring, fall | - Can substitute for graduation research - Eligibility . Students in the second semester of their third year or a later stage in the undergraduate program conducting individual research for independent study |
- * URP courses will be offered in spring and fall semesters, and the research period is 6 months (summer semester + regular semester).
- * Only students who submit final reports may receive S/U grades from their advisors.
- * Students may register for URP program courses up to a maximum of twice (maximum credits: a total of 6 credits, consisting of 3 credits each).
12. National/International Internship Program
- The program has been offered from Spring 2008 to give students chances to grow social skills by adding field ability to theoretical learning
- Department in charge : Counseling and Student Development Center
- Application : Undergraduate students who are recommended by the advisor and the internship professor(students in their leave of absence can also apply)
- Grades and evaluation : S or U is given as grade. Students are evaluated for grades and graduation research substitution according to their final report and the evaluation sheet made by the company(Undeclared students and sophomores are not able to substitute graduation research)
- Credits
| Course No. | Course Name | Credit | Internship Period |
Available Semester |
Graduation Research Substitution |
| INT493 | National Internship Program I | 1Credits | Over 4 weeks | Summer | Available with 2 additional credits of Individual Study |
| INT494 | National Internship Program II | 2Credits | Over 6 weeks | Summer | Available with 1 additional credits of Individual Study |
| INT495 | National Internship Program III | 3Credits | Over 9 weeks | Summer | Available |
| INT498 | International Internship Program I | 3Credits | Over 9 weeks | Summer | Available |
| INT499 | InternationalInternship Program II | 12Credits | Over 14 weeks | Spring/Fall | Available, Only 6 credits are recognized as credits for graduation(including graduation research) |
- * When the internship program is substituted as graduation research, the code numbers are printed in the academic transcript as INT483(over 4 weeks), INT484(over 6 weeks), INT485(over 9 weeks) for domestic internship and INT488(over 9 weeks), INT489(over 14 weeks) for international internship
- * The maximum credit available for domestic internship is 6 credits
13. Advanced Placement (Article 31, Paragraph 2 of the Guidelines on Curriculum Management)
- Credits and grades earned from AP courses at Korea Science Academy (KSA) are recognized as those acquired at KAIST; if the grade is C+ or above, choose one among below (applicable to students entering KAIST in 2010 and onward)
- being marked as the grade earned from AP courses at KSA in the academic record and included in GPA
- being marked as S in the academic record and excluded in GPA
- ¡Ø For students entering KAIST before 2010, credits and grades earned from AP courses at Korea Science Academy (KSA) are recognized as those acquired at KAIST, being marked as they are in the academic record and included in GPA.
- If a student applies for credit recognition of an AP course that is a mandatory basic course or a basic elective, the student is exempt from completion of the corresponding basic course.
- Application method: Applicants are requested to fill in the application form for recognition of AP credits and submit the application along with one original copy of their student report to the Academic Registrar's Team.
- Application period: Within the very first semester following admission; until the official end of the Spring semester (Note: Recognition of AP courses is not allowed once the application period is over, so make sure to apply for course recognition within the application period.)
- Credit recognition table for AP credits earned at KSA:
| No. | Korea Science Academy Course | KAIST Course | |||||
| Course Name | Course No. | Credit | Course Name | Course No. | Credit | Course Class. | |
| 1 | Calculus II | KSA100 | 3 | Calculus 1 | MAS101 | 3 | Mandatory Basic |
| 2 | Calculus III | KSA101 | 3 | Calculus II | MAS102 | 3 | Mandatory Basic |
| 3 | Linear Algebra | KSA102 | 3 | Introduction to Linear Algebra | MAS109 | 3 | Elective Basic |
| 4 | Differential Equations | KSA103 | 3 | Differential Equations and Applications | MAS201 | 3 | Elective Basic |
| 5 | General Physics I | KSA104 | 3 | General Physics I | PH141 | 3 | Mandatory Basic |
| 6 | General Physics Lab I | KSA105 | 1 | General Physics Lab. I | PH151 | 1 | Mandatory Basic |
