Introduction

In response to global trends, the College of Science and Technology developed a cross-disciplinary education program by integrating engineering, science, and technology, promoting sustainable environment and energy, as well as the cross-disciplinary application of artificial intelligence. The college enhances academic research, industry–government–academic collaborations, and technology commercialization through patent acquisition. Teachers and students are encouraged to engage in society and apply their expertise to solve complex and diverse social issues. At the same time, students' practical skills are trained so that what they have learned will have a positive contribution to society.

Established in August 1998, the NCNU College of Science and Technology aims to foster and diversify knowledge in communicative and multimedia technology (computer science, information engineering), nanomaterials and optoelectronics (applied materials, optoelectronics, electrical engineering), natural disaster prevention (civil engineering, electrical engineering, information engineering), and biomedical technology and analysis (applied chemistry, electrical engineering, and optoelectronics). Interdisciplinary programs in flat-panel display (FDP), nano-biomedical technology, and radio-frequency identification (RFID) are also offered by the College.

The College aims to cultivate well-rounded students who are trained in the humanities, equipped with moral ethics, and devoted to research. Programs are also in place for rewarding students and faculty members who participate in out-of-school competitions, initiate multidisciplinary research and inter-departmental collaboration, and hold exchanges with sister schools and partner institutes. The expansion of minds and perspectives, integration of innovative research with technological trends, and partnership between industry and academic are among the ongoing objectives that will cement the school’s place as a leading academic research institute of central Taiwan.

Core skills that the College hopes to install in students include equal emphasis on theory and practice, innovative and independent thinking, ability to communicate and work as a team, understanding of global trends, and professional ethics. Instructors encourage their students to partake in a wide range of academic activities and competitions and submit their findings in local and international symposiums as well.

Since 2008, Students and graduates have garnered over a hundred accolades and prizes in various private and public competitions, including the Macronix Golden Silicon Awards, Altera Design Contest, Taiwan Nokia App Design Contest, ROC Centennial Open Source Contest, AUO Green Ark Awards, and E-Life National Design Competition. Students have also published or shared their dissertations – often with honor and distinction – in the United Kingdom, United States, Germany, Japan, Italy, Canada, Portugal, Australia, China, Greece, South Korea, Vietnam, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, and Macau.

Departments in College of Science and Technology

• Applied Chemistry

Academic Strengths

Applied Chemistry covers the fields of food, biochemistry, medicine, dyes, petrochemicals, catalysts, materials, environmental protection, batteries, and semiconductor processes. The planning of this department focuses on the three major directions of biotechnology, material chemistry, and analytical chemistry. All of these areas are needed to synthesize and develop materials. The job of a chemist is to synthesize a variety of ever-changing structures for practical applications.

Taking into account regional and global trends, the Department focuses on three areas – biomedical, materials, and analytical chemistry – to prepare students for academic research, science teaching, and high-tech industries.

Biomedical: The Department arranges cooperative research to pass on the fundamental spirit of medicine and promote partnership with regional hospitals in Puli Township. This arrangement helps boost the overall improvement of medical facilities and information transmission in Puli, as well as offer practical experience for students in biomedical theory and applications.

Materials: The Department offers comprehensive education and research opportunities, a stellar academic record, and strong ties with industry players to stay ahead of the development of key technology trends.

Analytical Chemistry: The Department places equal emphasis on the theory and practice of techniques relating to electrochemical analysis, magnetic separation technology for magnetic nano particles, photonics analysis, porphycene analysis, and other chemical analysis methods.

Career Prospects

Given the recent advancements in the nation’s electronic and biotechnology sectors, the growth of the science parks in central and southern Taiwan will fuel demand for new professionals in all fields of applied chemistry.

 

• Applied Materials and Optoelectronic Engineering

Academic Strengths

The Department of Applied Materials and Optoelectronic Engineering cultivates professional and research talents in optoelectronics, material science, and electronics. The curriculum is in line with the developmental trends of the industry and includes professional courses in materials, optoelectronics, and electronics. Most graduates excel as engineers in major domestic and international technology companies.

The Department aims to cultivate optoelectronic engineers with a background in materials technology.

The curriculum focuses on optoelectronic materials and devices, related applications, and foundational principles.

The Department offers two main areas of study – (1) organic materials, polymer materials, and optoelectronic devices and (2) nanomaterials, semiconductor materials, and photonics devices.

Students are encouraged to take inter-departmental elective courses to become more familiar with new fields of knowledge and their cross-field applications.

Career Prospects

Graduates may choose to work or pursue advanced studies in optoelectronics in top schools in Taiwan or abroad. Careers can be found as materials researcher, manufacturing engineer, lab technician, semiconductor engineer, quality controller, optoelectronic engineer, electric engineer, and solar engineer. Recent graduates have been hired by Taiwan Semiconductor, Largan Precision, United Microelectronics Corporation, Siliconware Precision Industries, Chi Mei Corporation, AU Optronics, Innolux Corporation, Gintech Energy Corporation, Epistar Corp., Motech Solar Co., and King Yuan Electronics.

