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Education KAIST Graduate School of Engineering Biology
Degree Requirements
Degree Programs & Requirements
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01
Degree
Programs -
- Master’s, Doctoral, and Integrated Master’s–Ph.D. programs
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02
Degrees Conferred
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- Master of Science in Engineering (M.S.)
- Doctor of Philosophy in Engineering (Ph.D.)
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03
Graduation Requirements
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Drag from side to side.
Category
Master’s
Doctoral
Integrated Master’s–Ph.D.
Major Required Courses
≥ 6 credits
≥ 9 credits
≥ 9 credits
Major Elective Courses
≥ 12 credits
≥ 18 credits
≥ 18 credits
General Required Courses
≥ 3 credits & 1 AU
≥ 3 credits & 1 AU
≥ 3 credits & 1 AU
Research
≥ 12 credits
≥ 3 credits of seminar
≥ 1 credit of graduate seminar
≥ 30 credits
≥ 4 credits of seminar
≥ 2 credits of graduate seminar (1 presentation required)
≥ 30 credits
≥ 4 credits of seminar
≥ 2 credits of graduate seminar (1 presentation required)
Total
≥ 33 credits
≥ 60 credits
≥ 60 credits
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04
Thesis Examination Eligibility
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To qualify for the thesis defense, students must meet the following conditions:
- Completion of all program requirements for the Master’s or Doctoral course
- Acquisition of the required coursework credits:
- Master’s: 33 credits or more (including current semester credits)
- Doctoral: 60 cumulative credits or more (including current semester credits) - Within the maximum submission period for the degree thesis:
- Master’s: within 4 years after completion (extendable by up to 2 years)
- Doctoral: within 6 years after completion (extendable by up to 2 years) - Students exceeding this period may register as extended research students to be granted additional thesis submission opportunities
- The Graduate Education Committee reviews and recommends the acceptance of each Doctoral Dissertation, including its evaluation report and examination
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05
Course Catalogue
For a detailed list of courses offered by the Graduate School of Engineering Biology, please refer to the Course Catalogue section.
- Course Overview
- Course list
Course Overview
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EB500 Introduction of Engineering Biology
3:0:3 - This course introduces the fundamental concepts, history, and background of Engineering Biology. It provides an overview of topics in DNA, RNA, protein, and cell factory systems, along with recent applications in synthetic biology. By understanding these principles, students will acquire the ability to design novel biology-based systems.
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EB501 Design and Build for Engineering Biolog
3:0:3 - This course focuses on the “Design” and “Build” stages of the DBTL (Design–Build–Test–Learn) framework, which forms the foundation of Engineering Biology. Students will learn essential design and construction strategies and gain practical experience through training in the Biofoundry Beta Facility, understanding how biofoundry technologies accelerate DBTL workflows.
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EB502 Programming for Engineering Biology
3:0:3 - An introductory course in programming for biological engineers. Students learn computational theory, data structures, and numerical/statistical methods using Python and R. Through hands-on exercises, students develop computational and coding skills required for modeling, data analysis, and algorithmic problem solving in Engineering Biology.
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EB510 Synthetic Biology of Nucleic Acids
3:0:3 - This course covers the design and engineering of nucleic acid molecules for diverse biological and medical applications. Topics include RNA modification, DNA origami, DNA/RNA enzyme catalysis, nucleic acid regulation by proteins and metal ions, and single-molecule imaging and analysis. Students gain conceptual and technical knowledge for controlling and reprogramming nucleic acid functions through engineering approaches.
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EB511 Genetic and Epigenetic Control in Synthetic Biology
3:0:3 - This course explores molecular mechanisms of gene and epigenetic regulation in human cells. Students study DNA methylation, histone modification, chromatin structure and remodelers, and related regulatory mechanisms. The course also emphasizes how these molecular systems can be engineered for applications in synthetic and therapeutic biology.
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EB520 Genome Engineering Technologies for Synthetic Biology
3:0:3 - An in-depth study of genome engineering tools and methods used in synthetic biology. Topics include site-specific genome editing technologies such as CRISPR/Cas9, TALENs, and other systems. Applications include the creation of agricultural and biomedical models, engineered cell lines, and in vivo genome editing techniques.
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EB530 AI and Enzyme Protein Engineering
3:0:3 - This course provides a comprehensive understanding of enzyme and protein engineering with a focus on AI-driven high-throughput design. Students learn enzyme classification, catalysis, kinetics, and structure–function relationships. Based on this foundation, they develop competencies in structural redesign, directed evolution, and machine learning–assisted enzyme engineering.
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EB550 Cell, Tissue Design and Analysis
3:0:3 - This course examines cellular and tissue-level structures, functions, and their applications. Topics include gene expression and circuits, cellular signaling and networks, organoid design, and tissue engineering strategies. Students learn principles for cell/tissue design and analysis, aiming to enhance biological performance through Engineering Biology.
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EB570 Numerical Methods for Engineering Biology
3:0:3 - This course introduces numerical methods for solving mathematical and computational problems arising in Engineering Biology. Students learn algorithms and techniques for approximation and simulation, with examples drawn from real-world biological systems. Applications span data modeling, parameter estimation, and quantitative analysis in bioengineering.
