Graduate Program

Welcome to the Department of Life Sciences at Sogang University.

Graduate Program

<Objectives of Education>

With respect for life, Department of Life Science aims to raise experts that are able to understand and analyze various aspects of life and to apply those basic knowledge for useful purposes. By providing advanced education and individual research, the graduate courses are aim to nurture excellent scientists and researcher who can lead the field of life science globally.


<Master‘s Degree>

Curriculum

1. Total credits required: More than 24 credits from major elective subjects (including up to 3 credits for research subjects).

2. Credits earnable from courses for both undergraduate and master’s degree program; Up to 9 credits

3. Credits transferable from other universities (or departments): No limit.


Qualification Exams

  Comprehensive Exam

   1.Eligibility: Students who have registered for at least three semesters in the master's program.

   2. Number of subjects: Must pass exams in three major subjects.

  Foreign language exam: None.


Thesis

The master's thesis must pass the thesis committee.


Additional Information

1. Research courses are recognized as research credits, and seminar courses are recognized as lecture credits.

2. Only one research or seminar course may be taken per semester.

3. Master's students must take research and seminar courses numbered 6000 or above.

4. Master's students are required to take a seminar course for 1 credit.

 

<Doctoral Degree>

Curriculum

1. Total credits required: More than 27 credits from major elective subjects (including up to 9 credits for research subjects).

2. Credits transferable from other universities (or departments): Up to half of the total credits (up to 6 credits per semester).


Qualification Exams

  Comprehensive Exam

   1.Eligibility: Students who have registered for at least three semesters in the doctoral program.

   2. Number of subjects: Must pass exams in four major subjects.

  Foreign language exam: Conducted.


Other Graduation Requirements

1. As the first author, one paper must be published or accepted for publication in a journal within the top 1/3 of its field according to the Journal Citation Reports (JCR) impact factor (IF) ranking, or two papers in journals within the top 1/2 (If co-first authors, the credit is divided by the number of co-first authors).

2. For papers within the top 10% of JCR IF rankings in the field, up to three co-first authors are recognized as one paper.


Thesis

The doctoral thesis must pass the thesis committee.


Additional Information

1. Research courses are recognized as research credits, and seminar courses are recognized as lecture credits.

2. Only one research or seminar course may be taken per semester.

3. Doctoral students must take research and seminar courses numbered 7000 or above.

4. Doctoral students are required to take seminar courses for 3 credits.

 

<Integrated Master’s and Doctoral Degree>

Curriculum

1. Total credits required: More than 51 credits from major elective subjects (including up to 12 credits for research subjects).

2. Credits earnable from courses for both undergraduate and Master’s degree program; Up to 9 credits

3. Credits transferable from other universities (or departments): Up to half of the total credits (up to 6 credits per semester).

4. Master's degree eligibility: Students who have earned the necessary credits for a master’s program, passed the comprehensive exam, and submitted a master’s thesis that passes the thesis committee may apply for a degree program change to receive a master’s degree.


Qualification Exams

  Comprehensive Exam

   1.Eligibility: Students who have registered for at least seven semesters in the integrated master’s and                             

      doctoral program.

   2. Number of subjects: Must pass exams in four major subjects.

  Foreign language exam: Conducted.


Other Graduation Requirements

1. As the first author, one paper must be published or accepted for publication in a journal within the top 1/3 of its field according to the Journal Citation Reports (JCR) impact factor (IF) ranking, or two papers in journals within the top 1/2 (If co-first authors, the credit is divided by the number of co-first authors).

2. For papers within the top 10% of JCR IF rankings in the field, up to three co-first authors are recognized as one paper.


Thesis

The doctoral thesis must pass the thesis committee.


Additional Information

1. Research courses are recognized as research credits, and seminar courses are recognized as lecture credits.

2. Only one research or seminar course may be taken per semester.

3. In the integrated master’s and doctoral program, students must take special research and seminar courses numbered 6000 or above in the first to fourth semesters, and courses numbered 7000 or above from the fifth semester onward.

4. Integrated master’s and doctoral program students are required to take seminar courses for a total of 3 credits (1 credit by the fourth semester, 2 credits by the eighth semester).

 

BIO5232 Biophysics, 3 credit

Objectives of the course are to study selected biological phenomena using physical principles. Biophysics makes use of physical concepts and techniques to address problems in biology. This course introduces the use of physical methods in the study of biological systems, including macromolecules, membranes, nerves, muscle, photosynthetic systems and visual systems.

BIO5241 Structural Biology, 3 credit

This course introduces how to solve the three dimensional structures in biological systems, including proteins using X-ray crystallography and NMR to understand biological phenomena.

