What is Bioenergy Science and Technology?

Global demand for energy has tremendously increased due to the accelerated growth of the human population and the improvement of human life. Although natural gas and atomic energy have been utilized to supply a portion of the energy demand, petroleum resources will become depleted within this century. In addition, the increased consumption of fossil fuels will steadily increase emissions of carbon dioxide, augmenting greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Thus, energy and the environment are inextricably linked. Reducing dependence on fossil fuels and imported oil is a challenge of vital importance to national security, the economy, and the environment. Bioenergy, based on biomass, has drawn attention as a sustainable energy source that may help cope with the rising prices of fossil fuels, and address environmental concerns about greenhouse gas emissions. Bioenergy science and technology is about basic biological and biochemical science on plant biomass and enabling technology, not only for the improvement of the yield and quality of cellulosic biofuels and biodiesels, but also for the production of biofuels.

Department of Bioenergy Science and Technology

The Department of Bioenergy Science and Technology was newly established in 2010 and selected as part of the World Class University (WCU) system by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology until 2013. We will establish a pioneering education system for expanding learning opportunities from various academic backgrounds, such as plant biology, molecular biology, chemistry, biochemistry, biotechnology, biochemical engineering, and bioprocess engineering. This innovative education system is intended to accelerate basic research in the development of sustainable bioenergy, including cellulosic ethanol and other biofuels. The final aim of this new department is to provide experts with scientific and technological knowledge that will afford economic and social benefits to agriculture and the environment and, thus, improve the quality of life.

Careers

Bioenergy Science and Technology job opportunities include: biofuel or bioengineering or energy-related corporations, professors or researchers in plant biology, biology, or bioengineering, rural development administration staff, National Institute of Agricultural Biotechnology, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, agricultural research and extension services staff, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry staff, National Plant Quarantine staff, Agricultural Cooperative Association staff, Agricultural Technology Center staff, the private sector (biotechnology and bioengineering or related) staff, etc.

For Further Information

• 4-121, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, 77, Yongbong-ro, Buk-gu, Gwangju, 61186, Korea
• Phone: +82-62-530-2043
• Fax: +82-62-530-2047