| 7 | General Physics II | KSA106 | 3 | General Physics II | PH142 | 3 | Mandatory Basic |
| 8 | General Physics Lab II | KSA107 | 1 | General Physics Lab. II | PH152 | 1 | Elective Basic |
| 9 | General Chemistry I | KSA108 | 3 | General Chemistry I | CH101 | 3 | Mandatory Basic |
| 10 | General Chemistry Lab I | KSA109 | 1 | General Chemistry Experiment I | CH102 | 1 | Mandatory Basic |
| 11 | General Chemistry II | KSA110 | 3 | General Chemistry II | CH103 | 3 | Elective Basic |
| 12 | General Chemistry Lab II | KSA111 | 1 | General Chemistry Experiment II | CH104 | 1 | Elective Basic |
| 13 | General Biology I | KSA112 | 3 | General Biology | BS120 | 3 | Mandatory Basic |
| 14 | General Biology II | KSA114 | 3 | 3 | Elective | ||
| 15 | General Biology Lab I | KSA113 | 1 | 1 | Elective | ||
| 16 | General Biology II | KSA115 | 1 | 1 | Elective | ||
| 17 | General Earth Science | KSA116 | 3 | 3 | Elective | ||
| 18 | General Earth Science Lab | KSA117 | 1 | 1 | Elective | ||
| 19 | General Astronomy | KSA118 | 3 | 3 | Elective | ||
| 20 | General Astronomy Lab | KSA119 | 1 | 1 | Elective | ||
| 21 | Programming | KSA120 | 3 | Introduction to Programming | CS101 | 3 | Mandatory Basic |
| 22 | Elementary Number Theory | KSA121 | 3 | Introduction to Number Theory | MAS210 | 3 | Elective Major |
| 23 | DNA Science | KSA122 | 3 | Molecular Biology General Cell Biology |
BS209 BiS222 |
3 3 |
Mandatory Major |
| 24 | Molecular Biology | KSA123 | 3 | Elective Major | |||
| 25 | Discrete Structure | KSA124 | 3 | Discrete Mathematics | CS204 | 3 | Mandatory Mary |
| Total | 59 | ||||||
- * If a student has completed two courses (i.e. "DNA Science" and "Molecular Biology") at KSA, credits earned from both courses are recognized, provided that only one KAIST course of his/her choice between BS209 (Molecular Biology) and Bis222 (General Cell Biology) is to be recognized as a corresponding course. If he or she has taken only one of the two courses at KSA, the course is to be recognized as a free elective.
14. Honor Program (Article 16, Paragraph 2 of the Guidelines on Curriculum Management)
- The Honor Program defines undergraduate students with certain qualifications as "honor students" to honor their excellence and allows them to complete master's and doctor's courses during their undergraduate years.
- As for undergraduate students who have completed six or less semesters, have earned 81 or more credits as of the last semester and have recorded 3.7 or a higher GPA, they are referred to as "honor students" based on the recommendations from their research advisors and the heads of their respective departments.
- Benefits
- Honor students are allowed to take master's and doctor's courses with the approval of instructors in charge of the courses; credits earned from these courses are included in their GPA upon college graduation.
- Credits that the students have earned from master's or doctor's courses during their undergraduate years may be recognized as master's credits by applying for credit recognition within one year following their enrollment into the master's program, provided that their final GPA upon college graduation exceeds 3.7.
- Application method: During the registration period of each semester, Honor Program applicants are requested to submit their application form and academic record to the Academic Registrar's Team¡ªvia the offices of their respective departments or majors-with letters of recommendation from their research advisors and the heads of their departments/majors enclosed.
15. Bridge Program
- The courses cover the basic knowledge and skills needed for taking regular courses so that graduates of international school and foreign students can gain basic academic skills and fulfill their regular course requirements successfully. They are also offered online for the prospective students of the 1st undergraduate application round and so on.
- Courses
- Starting Points: Fall 2009
| Course Classification | Course No. | Course Name | Lec.:Lab.:Credit | Opening semester |
| Elective general | PH101 | College Physics | 3:1:3 | Fall |
| Elective general | MAS105 | College Mathematics | 3:1:3 | Fall |
| Elective general | CH107 | College Chemistry | 3:0:3 | Fall |
16. Measures for Change
- Please refer to the departmental course completion requirements in case of unification or separation of department, change in department, revision of curriculum, etc.
- Matters regarding curriculum are based on each student's admission year unless any exceptions are specified; in case courses have been changed or are no more opened, the substitute courses should be taken.