 

• Computer Science and Information Engineering

Academic Strengths

What does the Department of Computer Science and Information Engineering teach? Simply put,  the department trains students to become an expert in programming, hardware control, operating systems, mobiles/mobile applications, network communication, cloud computing, data analysis, Internet of Things, artificial intelligence, software, applications, and terminology. One thing that does not change is the need for someone who can write programs. Our goal is to let programs serve us, make programs more efficient, and integrate technology with human nature. The NCNU Department of Computer Science and Information Engineering is a pioneer in the development of programming.

Integration of information technology and machine learning that provides graduates with professional skills in both computer science and artificial intelligence.

Emphasis on practical instruction that provides graduates with the ability to both program software and operate machinery.

A five-year program for obtaining both undergraduate and graduate degrees for those who excel academically.

An interdepartmental network combining the resources of the departments of electric engineering, information systems, and information management that provides students with the opportunity to learn across multiple disciplines, engage in new fields, and potentially graduate with double degrees in engineering and management.

Support for students who participate in national and international software and mobile application competitions, as well as those who share their dissertations through local and global channels.

Opportunities for students to work with companies and learn from on-site experiences.

Emphasis on international and educational exchanges by providing opportunities for students to broaden their perspectives and engage with the global academic community.

Career Prospects

Graduates are well-equipped for positions in the computer, electronics, and internet sectors, including the fields of animation, multimedia, gaming, software, hardware, integrated circuit, biotechnology, nanotechnology, and telecommunications; or a career in academia or the public sector.

 

• Civil Engineering

Academic Strengths

The Department of Civil Engineering teaches professional knowledge in geotechnical engineering, structural stress, hydraulic engineering, transportation engineering, environmental engineering, etc., to cultivate civil engineering professionals who are good at both theories and practices. Fifty percent of the graduates are engaged in civil engineering-related industries or work in civil engineering-related public departments (73% government departments, 27% government-owned enterprises). They have a high passing rate in the public service examinations and are in demand on the job market.

The Department aims to strengthen the relations between practical engineering and industrial, social, and national trends through curriculum design, discussions and forums, research projects, visitations and internships, and employment counseling.

The Department values academic research and industry-university cooperation by actively pursuing collaboration and exchange with renowned domestic and international universities.

The Department coordinates integrated research pertaining to landslide and earthquake prevention, and cultivates technical professionals in disaster prevention and management.

The Department provides training in computer processing and data analysis to help students apply cutting-edge information knowledge to the field of civil engineering.

The Department provides large, multifunctional laboratories for disaster prevention research and large experimental flumes to meet international standards.

The Department conducts research in the fields of environmental pollution testing, analysis, and remediation.

The Department seeks to combine theory with practice by using questions to advance learning and practical knowledge on environmental pollution.

Career Prospects

Graduates enjoy a strong reputation in fields relating to civil engineering: 46% are employed by the government or state-operated companies (regional governments, township councils, Construction and Planning Agency, Environmental Protection Administration, Water Resources Agency, Taiwan Railways Administration, Directorate General of Highways, Taiwan Area National Expressway Engineering Bureau, Central Taiwan Science Park Administration; Taiwan Water Corporation, CPC Corporation, Taiwan Power Company, China Steel Corporation), and 54% are employed by the private sector (engineering consulting, construction, research, technology, transportation, architecture, interior design, utilities, real estate). 

 

• Electrical Engineering

Academic Strengths

The Department of Electrical Engineering aims to develop students' basic theoretical knowledge and programming skills in the current semiconductor, communication, artificial intelligence, and robotics fields.

1.    The Electronics Group: Training high-end developers for researching SoC design and nano devices.

2.    The Systems Group: Exploring the principles and designs of artificial intelligence, robotics, and the Internet of Things.  

3.    The Communications Group: Training high-end technicians to meet the contemporary demands of green energy, IoT, and information technology.

Career Prospects

Graduates are well-equipped for positions at science parks across Taiwan, including the fields of semiconductor manufacturing, IC design, IC testing, telecommunications, information technology, optoelectronics, microelectromechanical systems, and biochips; others pursue further academic studies. 

 

Bachelor Program of College of Science and Technology

The Bachelor’s Program of the College of Science and Technology is characterized by dual emerging fields, dual thematic implementation courses, and dual ability training. The curriculum focuses on the training of the major field, supplemented by sub-fields to cultivate talents based on the above-mentioned characteristics in response to society’s need for interdisciplinary talents.

 

Master's Program in Artificial Intelligence and Robotics

The algorithm of artificial intelligence is mainly software-based; however, to be widely used, efficient hardware plays a vital role. Robots have different forms of hardware for different applications, and the core control software is an essential element of success. This Master's Program in Artificial Intelligence and Robotics allows students to study both software and hardware so that they will be able to utilize artificial intelligence and robotics fully with no limits to future development.