BIO6001 Seminar Ⅰ, 1 credit

Presentation and discussion of interesting topics from modern life science.

BIO6002 Seminar Ⅱ, 1 credit

Presentation and discussion of interesting topics from modern life science.

BIO6003 Seminar Ⅲ, 1 credit

Presentation and discussion of interesting topics from modern life science.

BIO6004 Seminar Ⅳ, 1 credit

Presentation and discussion of recent issues from life science.

BIO6111 Field Practice in Life Science, 3 credit

This course aims at providing students with chances to experience practical applications in bio-companies, hence enhancing the capabilities of students to adapt to a practical fields. Enrolled student must finish their field trips in bio-companies during the break prior to the semester they sign up for this course. (Interdisciplinary course between academy and company)

BIO6121 Methodology in Life Science, 3 credit

The objectives of the course is to study principle of various methodologies that have been frequently used in life science. Together, we will study basic concept and operation of analytical devices to perform experiments in the laboratory.

BIO6133 Advanced Biochemistry, 3 credit

Objectives of the course are to study advanced topics of biomolecules and energy metabolism in biochemistry fields.

BIO6135 Selected Topics in Biochemistry Ⅰ, 3 credit

Objectives of the course are to study selected topics of recent phenomena on biochemistry fields.

BIO6136 Selected Topics in Biochemistry Ⅱ, 3 credit

Continuing the course of BIO6135

BIO6137 Selected Topics in Biochemistry Ⅲ, 3 credit

Continuing the course of BIO6136

BIO6145 Selected Topics in Cell Biology, 3 credit

Objectives of the course are to study selected topics of recent phenomena on cell biology.

BIO6146 Stress Cell Biology, 3 credit

The main topics of the class will be cellular responses in cancer cells and stem cells upon various stress including oxidative stress. We will also study cell damage-related human disease.

BIO6163 Advanced Genetics, 3 credit

Basic mechanisms of heredity, particularly functions of genetic material and expression and recombination of genes are discussed.

BIO6165 Selected Topics in Genetics Ⅰ, 3 credit

Principles of classical and molecular genetics are discussed in depth.

BIO6166 Selected Topics in Genetics Ⅱ, 3 credit

A continuation of BIO6165.

BIO6167 Molecular Genetics, 3credit

Structure and replication of nucleic acids, protein synthesis, regulation of gene expression, recombination, mutation, as well as metabolic shifts in nuclei due to DNA damage are discussed at the molecular level.

BIO6168 Gene Expression, 3 credit

Mechanisms of gene expression and its regulation are discussed with particular emphases on transcription factors that influence such processes.

BIO6169 DNA Damage and Repair, 3 credit

This course will focus on the molecular mechanism of DNA damage and repair in response to external and endogenous stresses such as oxidative stress and radiation. Human diseases that are associated with DNA damage/ repair will be discussed.

BIO6171 Biochemistry of Nucleic Acids, 3 credit

This course will focus on the physical properties of nucleic acid to understand basic concepts of nucleic acid purification, crystallography, sequencing, and hybridization.

BIO6173 Structural and Functional Genomics, 3 credit

The course aims to investigate genomic expression changes in organisms (animals, plants, and microorganisms) due to environmental change by using microarray and analyze the results to categorize important gene clusters in vital response according to their functions. Furthermore, each gene clusters' expression regulation will be classified according to the previous publications and introduced to the students, who will discuss and contemplate about the biochemical role of the functional enzymes or its product.

BIO6174 Stress Genomics, 3 credit

The course looks into the genomic variation caused by cell damage and learns about the instructions on how to use the latest equipments and data analysis methods, which can detect and study the variation.

BIO6175 Stress Epigenetics, 3 credit

The main topic of the class will be the epigenetic regulation of DNA damage and repair processes in response to external and endogenous stresses such as oxidative stress and radiation. We will focus on histone modifications such as phosphorylation, acethylation, methylation, and ubiquitination

BIO6181 Protein Structure, 3 credit

Objectives of the course are to study the relationship between protein structure and function. The topics will cover the introduction of protein structure database and methods fro determining of protein structure.

BIO6191 Signal Transduction System, 3 credit

This course is intended to bring together and put into perspective a large body of knowledge about intracellular signaling systems as well as cell-cell communication. Specifically, this course explores the mechanisms underlying the finely balanced interactions between the different signaling pathways that ensure the occurrence of the required cellular responses. This course also examines how abnormalities in any of the components of the system can lead to a variety of diseases, including cancer. Also included is a discussion of the molecular mechanisms of cellular adaptation, and the development of drug tolerance and dependence.