- A) Thesis Master's Degree Program: at least 33 credits
[at least 21 credits for coursework + research credits (thesis research, thesis seminar, seminar)] - B) Coursework Master's Degree Program: at least 33 credits
[at least 21 credits for coursework + at least 6 for additional coursework credits + research credits (independent study, seminar)] - 2) Doctoral program: at least 60 credits
[at least 30 credits for coursework + at least 30 research credits (dissertation research, dissertation seminar, and, seminar)] - * The curriculum credits acquired in the master's course may be cumulatively added to the curriculum credits in PhD course.
- 3) A cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or higher out of a possible 4.3 in all coursework for graduation.
- 4) Mandatory general course credits : at least 3 credits from the general courses.
- 5) All graduate students presently studying at KAIST should pass the courses. Ethics and Saftey I(1AU) in their first semester in order to graduate(take one time between master's program and doctoral programs) However, if not taken in their first semester, grade "U" is not given but they must take it next semester.
- 6) For the master's program, the non-credit leadership course has to be completed.
- 7) The major course (mandatory or elective) and research course requirements are different for each department. Refer to the course requirements of each department.
- 8) The departments (biological Sciences and chemistry) with self-regulated course requirements have the same number of total required credits, but the specific major course and research course requirements may differ from other department.
- Departments/Majors with self-regulated course requirements: biological Sciences department (graduate course), Chemistry department (PhD course)
- There is no change in the total required credits, but the major course credits are reduced and the research credits are increased.
- 1) Mandatory general courses are common courses required for graduation and designated by each department (major). Students in the graduate course should complete at least one course or more (3 or more credits) from the mandatory general courses chosen by each department and major.
* The mandatory general courses may be different depending on the department.
* If students complete the mandatory general course in the master's program, they do not need to complete the same requirements in the PhD course. - 2) Ethics and Saftey I(1AU) in their first semester should be taken for graduation. Take one time between master's program and doctoral programs. (applicable to all graduate students presently studying at KAIST starting in March, 2009.)
- 3) The master's course requires the completion of the non-credit leadership lecture.
- This leadership lecture is offered to students in the master's program, and has been offered from 2002 with the purpose of encouraging students to comfortably take on leadership roles after graduation.
- Lecturers: CEOs from industry and other well known persons.
- Subject number and lecture: Lab: credit : CC010(1: 0: 0).
- Subject classification: mandatory general course (Students can graduate only after completion of this requirement).
- Target students: master's course students (This applies to new students beginning in or after 2002; general scholarship students, foreign students, and new students at College of Business are excluded).
- Graduation requirement and grade: The requirement of graduation is considered fulfilled if students attended these non-credit lectures a total of at least 5 times (from the autumn semester of 2003 the requirement changed from: 4 times, to: 5 times or more), and receive the ¡°S" grade. If the ¡°U" grade is given his requirement is not fulfilled.
- This course is for graduate students which includes Research Ethics, Lab Safety, and Leadership. It is especially to educate prevention of research misconducts and safety regulations since academic circles at home and abroad has recently paid greater attention to research ethics and safety.
- Course Number & Course Name: CC020(CC), Ethics and Safety I
- Target students: All graduate students should take Ethics and Safety I in their first semester in order to graduate(take one time between master's program and doctoral programs) However, if not taken in their first semester, grade "U" is not given but they must take it next semester.
- Students do not have to register for the course but go to the web-site(http://eethics.kaist.ac.kr), complete the course.
- Examination : Take the test online and should get the grade "S" by satisfying the criteria below.
- Exam period: From the beginning of each semester through the final exam period (One may take exams by up to ten times per each sub-course during the period)
- Exam-taking process
- Required Courses by Department (those marked with 'x' are not mandatory)
- This purpose of this course is to teach students the English writing for their professional lives as scientists and engineers. The requirements of this course are different depending on the department.
- Course number and Course name: CC500 Scientific Writing (mandatory general course).
* The course name changed from "Science Writing in English" to "Scientific Writing" starting in Spring 2009. - Credit and grade: Lecture: Lab: Credit (3:0:3), a grade of S/U is given only.
- This course is managed by the School of Humanities and Social Sciences.
- The departments below have deemed this course mandatory; therefore, this course is classified as a mandatory general course.
