On September 8th, the College of Information & Biomedical Engineering of Pusan National University (PNU) announced that the "Department of Artificial Intelligence (AI)" would be newly established in the "School of Computer Science & Engineering" in the 2023 academic year, as a joint department with Kyungpook National University (KNU). This department will recruit 128 students from PNU (68 students) and KNU (60 students). PNU will selects 43 students from the early decision and 25 from the regular decision.

The case in which two universities jointly recruit students is the first time in the history of the Ministry of Education. PNU and KNU plan to run a curriculum that shares professors and educational facilities and will award joint degree certificates. Both universities are preparing an "interchange semester" system that allows students to study at another school for one semester. Song Gil-Tae (Professor, School of Computer Science & Engineering) said, "I think PNU, which is strong in software, and KNU, which is strong in hardware, jointly operating departments and sharing educational infrastructures will create a good synergy."

The Department of Artificial Intelligence aims to nurture data-based "problem-solving AI convergence talents." According to the School of Computer Science & Engineering, unlike the existing Artificial Intelligence courses, the newly established department builds essential competencies from the first year, teaches core AI skills in the upper grades, and connects students to employers after graduation. Students in the Department of AI learn artificial intelligence software, machine learning, virtual reality, and big data. They develop problem-solving skills through industrial internships and field training, learn artificial intelligence software, machine learning, virtual reality, and big data. Training opportunities at world-class universities such as Stanford University are also provided.

Current students can also transfer to the Department of AI. As with other departments, minor, double major, and connected major are all available. By establishing general elective courses specialized in AI, it plans non-major students can easily access AI technology.

Prof. Song said, "We try to systematically provide university education to nurture professional talents that are still insufficient. And (through the department of AI), I believe that AI technology will be fused with various fields inside and outside of school, so that exchanges will become more active and can play an essential role in the local community."

Reporter Kang Ji-Won

Translated by Seo Hae-Seong