BIO6231 Molecular Photobiology, 3 credit

This advanced course will cover structural and dynamic studies of DNA and proteins in biological phenomena using several different spectroscopy

BIO6252 Selected Topics in Bioinformatics, 3 credit

The course will focus on discussing the latest research results and trends in the bioinformatics field. In particular, students will learn about the molecular-genetical association between the genetic information and disease susceptibility.

BIO6261 Stress Molecular Biology, 3 credit

The objective of the course is understanding of the genomic alternations including chromatin remodelling and histone modifications in the damaged cells. We will study the effects of DNA damage on cellular responses such as metabolism changes and transcriptional regulation.

BIO6313 Advanced Developmental Biology, 3 credit

The overall mechanism of developmental processes of various organisms will be covered and each developmental aspect will be examined at the molecular, genetic, cellular, tissue, and organ levels.

BIO6315 Selected Topics in Developmental Biology, 3 credit

Selected topics in developmental biology will be covered with the emphasis of recent discoveries.

BIO6323 Advanced Animal Physiology, 3 credit

This course deals with general principles and mechanisms related to nutrition, metabolism, respiration, excretion, circulation, movement, and reproduction of animals in the multiple levels including molecule, cell, tissue, organ, and organ system.

BIO6324 Animal Molecular Physiology, 3 credit

The diverse physiological phenomena of animals are covered in molecular and cellular levels. The structure and function of ion channels involved in diverse physiological events are specially presented and discussed.

BIO6325 Selected Topics in Animal Physiology, Ⅰ 3 credit

The selected topics of animal physiology are learned and discussed using textbooks and recent papers. Their electro-physiological, pharmacological, and biochemical properties are focused to be considered in diverse levels.

BIO6326 Selected Topics in Animal Physiology, Ⅱ 3 credit

Continuation of BIO6325.

BIO6333 Neurophysiology, 3 credit

The topics to be discussed are electrophysiological properties of neurons, resting membrane potential and action potential, synaptic transmission, afferent and efferent pathways, neuronal network, and learning and memory.

BIO6341 Cell Physiology, 3 credit

Diverse topics essential for cell functions are discussed including cell structure and function, membrane permeability, grow and differentiation, metabolism, and characteristics of differentiated cells and tissues.

BIO6351 Selected Topics in Immunology, 3 credit

We will study and discuss current research results and trends in immunology field. In particular, we will study the differentiation and functional regulation of immune cells, and their roles at the organismic level.

BIO6411 Molecular Developmental Biology, 3 credit

The molecular mechanism of determination and differentiation among the keen topics of developmental biology will be discussed.

BIO6431 Molecular Neurobiology, 3 credit

The following topics are discussed on the basis of the background information of molecular biology and neurobiology: neuronal functions, excitability, synaptic transmission, and developmental mechanisms in the nervous system. Critical molecules essential for the neuronal functions are also discussed.

BIO6441 Molecular Cancer Biology, 3 credit

The course is designed to introduce students to the current understanding of the molecular basis of cancer. Current scientific literature will be used as a basis for the discussion. The course highlights multiple areas including oncogenes, tumor suppressor genes, signaling in tumor cells, transformation, cancer stem cells, viruses, cellular function of tumor suppressor genes, tumor cell growth, cell cycle control, and apoptosis.

BIO6451 Regeneration Biology, 3 credit

Organisms can restore part of themselves when they are damaged. Regenerative power varies depending on the organisms and some of them are in the origin of stem cells. In this subject, the characteristics of adult stem cells and their differentiation as well as developmental potentials will be covered with the scope to maximize the regenerative power.

BIO6452 Stem Cell Biology, 3 credit

The objective of this course is to offer the students state-of-the-art education of embryonic, adult, and induced pluripotent stem cells, and how these pluripotent or multipotent cells can be used to treat congenital defects, diseases or injury in humans. The course will review the current knowledge of human and mouse embryonic stem cells and how they develop into various tissue types. Subsequently, adult stem cells in hematopoietic, nervous, and other organ systems will be discussed to provide examples of tissue specific stem cells and their impact in human disease. The course consists of lectures and discussions about scientific articles that relate to the topics that are addressed during the lectures.

BIO6513 Advanced Plant Physiology, 3 credit

Current knowledge on plant physiology will be discussed through case studies on plant physiology including plant hormones, growth and development, photosynthesis, nitrogen fixation, light signaling, and germination mechanisms.

BIO6515 Selected Topics in Plant Physiology Ⅰ, 3 credit

Research advances on plant physiology will be discussed with most current research results.

BIO6516 Selected Topics in Plant Physiology Ⅱ, 3 credit

Continued course from BIO6515.

BIO6551 Plant Molecular Biology, 3 credit

Plant development, heredity, physiology discussed at molecular level and application of molecular techniques for understanding recent discoveries.