- Mathematical Sciences, Chemistry, Graduate School of Nanoscience & Tech., Biological Sciences, Bio and Brain Eng., Graduate School of Medical Sciences & Eng.g, Mechanical Eng., Ocean Systems Eng., Industrial Design, Chemical and Biomolecular Eng., Materials Science & Engineering, Nuclear and Quantum Eng., Graduate School of EEWS, Electrical Eng., Industrial & System Eng., Knowledge Service Eng., Graduate School of Tech. Management and Innovation, Graduate School of Culture Tech., Interdisciplinary Program(Polymer Science and Eng.g, Nono Science and Tech.y, Robotics, Culture Tech., Semiconductor Tech. Educational, Biomedical Science and Eng., Telecommunication Eng., Environmental and Energy Tech., eML, Space Exploration Eng.), Graduate Program of Science and Tech. Policy
- Foreign students are allowed to take HSS586 (Introductory Korean for Foreigners I) instead; students from non-English-speaking countries are recommended to complete CC500 and HSS586.
- This course was opened in 2002 and has been offered for graduate students to help the students develop and heighten a "venture" mind, and enhance their entrepreneurial and leadership skills for starting up their own global venture company filled with growth and success.
- Course classification and credit: mandatory general course (CC530), 3:0:3(3).
- If a department has deemed this course mandatory, this course is classified as a mandatory general course.
- If the department has not designated this course as mandatory, this course is recognized as an elective course.
- Departments deeming it mandatory : Mathematical Sciences, Chemistry, Graduate School of Nanoscience & Tech., Biological Sciences, Bio & Brain Eng.. Graduate School of Medical Sciences & Eng.g, Mechanical Eng., Aerospace Eng., Ocean Systems Eng., Chemical and Biomolecular Eng., Materials Science & Engineering, Nuclear and Quantum Eng., Graduate School of EEWS, Electrical Eng., Computer Science, Industrial & System Eng., Knowledge Service Eng., Graduate School of Tech. Management and Innovation, Graduate School of Culture Tech., Interdisciplinary Program(Biomedical Science and Eng., Polymer Science and Eng.g, Nono Science and Tech., Robotics, Culture Tech., Semiconductor Tech. Educational, Biomedical Science and Eng., Telecommunication Eng., Environmental and Energy Tech., eML, Space Exploration Eng.), Graduate Program of Science and Tech. Policy
- This course is applicable to students enrolled in graduate course in the year 2002 or after.
- This Course aimed at providing students in the master¡¯s/doctoral program with opportunities for theory and practice related to the investigation, analysis, and use of patent information necessary for scientists and engineers will be offered from spring 2007.
- Course classification and credit: mandatory general course (CC531), 3:0:3(6).
- If a department has deemed this course mandatory, this course is classified as a mandatory general course.
- If the department has not designated this course as mandatory, this course is recognized as an elective course.
- Departments deeming it mandatory : Chemistry, Graduate School of Nanoscience & Tech., Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Medical Sciences & Eng.g, Bio and Brain Eng., Industrial Design, Chemical and Biomolecular Eng., Materials Science & Engineering, Nuclear and Quantum Eng., Graduate School of EEWS, Electrical Eng., Industrial & System Eng., Knowledge Service Eng., Graduate School of Tech. Management and Innovation, Graduate School of Culture Tech., Interdisciplinary Program(Culture Tech., Biomedical Science and Eng., eML), Graduate Program of Science and Tech. Policy
- This Course aimed at providing students in the master¡¯s/doctoral program with opportunities for systematic design-thinking, offering from spring 2009 as a mandatory course of Renaissance Program.
- Course classification and credit: mandatory general course (CC532), 4:0:4.
- If a department has deemed this course mandatory, this course is classified as a mandatory general course.
- If the department has not designated this course as mandatory, this course is recognized as an elective course.
- Departments deeming it mandatory: Graduate School of Nanoscience & Technology, Biological Sciences, Aerospace Eng., Ocean Systems Eng., Civil & Environmental Eng., Industrial Design, Chemical & Biomolecular Eng., Materials Science & Eng., Nuclear & Quantum Eng., Electrical & Electronic Eng., Computer Science, Industrial & Systems Eng., Knowledge Service Eng.
- * Mechanical Eng., deemed this course mandatory only to the students in Renaissance Program.
- All students in Renaissance Program should take this course.
- 1) Students in coursework master's degree program do not need to submit the master's thesis but have to complete additional coursework (at least 6 more credits)
- 2) Departments/Majors which offer coursework master's degree programs: Mathematical Sciences, Biological Sciences, Bio and Brain Engineering, Nuclear and Quantum Engineering, Computer Science, Graduate School of Culture Technology, Graduate School of Information and Media Management, College of Business(Techno-MBA, Executive-MBA, IMBA, Finance-MBA, Graduate School of Information & Media Management, MIS-MBA, Telecom-MBA), 2 interdisciplinary programs (Professional Software Expert, Telecommunication Engineering), Graduate Program of Science and Technology Policy, IT Technology Program
- 3) Coursework master's degree program in Nuclear and Quantum Engineering : Applies only to international students (admitted in 2003 spring semester or thereafter) who wish to take this option in consultation with his/her academic advisor.
