Master in Synthetic Biology

Synthetic Biology at Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH) is a master's degree program located in Nam-gu, South Korea, taught in English across a two-year coursework period, with intakes in the middle of February or the beginning of September. Synthetic biology applies engineering principles to the design and construction of biological parts, devices, and systems, often with the goal of giving cells new or modified functions. Coursework in this field typically includes molecular biology, genetic circuit design, metabolic engineering, and computational modeling of biological systems. Students often work in laboratory settings building and testing engineered organisms or biological components, learning to apply design principles borrowed from engineering to living systems. Career paths for graduates include roles as synthetic biology researchers, biotechnology engineers, and specialists in biomanufacturing, as well as positions in pharmaceutical, agricultural, or industrial biotechnology companies developing engineered organisms or bio-based products. Some graduates continue into doctoral research exploring new genetic tools or applications in medicine, energy, or materials, while others move into applied roles in biotech startups or established companies. The field's emphasis on both design thinking and laboratory skill suits graduates for research and applied biotechnology work alike. Taught in English, the program is structured to bring international students into a South Korean research setting focused on engineering biology at the molecular and cellular level.