BIO6567 Plant Molecular Genetics, 3 credit

Plant heredity at molecular genetic level and application of genetic methods for understanding recent genetic discoveries.

BIO6568 Plant Gene Expression, 3 credit

Regulations on plant gene transcription and translation will be discussed. Gene expression regulations by environmental stress, developmental stages/organs will be of particular interest.

BIO6713 Advanced Microbiology, 3 credit

The structural and functional characteristics of diverse microorganisms with their physiology in nature, which will also include the human interaction to introduce the immunities.

BIO6714 Advanced Microbial Physiology, 3 credit

The differences in culture and metabolic patterns between microorganisms with emphasis on their comparative physiology.

BIO6715 Selected Topics in Microbiology Ⅰ, 3 credit

The most updated issues in the area of microbiology or any specific fields that need to be examined for microbiologist.

BIO6716 Stress Bacterial Metabolism, 3 credit

Microorganisms endure various biological and non-biological stresses in their ecological environments. Those stresses include heat, dry, excess ions, free-radical oxygen, nutrient-stringency, toxic chemicals produced by other microorganisms, and host immune responses. Against these stresses, microorganisms survives through sophisticate tactics by various molecular genetic and biochemical reactions and controls. This course is designed to teach such molecular and biochemical reactions of microorganisms against stresses, helping students to understand the way to control harmful microorganisms and to utilize useful microorganisms.

BIO6723 Advanced Virology, 3 credit

Understanding virus replication steps in detail, and introducing mechanism and development of vaccines and antiviral chemotherapy in molecular level. Focusing recent research progresses in emerging viruses, diseases they induce, and learning how to prevent and treat the disease.

BIO6725 Selected Topics in Virology, 3 credit

Focuses on the recent research progresses and selected topics in virology.

BIO6751 Molecular Microbiology, 3 credit

This course covers the mechanisms underlying the genetic regulations, genomic evolution, morpholigical and physiological differentiations, and stress responses of microoganisms in the genomic level.

BIO6761 Microbial Genetics, 3 credit

This course deals with genetic events in microorganisms such as mutations, repair systems, genetic exchange, plasmids, and transposable elements.

BIO6811 Stress Microbiology, 3 credit

This course deals with responses and adaptation mechanisms of microorganisms to various stresses such as the oxidative stress.

BIO6821 Industrial Microbiology, 3 credit

This course deals with cultural and fermentation methods of various industrial microorganisms, and with methods for the development of industrially useful strains.

BIO6841 Microbial Molecular Pathogenesis, 3 credit

This course is designed to teach pathological mechanisms of human pathogens in the molecular level. Immunological and pathological responses of human bodies and virulence factors of the pathogens eliciting such responses are to be covered. Epidemiology of main bacterial pathogens and also strategies to prevent and cure for the diseases caused by bacteria including newly emerging tactics such as the signal interruption are covered.

BIO6844 Host-Microbe Molecular Interaction, 3 credit

Role of microorganisms and responses of host to them in the ecological niche of the host environment will be discussed.

BIO6911 Research I, 3 credit

Individual students taking the course are supervised under their advisers.

BIO6951 Research Project I, 3 credit

This course will focus on methodologies to measure stress-induced cellular changes or alternations using cellular, biochemical, molecular biological, and electrophysiological equipments and procedures. Genomic methodologies will also be included.

BIO6952 Research Project Ⅱ, 3 credit

Continuation of Research Project I.

BIO6953 Research Project Ⅲ, 3 credit

The course aims to investigate the human DNA variation due to cell damage and the consequent gene expression pattern by using the latest technology. Also, the students will study and discuss about how single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of DNA repair genes affect cell damage response.

BIO7015 Seminar Ⅴ, 1 credit

Presentation and discussion of interesting topics from modern life science.

BIO7016 Seminar Ⅵ, 1 credit

Presentation and discussion of interesting topics from modern life science.

BIO7017 Seminar Ⅶ, 1 credit

Presentation and discussion of interesting topics from modern life science.

BIO7018 Seminar Ⅷ , 1 credit

Presentation and discussion of interesting topics from modern life science.

BIO7911 Research Ⅱ, 3 credit

Individual students taking the course are supervised under their advisers.

BIO7912 Research Ⅲ, 3 credit

Individual students taking the course are supervised under their advisers.

BIO7913 Research Ⅳ, 3 credit

Individual students taking the course are supervised under their advisers.

BIO7914 Research V, 3 credit

Individual students taking the course are supervised under their advisers.

BIO7915 Research Ⅵ , 3 credit

Individual students taking the course are supervised under their advisers.