Abstract
The purpose of this study is to investigate the current conditions of the domestic and foreign curricula in the field of chemical engineering and to draw implications. The results of the study are as follows. Most of the domestic research universities (including non-certified universities) have curricula organized within the scope of the ABEEK certification, which is the minimum standard guide for chemical engineering curricula. However, we are concerned that chemical engineering education in some domestic universities may lack in education quality and program relevance. Graduates from these universities may not have equivalent qualifications as international graduates. It is considered that most of the 12 domestic universities organize their subjects according to the certificate of accreditation standard and to the traditional subjects of chemistry in the 'Department of Chemical Engineering' or 'Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering Chemical and Biological Engineering'. However, due to the increase in the number of overlapping subjects with other majors because of the movement towards academic diversity, the integrity of the chemical engineering curricula is at risk. In addition, after surveying the major and research areas of the department professors, it has been found that there is a shortage of professors who have majored in chemical engineering. Therefore, there is a concern that students may lack understanding of the core principles of chemical engineering. The results of the analysis of the curricula of overseas research universities (including non-certified universities) are as follows. Although the chemical engineering industry in developed countries like the United States and Europe is advancing and changing very quickly, the chemical engineering education in these countries is highly focused on traditional subjects and other related subjects in order to cultivate traditionally trained chemical engineers. The Department of Chemical Engineering at overseas universities still maintains the academic integrity of the chemical engineering field. This is a significant suggestion for our country. On the other hand, domestic universities are changing the name of their chemical engineering major, or even if the name is maintained, they are fusing their curriculum with other majors such as material engineering. Therefore, it is very necessary at this point to start a discussion regarding the integrity of the department of chemical engineering in Korea. We hope that the departments of chemical engineering in domestic universities maintain the integrity of traditional chemical engineering while operating the curriculum within the scope of the standards of the engineering education certification system.
