The University of Seoul (UOS) was selected as the “The Fourth Industrial Revolution Innovation Leading University,” as part of the “supporting the innovation-leading universities” project. This project supports the formation and management of a convergence curriculum. Accordingly, UOS newly established the Department of Artificial Intelligence and the Department of Applied Chemistry in 2021, with a student quota of 20 each. Since it is the first year for these departments, there are still problems to deal with. However, introducing these new departments to the university is certainly a positive move for the university. 

The Department of Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence (AI) has become a pivotal discipline for cutting-edge technology and future industrial development. The UOS Times interviewed two students, Student A and Lee Geoung-joo (Both, Dept. of Artificial Intelligence, ’21).

AI is a typical field of convergence that requires expertise in a wide range of disciplines. Student A said that “The department brought the subjects required for AI from the related departments. Therefore, it creates a desirable environment to acquire knowledge related to AI more intensively than other departments.” Students are now learning basic programming and the basics and applications of probability and statistics. A common opinion of both students was that they feel like they are getting started with the basics in the Foundations of Programming class, but the Statistics Methodology class is quite difficult to follow. 

On the other hand, there are some problems. The positions for two professors were assigned to each new department. However, for the Department of Artificial Intelligence, only one of the positions has been filled and the other remains vacant. Moreover, students of the two departments are sharing one student council room. Until the department settles properly, intensive support and promotion of UOS are required.

The greatest strength of this department is that it is advantageous for interdisciplinary linkage. In addition to focusing on the field of AI, we could expect a synergy effect between this new department and the other departments that have already developed.

The Department of Applied Chemistry

The Department of Applied Chemistry aims to train experts who can apply the basic concepts of chemistry to various social problems. Since UOS has not had a department related to chemistry so far, this new department could strengthen the foundation for basic science. The UOS Times interviewed one student, Student B (Dept. of Applied Chemistry, ’21).

The strength of the department is that its curriculum is interdisciplinary and reflects the latest developments in the field. In the first semester, students took a class called Chemistry Computer. Students learn about analytical chemistry, computational chemistry, quantum chemistry, and deep learning used in chemistry research. They also learn how to use a program called Gaussian, which calculates molecular energy and vibration models. It is a different course from those offered by the department of chemistry of other schools that starts with general chemistry.

The colloquium conducted by the Department of Applied Chemistry consists of a total of 12 lectures by professors from the College of Engineering or Natural Sciences. Student B said, “Since I do not have much relevant knowledge, it seems like I can only understand about 5 percent of the lecture. However, it was a valuable experience to listen to lectures by professors working at the forefront in each field.”

The Department of Applied Chemistry will be able to further develop the basic science field of UOS and promote convergence research by fostering creative talents who can expand the basic concepts of chemistry to cutting-edge science. 

The enthusiasm and unity of students will further develop the new departments. However, there is still much room for improvement for these departments. For instance, students of the two departments will need separate student council rooms. It is of utmost importance to create a suitable environment so that students can devote themselves to their studies. Several opportunities to actively respond to the Fourth Industrial Revolution and enhance the competitiveness of the university lie in the new departments. 

Kang Sue-ah
sue020324@uos.ac.kr