제 27 호 Biocass: Sangmyung University's New Platform for Biohealth Education
Kicker: SM NEWS
Biocass: Sangmyung University's New Platform for Biohealth Education
By Sol-Mi Lim, Cup-Reporter
The biohealth industry is no longer confined to laboratories and hospitals; it has emerged as one of the most dynamic fields shaping our future. With societies facing rapid aging, growing concerns over wellness, and the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, biohealth has become a central pillar of national competitiveness. It integrates biotechnology, healthcare, nutrition, and digital innovation, creating opportunities that extend far beyond traditional medicine. Recognizing this global shift, Sangmyung University has introduced the Biohealth Convergence and Open Sharing System, better known as BIOCOSS. Rather than simply expanding its curriculum, the university aims to build a new educational platform that bridges academia and industry. By doing so, BIOCOSS seeks to nurture convergence-oriented talent equipped with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. This initiative reflects Sangmyung’s response to a critical question facing higher education today: how can universities prepare students not just to adapt to change, but to lead the transformations of the future?
the Website of BIOCOSS
Reimagining Curriculum Through Convergence
At its core, BIOCOSS reflects a shift from rigid academic tracks to a more fluid and convergence oriented system of higher education. The program is structured in progressive stages so that students gradually build expertise in biohealth while simultaneously acquiring transferable skills in other disciplines. Unlike conventional majors, BIOCOSS embraces a dual-track model: students may pursue in-depth training as part of a double major or opt for a micro-major to complement their primary field of study. This flexibility not only allows them to tailor their academic path but also mirrors the interdisciplinary nature of the biohealth industry itself, which thrives on the integration of biotechnology, nutrition, digital healthcare, and engineering.
The digital backbone of the program is equally significant. By consolidating all courses, assignments, attendance tracking, and assessments into one online platform, BIOCOSS ensures that students experience seamless and transparent learning management. This structure reduces the administrative burden and encourages students to take ownership of their academic journey. Furthermore, the system supports synchronous and asynchronous modes of study, enabling learners to engage at their own pace while still meeting rigorous standards. Such innovations demonstrate how BIOCOSS aims to reshape not only what is taught but also how education is delivered in the 21st century.
From Academic Knowledge to Industry Readiness
As Another defining element of BIOCOSS is its strong emphasis on bridging academic theory with industry practice. Beyond classroom learning, the initiative incorporates diverse experiential components such as student ambassador programs, comparative studies through non-credit activities, and collaborative projects with external partners. By doing so, the program cultivates practical problem-solving abilities and teamwork, ensuring that students are not only consumers of knowledge but also producers of solutions.
The evaluation system reinforces this philosophy. Rather than relying solely on traditional grade hierarchies, BIOCOSS implements absolute grading and pass/fail assessments to shift the focus from competition to mastery. This encourages students to take intellectual risks, experiment with new ideas, and prioritize long-term learning outcomes over short-term performance. Such measures are especially valuable in fields like biohealth, where innovation depends on trial, error, and resilience.
At the same time, BIOCOSS actively fosters industry linkages. Partnerships with healthcare companies, biotech startups, and research institutes are designed to expose students to real-world challenges and entrepreneurial opportunities. These collaborations are expected to expand further, opening doors for internships, joint research projects, and global networking. Ultimately, BIOCOSS is envisioned not simply as a university program but as a living laboratory where academic knowledge converges with industrial application, equipping graduates to lead the next wave of biohealth innovation.
The Sangmyung University’s BIOCOSS represents more than an educational program—it is a bold experiment in reshaping the way universities prepare students for emerging industries. By integrating flexible curricula, hands-on experiences, and strong ties with industry, the initiative positions itself as a platform where academic and practical knowledge converge. Its vision is ambitious: to nurture professionals who can lead the next generation of biohealth innovation in Korea and beyond. Yet it is important to note that BIOCOSS currently operates as part of the national University Innovation Convergence Program, with funding and scope secured only until 2026. This means the project’s continuity remains uncertain, and prospective students considering biohealth as their major should carefully evaluate how this aligns with their long-term academic and career goals. However, at the same time, the program offers a rare chance to experience courses that differ from conventional university subjects and to study in spaces designed specifically for convergence learning. For readers seeking a challenge and a new perspective on higher education, BIOCOSS may be an opportunity worth seizing.
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