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EB580 Multi-omics Data Analysis and Practice in Engineering Biology
3:0:3 - Students learn statistical and computational techniques for analyzing biological data efficiently using R and Bioconductor tools. The course combines lectures and practical sessions to build competence in multi-omics data handling, interpretation, and visualization — a key skill in modern Engineering Biology.
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EB600 Lab Automation and Biofoundry Practice
0:3:3 - A practical course designed to train students in the use of biofoundry automation systems. Students learn the fundamentals of laboratory robotics, automated liquid handling, and process integration using KAIST Biofoundry educational facilities.
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EB610 Nano Medicine and Nanoengineering Biology
3:0:3 - This course explores nanomaterials and nanostructures in biological systems, including their synthesis, characterization, and applications. Topics cover nanocarriers for drug and gene delivery, nanomachines for genome editing, and nanomedicine approaches for gene regulation. Students study methods for effective integration of nanoscale materials with biological systems.
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EB620 Advanced Gene and Cell Therapy
3:0:3 - This course provides an in-depth understanding of gene and cell therapy technologies. Students explore advanced genome editing tools, gene delivery systems, and recent therapeutic strategies. The course emphasizes translational aspects linking synthetic biology, genome engineering, and clinical biotechnology.
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EB495 BS Individual Research
0:6:1 - An undergraduate individual research course that offers students opportunities to experience active research in Engineering Biology and Synthetic Biology. Students may register under faculty members of their choice and conduct independent or team-based projects to explore diverse research topics.
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EB960 M.S. Thesis Research
0:0:0 - A research-intensive course in which master’s students conduct in-depth and creative research under the supervision of their academic advisor as part of their degree requirements.
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EB966 M.S. Seminar
1:0:1 - Students attend seminars delivered by internal and external experts in Engineering Biology and Synthetic Biology. The course includes lectures and Q&A sessions to help students understand recent research trends across related disciplines.
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EB980 Ph.D. Thesis Research
0:0:0 - Doctoral students perform advanced and original research under faculty supervision to fulfill their degree requirements. The research aims to contribute new knowledge to the fields of Engineering Biology and Synthetic Biology.
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EB986 Ph.D. Seminar
1:0:1 - A graduate seminar where internal and external experts share cutting-edge research in Engineering Biology. Students engage in discussions and Q&A sessions to broaden their academic perspective and understanding of the field.
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EB990 Graduate Student Seminar
1:0:1 - As part of the degree requirements, graduate students present their own research results and participate in discussions and Q&A sessions. The course provides opportunities for peer feedback, collaboration, and academic communication among students.
Course list
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Category |
Course Code |
Course Title |
Adviser |
Credits* (L:P:C) |
Semester Offered |
Cross- |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Required |
EB500 |
Introduction of Engineering Biology |
Faculty |
3:0:3 |
Spring / Fall |
Yes |
Required |
EB501 |
Design and Build for Engineering Biology |
Faculty |
3:0:3 |
Spring |
Yes |
Required |
EB502 |
Programming for Engineering Biology |
Faculty |
3:0:3 |
Fall |
Yes |
Elective |
EB510 |
Synthetic Biology of Nucleic Acids |
Faculty |
3:0:3 |
Spring / Fall |
Yes |
Elective |
EB.511 |
Genetic and Epigenetic Control in Synthetic Biology |
Faculty |
3:0:3 |
Spring / Fall |
Yes |
Elective |
EB520 |
Genome Engineering Technologies for Synthetic Biology |
Faculty |
3:0:3 |
Spring / Fall |
Yes |
Elective |
EB530 |
AI and Enzyme Protein Engineering |
Faculty |
3:0:3 |
Spring / Fall |
Yes |
Elective |
EB.550 |
Cell, Tissue Design and Analysis |
Faculty |
3:0:3 |
Spring / Fall |
Yes |
Elective |
EB.570 |
Numerical Methods for Engineering Biology |
Faculty |
3:0:3 |
Spring / Fall |
Yes |
Elective |
EB.580 |
Multi-omics Data Analysis and Practice in Engineering Biology |
Faculty |
3:0:3 |
Spring / Fall |
Yes |
Elective |
EB.600 |
Lab Automation and Biofoundry Practice |
Faculty |
0:3:3 |
Spring / Fall |
No |
Elective |
EB.610 |
Nano Medicine and Nanoengineering Biology |
Faculty |
3:0:3 |
Spring / Fall |
No |
Elective |
EB.620 |
Advanced Gene and Cell Therapy |
Faculty |
3:0:3 |
Spring / Fall |
No |
Research |
EB495 |
BS Individual Research |
Faculty |
0:6:1 |
Offered Year-Round |
Yes |
Research |
EB960 |
M.S. Thesis Research |
Faculty |
0:0:0 |
Spring / Fall |
No |
Seminar |
EB966 |
M.S. Seminar |
Faculty |
1:0:1 |
Spring / Fall |
No |
Research |
EB980 |
Ph.D. Thesis Research |
Faculty |
0:0:0 |
Spring / Fall |
No |
Seminar |
EB986 |
Ph.D. Seminar |
Faculty |
1:0:1 |
Spring / Fall |
No |
Seminar |
EB990 |
Graduate Student Seminar |
Faculty |
1:0:1 |
Spring / Fall |
No |
*Note: Credit format is expressed as Lecture–Lab–Credit (L–P–C).