Pusan National University and Pukyong National University to Launch Joint Graduate Program in Bio-Healthcare Mechatronics Engineering

New Graduate Program to Systematically Train Master's and Doctoral Specialists
Synergy with Busan's Healthcare Specialization Strategy

Pusan National University and National Pukyong University announced on September 2 that, starting from the second semester of the 2025 academic year, they will launch a new interdisciplinary graduate program in Bio-Healthcare Mechatronics Engineering to train master's and doctoral-level specialists in the field.

Prior to this, on August 29, the two universities held an orientation for newly admitted students in Room 102 of Induk Hall at Pusan National University, officially commencing the academic operations of the program.

Bio-Healthcare Mechatronics Engineering is an advanced, future-oriented field that integrates diverse engineering technologies and AI-based analytical methods to precisely diagnose and analyze individual health conditions, as well as predict early signs of diseases. It is regarded as a next-generation core technology that will drive innovation in personalized healthcare and medical technology.

Globally, interdisciplinary curricula aimed at nurturing healthcare professionals are gaining attention, with the joint graduate program operated by Harvard Medical School and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology being a prime example. In Busan, efforts are underway to strategically foster the healthcare industry in response to challenges such as an aging population and low birth rates, and this collaboration between the two universities is expected to further strengthen the region's competitiveness.

The Graduate School of Cognitive Mechatronics Engineering and the Graduate School of Biomedical Information Convergence at Pusan National University, along with the Graduate School of Bionics Engineering for the Fourth Industrial Revolution at Pukyong National University, will participate in this initiative. Graduate students will be able to take a wide range of courses offered by all three institutions, with classes delivered in both in-person and online formats, as well as in English, to attract international students.

In addition, students will have advisors from both Pusan National University and Pukyong National University, conducting joint research by working in both laboratories. This is expected to maximize research synergy. Upon graduation, students will receive a degree jointly certified by the presidents of both universities, with both their original major and the name of the interdisciplinary program indicated on the diploma.

Kim Kwangseok and Jung Sanghwa, professors at Pusan National University, and Lee Byungil, professor at Pukyong National University, who planned the joint degree program, stated, "We hope this program will establish itself as an educational model for nurturing future industry experts representing Busan," adding, "We will also strive to attract outstanding international students."

Pusan National University and National Pukyong University are conducting a joint degree orientation.