- 4) Biological Sciences : Limited to the persons scheduled to advance to the PhD course.
- 1) The interdisciplinary program is classified into two categories: the students who graduate with the name of the department (interdisciplinary program) and students who graduate only by the name of interdisciplinary program and complete the requirements.
- 2) Students to graduate with the name of the department (interdisciplinary program) shall complete the curriculum of the department and interdisciplinary program at the same time, and students who wish to graduate with the name of the interdisciplinary program shall complete the curriculum of the applicable interdisciplinary program.
- 1) Students who enter the integrated master's and doctoral degree program are expected to complete their doctoral degree. They start with the master's program and are admitted to the PhD program without the usual requirements of submitting the mater's thesis and passing the PhD entrance exam.
- 2) Completion of Curriculum
- The curricula of existing master's and PhD programs are followed.
- For the course requirements for this integrated program, a total of 60 credits (including the curriculum credits of 30 credits or more and the research credits) have to be acquired including credits acquired in the master's program. In addition, students have to satisfy the requirements for the PhD program separately regulated by the department (including the completion of the leadership course).
- The curriculum credits and research credits earned from the master's course may be cumulatively counted.
- Conferment of degree: the doctoral degree is conferred after the student fulfills the course requirements and passes the comprehensive examination and the degree thesis review.
- For a detailed description of the full number of students and student selection procedures, refer to the operation manual of the integrated course for master's and PhD and recruitment instructions for each year's master's and PhD programs.
- Action taken for people who drop out from the course: In case that a student drops out, the master's degree can be conferred if the requirement of master's degree is completed.
- The Renaissance Program is a system design-centric curriculum for fostering graduate students' comprehensive thinking; it is set to be run starting from Spring 2009.
- Eligibility: In principle, the Renaissance Program is open to students joining KAIST in 2009 and onward, but those who have entered KAIST before 2009 are allowed to take part in the program if they complete the courses specified below during their years of enrollment.
- Benefit: Successful participants will be conferred a certificate that demonstrates their completion of the Renaissance program.
- Course requirements
- Course requirements are to be set independently by individual departments, with the following Mandatory courses (13 credits in total) being an exception:
- * Students are encouraged to take design and project courses offered by their respective departments after completing CC532.
- The list of the Departmental Design Course
- * Students can take design courses offered by any departments (regardless of their own department); ones not participating in Renaissance Program can also take the courses above.
- - Departmental Design Project 1,2 : It is possible to replace by research credits(thesis research) of the belonging department if the department allows
- A total of 9 credits are allowed to be taken in master's program (The subtitles are needed for opening special courses and they are recorded on the grade report.)
- 1) Matters on curriculum shall be determined with the entry year as the basis except the separately determined, and in the event that the subject is closed or changed, make sure to complete the replacement course.
- 2) In the event of having separate matters other than the Handbook or instruction related to the curriculum, the policy of the department shall be complied with, however, in the event of having objection or adjustment, it shall be determined through the review of a relevant committee and others.
