After a fun orientation, it was now back to reality. Let me cover two key parts: course mapping and lessons.
1. Course mapping
POSTECH has an efficient learning management system (LMS) in both Korean and English, showing the courses available for the term, the number of credits given and the professor delivering the course. Clicking on the course brings up a course summary and an option to find the course syllabus. If you have any questions on courses, just send an email to the relevant professor. Replies are frequent and fast!
POVIS, POSTECH’s Vision Information System also has a course registration simulation function, allowing you to display your weekly class schedule and lesson location.
Course registration simply is three steps: Load the course registration page, search for the relevant course, and click “Add”. Repeat this for the other courses you want to register. That’s it! You’re enrolled!
If you’re unable to get the course you’ve wanted, simply print out the “Change of Course Registration” form, attend the class which you’re unable to enroll to, get the relevant professor to endorse and sign the form, and present the course registration slip to your department office. The school gives a good two week period to finalise course registrations.
2. Lessons
Some lessons are delivered fully in Korean, some Korean and English (written and printed notes in English, but delivered in Korean), and some almost in full English. Professors in general would attempt to conduct lessons in English when there are exchange students. Eventually, it depends on the opinion of the majority. Arrangements could potentially be worked out with the relevant professor on the language of instruction or grading criteria.
Important note: Korean universities have a strict policy on attendance – you are obligated to attend at least 80% of classes and 90% of lab sessions. This is due to regulations set by Korea’s Ministry of Education. The professor or teaching assistant would either call you out by name during lessons for attendance-taking, or you would have to tap in to an attendance tracking system using your student pass – a radio frequency card issued by the school. Even if the lesson is conducted in Korean. Some professors have stricter attendance policies.
Till then!
