Advanced Field Convergence University (COSS) and the Green Bio Convergence University
The Advanced Field Convergence University (COSS) is a project led by the Ministry of Education that aims to break down the boundaries between universities and academic departments, allowing any student interested in advanced fields to take related courses. The Green Bio Convergence University is a consortium formed by five domestic universities, including Seoul National University, and the city of Daejeon to foster future talents in the green bio industry by applying biotechnology to agricultural and biological resources to create high added value.
At Seoul National University’s Green Bio Convergence University, students can design their own curriculum by choosing from four micro-degree (MD) tracks: Smart Farming, Carbon Neutrality, Bio-Materials, and Eco-Friendly Livestock. The required credits range between 9 and 15, and in addition to coursework, various extracurricular opportunities such as special lectures, competitions, and internships related to green bio are offered.
A Voice from the Field: Student Han Jung-yoon
Han Jung-yoon, a sophomore (Class of 2024) majoring in Applied Life Chemistry at Seoul National University, is currently serving as a supporter for the Green Bio Convergence University this semester while also taking the course “Introduction to Green Bio Biotechnology.” We spoke with her about how she came across the Green Bio Convergence University, her career aspirations and areas of interest, and her personal experiences.
“I believe Green Bio is an industry where various fields collaborate to advance biotechnology and protect the environment.”
Han explained the broad potential of Green Bio, covering areas such as livestock farming, smart farming, polymers, and eco-friendly materials. She first learned about the Green Bio Convergence University supporter program through a recruitment notice sent to her SNU email.
“To be honest, what first drew me in was that it offered an activity stipend,” she admitted candidly. However, beyond the financial aspect, as she participated as a supporter, she naturally became more interested in the shared university programs offered by the Green Bio Convergence University, which motivated her to sign up for the course out of academic interest.
Learning through Debate
“The discussion topics are related to biotechnology. Last week’s topic was ‘Are the impacts of biotechnology on ecosystems beneficial?’, and this week’s is ‘Is biotechnology beneficial to consumers?’”
The “Introduction to Green Bio Biotechnology” class she is taking is conducted entirely online and is evaluated through discussions instead of midterm or final exams. She liked the convenience of taking the course online but also thought it was a good first step toward learning about Green Bio. Since it is a collaborative program with partner universities, students from different schools participate in discussions together. They have already completed the first debate, “Are the impacts of biotechnology on ecosystems beneficial?” and are now preparing for the second debate: “Is biotechnology beneficial to consumers?” According to the program guidelines, students can only take 3 credits per semester, and Han is currently focusing on this one introductory course.
A Dream in Eco-Friendly Polymers
“Since high school, I’ve been interested in natural polymer research and had a vague dream of conducting research that contributes to environmental protection.”
Among the various micro-degree tracks, Han is particularly interested in bio-materials. She expressed a strong interest in eco-friendly polymer materials.
“Honestly, I’m more interested in polymers than in eco-friendly livestock. Since high school, I’ve been fascinated by natural polymer research and have dreamed of conducting research that contributes to environmental protection,” she said. She added that seeing many professors in her major researching polymers further deepened her interest in the field and in Green Bio overall.
Balancing Studies and Supporter Activities
In addition to being a student at the Green Bio Convergence University, Han is also active as part of its supporter program, where she works as a member of the video team.
“We produce two promotional videos per month. Last month, we made a course introduction video for ‘Introduction to Green Bio Biotechnology,’” she shared. Her videos can be viewed on the Green Bio Supporters’ official Instagram account.
With her growing involvement in Green Bio-related activities, Han hopes to continue exploring various fields and gaining experiences that will help her move one step closer to her dream.