Course Requirements for graduation
- Graduate Course Requirements
1. Credits for graduation
1) Master's Program
2. Mandatory General Courses and Requirements
A. General Course Requirements
B. Opening and operation of leadership lecture for master's course
C. Course of Ethics and Safety
| Year | Criteria | Notes |
| 2009 | 60 or higher in all of the 3subjects (Research Ethics, Lab Safety and Leadership) | Total 100 in each subject |
| 2010 | 60 or higher in all of the 3subjects (Research Ethics, Lab Safety and Leadership) | |
| 2011 | 60 or higher in all of the 3subjects (Research Ethics, Lab Safety and Leadership) |
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| College | Department | Research Ethics | Lab Safety | Leadership |
| Natural Science | Physics | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Mathematical Sciences | 0 | X | 0 | |
| Chemistry | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Graduate School of Nanoscience & Technology | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Life Science & Bioengineering | Biological Sciences | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Bio and Brain Engineering | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Graduate School of Medical Sciences & Engineering | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Engineering | Mechanical Aerospace & Systems Engineering | |||
| Mechanical Engineering | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Aerospace Engineering | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Ocean Systems Engineering | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Civil and Environmental Engineering | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Materials Science & Engineering | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Nuclear and Quantum Engineering | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Graduate School of EEWS | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| - | School of Innovation | |||
| Management Science | 0 | X | 0 | |
| Graduate School of Innovation & Technology Management | 0 | X | 0 | |
| Master of Intellectual Property | 0 | X | 0 | |
| Cultural Science | Graduate School of Culture Technology | 0 | X | 0 |
| Graduate Program of Science and Technology Policy | 0 | X | 0 | |
| Master of Science Journalism | 0 | X | 0 | |
| Information Science & Technology | Electrical Engineering | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Computer Science | 0 | X | 0 | |
| Information and Communications Engineering | 0 | X | 0 | |
| Industrial & System Engineering | 0 | X | 0 | |
| Knowledge Service Engineering | 0 | X | 0 | |
| Industrial Design | 0 | X | 0 | |
| Graduate School of Technology Management and Innovation | 0 | X | 0 | |
| - | IT Business | 0 | X | 0 |
| Business | Management Engineering | 0 | X | 0 |
| Techno-MBA | 0 | X | 0 | |
| Executive-MBA | 0 | X | 0 | |
| IMBA | 0 | X | 0 | |
| Finance-MBA | X | X | X | |
| Information & Media Management | 0 | X | 0 | |
| Interdisciplinary Program | 0 | X | 0 | |
D. Course of Scientific Writing
E. Course of Entrepreneurship and Management Strategy
F. Course of Patent Analysis and Invention Disclosure
G. Course of Collaborative System Design and Engineering
>> Required Common Courses Lists
| Classification | Course No. | Subject Name | Lec:Lab.:Credit | Department |
| Mandatory General Courses | CC010 | Special Lecture on Leadership | 1:0:0 | Counseling & Students Dev. Ctr. |
| CC020 | Ethics and Safety I | 1AU | Education Innovation Team | |
| CC500 | Scientific Writing | 3:0:3 | Humanities & Social Sciences | |
| CC510 | Introduction to Computer Application | 2:3:3 | Computer Science | |
| CC511 | Probability and Statistics | 2:3:3 | Mathematical Sciences | |
| CC512 | Introduction to Materials and Engineering | 3:0:3 | Material Science & Eng. | |
| CC513 | Engineering Economy and Cost Analysis | 3:0:3 | Industrial & Systems Eng. | |
| CC522 | Introduction to Instruments | 2:3:3 | Electrical Eng. | |
| CC530 | Entrepreneurship and Business Strategies | 3:0:3 | Industrial & Systems Eng. | |
| CC531 | Patent Analysis and Invention Disclosure | 3:0:3 | Bio and Brain Eng. | |
| CC532 | Collaborative System Design and Engineering | 4:0:4 | Mechanical Eng. |
3. Completion of the Coursework Master's Degree Program
4. Completion of the Interdisciplinary Program
5. Completion of the Integrated Master's and Doctoral Degree Program
6. Renaissance Program
| Semester | Course No. | Course | Credit | Course Opening | Remark |
| 1 | CC532 | Collaborative System Design and Engineering | 4 | Spring | CC |
| 2 | Departmental Design Course | 3 | Fall | Refer to the list below | |
| 3,4 | Departmental Project 1,2 | Each 3 | Spring, Fall | Opening in 2010 |
| Department | Course No. | Course Name |
| Mechanical Eng. | MAE590 | Design of Complex Mechanical Systems |
| Aerospace Eng. |
MAE406 | Aerospace System Design ¥± |
| Civil & Environmental Eng. | CE420 | Environmental Design |
| Chemical & Biomolecular Eng. | CBE505 | Chemical Process and Product Design |
| Materials Science & Eng. | MS590 | Design of Nanomaterials and Processing |
| Nuclear & Quantum Eng. | NQE525 | Nuclear System Design Course |
| Electrical Eng. | EE512 | System Programming |
| Computer Science | CS554 | Designs for Software and Systems |
| Industrial & Systems Eng. | IE575 | Special Topics in Industrial Engineering II [Structuring and Pricing of Financial Products] |
| Mathematical Sciences | MAS880B | Topics in Mathematics [Structuring and Pricing of Financial Products] |
7. Completion of special courses
8. Action taken and others

