Your First Step into POSTECH's Cutting-Edge Research Infrastructure and Systems
Course Overview
- Purpose: To provide freshmen with hands-on experience in their intended major's research field, support future planning, and enhance understanding of research planning and methodology, while encouraging independent inquiry
- Target: Freshmen in Mueunjae College and the Department of Semiconductor Engineering who wish to participate
- Credits: 1 credit per course (※ Students may enroll in multiple courses, but only 1 credit will count toward graduation requirements)
Departmental Program Plans for Fall 2026
| Mathematics |
- Week 1 (September 4): Course orientation will be held in Room 104, Mathematical Science Building, and students will select their research topics. - Weeks 2–14: Research activities will be conducted independently through discussions between students and their faculty advisors. - Week 15: Research Presentation is scheduled for Thursday, December 11. |
|---|---|
| Physics |
The program consists of two tracks: Lab Tour Track and Research Participation Track. 1. Lab Tour Track Visit eight research laboratories and the Accelerator Facility, with laboratory introductions, research demonstrations, and an accelerator tour. 2.Research Participation Track
|
| Chemistry |
1. Week 1: Meeting with the course coordinator and selection of a preferred faculty advisor for research participation. 2. Weeks 2–3: Laboratory safety training and preparation for basic research in each laboratory. 3. Weeks 4–16: Participation in research activities in the assigned laboratory. |
| Life Sciences | - Participate in research (experimental practice) under the guidance of professors and research mentors |
| Materials Sciences & Engineering |
The first class will be held at 8:00 AM on Tuesday of the second week in Room 118, Engineering Building 1. (No class during the first week.) For six weeks, a brief introduction to the department will be provided every Tuesday at 8:00 AM. After that, each student will be assigned a teaching assistant (TA) and will begin participating in laboratory activities. Further details will be announced via email and PLMS. |
| Mechanical Engineering |
Students participate in research activities in the fields of Aerospace Engineering and Robotics in the Department of Mechanical Engineering. The course structure and operation may be adjusted according to class size. |
| Industrial & Management Engineering |
- Week 1: Orientation, introduction to participating faculty members and their research areas, and faculty advisor matching - Weeks 2–8: At least three meetings with the assigned faculty advisor or research team (Minimum 1 hour per meeting) - Midterm Progress Report (Due: Saturday, November 2) One PowerPoint file per team (minimum 5 slides) Team introduction (team members and faculty advisor) Research topic Research progress Future research plan - Weeks 9–14: At least three additional meetings (Minimum 1 hour per meeting) - Week 15: Final Presentation Monday, December 9, 6:00 PM All teams will present their research to the class. The final presentation slides serve as the final project report. Submit a PowerPoint presentation (minimum 15 slides) before the presentation. |
| Electrical Engineering |
Evaluation of students’ class participation and presentations by graduate student mentors Evaluation of midterm and final presentations by the course instructor Peer evaluation of presentations by students from other groups Presentations will be conducted online |
| Computer Science & Engineering |
Information on the Department of Computer Science and Engineering research areas and participating laboratories will be provided to enrolled students. Based on the information provided, students will contact faculty members in their research areas of interest and determine their participation through consultation. Once accepted by a faculty advisor, students will conduct an individual research project under the advisor's supervision. Upon completion of the research, students must submit a final research report. Note: The course operation and schedule are subject to change. Detailed information and the final schedule will be announced to enrolled students at a later date. |
| Chemical Engineering |
Phase 1 (Before Midterm Examination) Week 1: Introduction to the participating laboratories Weeks 2–4: Laboratory Experience I (Students participate in their selected laboratory) Week 5: Discussion session with faculty members and graduate students Phase 2 (After Midterm Examination) Week 1: Introduction to the participating laboratories Weeks 2–4: Laboratory Experience II (Students participate in their selected laboratory) Week 5: Discussion session with faculty members and graduate students |
| Convergence IT Engineering (CiTE) |
- |
Recent Semester Completion Status (based on number of students who completed the program)
※ As of the end of spring 2026
| Department | Spring 2024 |
Fall 2024 |
Spring 2025 |
Fall 2025 |
Spring 2026 |
Fall 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | (Not Offered) | 12 | (Not Offered) | 6 | (Not Offered) | - |
| Physics | 44 | 13 | 32 | 12 | 24 | - |
| Chemistry | 3 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 9 | - |
| Life Sciences | 48 | 12 | 18 | 8 | 22 | - |
| Materials Sciences & Engineering | 26 | 14 | 23 | 7 | 23 | - |
| Mechanical Engineering | 21 | 11 | 16 | 7 | 24 | - |
| Industrial & Management Engineering | (Not Offered) | 13 | 25 | 5 | (Not Offered) |
- |
| Electrical Engineering | (Not Offered) | 14 | (Not Offered) | 21 | (Not Offered) | - |
| Computer Science & Engineering | (Not Offered) | 31 | (Not Offered) | 21 | (Not Offered) | - |
| Chemical Engineering | 7 | 9 | 12 | 9 | 17 | - |
| Convergence IT Engineering (CiTE) | 21 | 2 | 8 | 1 | 14 | - |
| Semiconductor Engineering | 40 | (Not Offered) | 43 | (Not Offered) | 43 | - |
| total | 210 | 133 | 179 | 99 | 176 | - |
Course Structure
| Course No. | Course Title | Credits |
Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| ○○○○199 | Freshman Research Participation | 1 | - As effective program structures vary by department depending on faculty composition and research characteristics, each department operates the program autonomously according to its own circumstances. - The first four digits of the course number are assigned differently depending on the department. |
FAQ
| (Q) Are freshmen required to complete the Freshman Research Participation course?
This course is an elective and is not required for graduation. However, along with the Department Exploration (required) and Department Introduction (elective) courses, it provides concrete hands-on experience in departmental education and research. Students are therefore encouraged to participate in the Freshman Research Participation course for a department of their interest at least once. |
| (Q) How is the course graded?
This course is graded on a Pass/Fail basis and is evaluated comprehensively in accordance with each department's regulations. |
Course Inquiries
- Please contact the Administrative Office of the relevant department. [Go to Department Profiles]