Departments

A. Department of Electrical Engineering

Introduction

　The Department of Electrical Engineering at the National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology (NKUST) has a rich history. Starting in 1967, it was founded as a Class of Electrical Engineering in Kaohsiung Industrial Junior College. In 1997, it was upgraded to the Department of Electrical Engineering at the National Kaohsiung Institute of Technology. In 2000, it was renamed the Department of Electrical Engineering at the National Kaohsiung University of Applied Science. Since 2018, it has been one of the departments in the College of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, NKUST. Department of Electrical Engineering offers comprehensive programs, including a four-year bachelor’s program, master’s program, master’s program in intelligent automation systems, in-service master’s program, in-service master’s program in intelligent automation systems, Ph.D. program, four-year continuing education program, and two-year technical program (college-level).

Program and Research Areas

Features
1. Since 2007, the Institute of Engineering Education, Taiwan (IEET), has accredited its programs. Employers and alumni have given recognition to our outstanding educational outcomes. Degrees of this department have also received accreditation from the Washington Accord.
2. We offer a four-year continuing education program, a master’s program, a master’s special program, a Ph.D. program, and a two-year technical program. These programs provide comprehensive and flexible pathways for higher and continuing education.
3. Our department is located in an independent building with a space of 9917 m2. Totaling seven stories, it accommodates an auditorium, teaching laboratories, computer classrooms, research laboratories, special laboratories, conference rooms, an international student research lab, and a study center. We provide spacious and modern facilities to create an excellent learning environment.
4. In the fields of power and energy, industrial control systems, information, communication security, and artificial intelligence, we maintain close collaboration with numerous government agencies and well-known companies, including Taipower, CSBS Co., China Steel Co., ASE Group, TSMC, King Yuan Electronic Co., Auray Technology Co, Google, Microsoft, and Fukuta Elec. & Mach. Co., Kwang Yang Motor Co., Tongtai Machine & Tool Co., Aerospace Industrial Development Co., Institute for Information Industry, Industrial Technology Research Institute, National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology, National Health Research Institutes, Academia Sinica, etc. We also executed smart healthcare research projects and obtained positive operational results with domestic medical institutions, such as Veterans General Hospital, Chang Gung Medical Foundation, Kaohsiung Medical University Chung-Ho Memorial Hospital, and National Taiwan University Hospital.
5. Working with the Industrial Technology Research Institute, we have set up the test site for iPAS mediate-level electromechanical engineer certification. We not only train the seed teachers for electric vehicle courses, but also provide assistance for students to take the exam. We also provide electric motor maintenance engineering training for local businesses, such as Kwang Yang Motor Co. In 2023, we executed the International Cooperation and Development Fund (ICDF) vocational training program for electric vehicle maintenance and operations in Latin America and the Caribbean, earning both domestic and international recognition in the electric vehicle field.
6. Our department places great emphasis on improving the quality of teaching and teaching methods. We have implemented several curriculum projects sponsored by the Ministry of Education. In 2019, we were the only department in the electrical engineering field nationwide to receive the New Engineering Education Methods Program sponsored by the Ministry of Education. In 2021, we received the Award for Excellence in Internationalization from the National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology. We have also implemented training programs hosted by the Ministry of Labor, at the same time encouraging our students to participate in off-campus internships. From 2022 to 2023, our department secured approximately NT$85 million in funding from the public and private sectors.

Programs

Research focus on power, control and information science areas.

Power Engineering Group: smart grid、power electronics and motor drive。
Control Engineering Group: automatically-optical inspection and intelligent robots.
Information Science and Communication: intelligent computation application, and artificial intelligence innovation.

Honors

Awarded the International Cooperation and Development Fund's (ICDF) vocational training program for electric vehicle maintenance and operations in Latin America and the Caribbean in 2023.
Received the Award for Excellence in Internationalization from NKUST in 2022.
Granted funding under the NKUST Departmental Advancement Program (two-year grant) in 2022.
Received the Award for Excellence in Internationalization from NKUST in 2021.
The only department in Taiwan's electrical engineering field to receive The New Engineering Education Method Program, A-level in 2019.
Participated in the Semiconductor Packaging and Testing Industry Environment Talent Development Program, collaborating with the College of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science to cultivate talents in semiconductor packaging and testing in 2019.
Set up the test site for iPAS mediate-level electromechanical engineer certification in 2019. Over the past four years, over 300 students enrolled in the certification training, with over 150 passing the exam.
Ranked fourth in the Departmental Performance Evaluation at NKUST in 2018.
Received the Reshaping Technological-Vocational Education program-Second Phase from Ministry of Education.
Developed Paradigm Technological University and set up multifunctional smart grid laboratory with a budget of NT$4 million in 2014. The faculty team, including the Smart Grid and Power Control Technology Team (led by Professor Ming-Yuan Cho) and the Remote Monitoring and Power Electronics Technology Team (led by Professors Wen-Ping Chen and Hurng-Liahng, Jou), propose development, pilot production, and testing plans for components and products. Through the long-term collaborations with industry partners, we help strengthen the pilot production and testing center.
Received NT$24,387,500 for Reshaping Vocational Education and Cultivating Talents in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Field Program from Ministry of Education (Reshaping Technological-Vocational Education program-first phase).
Awarded NT$140 million under the Teaching Excellence Project from Ministry of Education from 2011 to 2012.
Received nine consecutive top honors in evaluations by Ministry of Education, achieving first place in the national evaluation of electrical engineering departments at technological universities in 2010.
Received the Outstanding Electrical Engineering Group Award from the Kaohsiung Branch of the Chinese Institute of Electrical Engineering.
Received accreditation from the Institute of Engineering Education Taiwan (IEET) since 2007.

B. Department of Electronic Engineering(Jiangong Campus)

Department Introduction

The development goal of the National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology (NKUST) is to be a pro-industry university of science and technology. In order to comply with and implement the development goal of NKUST, the research and development goal of this department is set to "Research and Development of Industrial Technology with 30% forward-looking vision and 70% practical application." Under the fiercely competitive environment of the domestic electronics industry, there is still lack of awareness in overcoming the current technical problems, let alone developing forward-looking technologies. Therefore, the focus of research and development in this department is closely related to the national industrial development, where 70% of the research resources and manpower are invested in the development of technologies for practical applications in the short term, and 30% of the resources and manpower are invested in the research and development of forward-looking technologies in the medium term and long term. It is for the purpose of expanding the development of technologies that are required in the short term, medium term and long term for the related domestic electronics industry.

The human and resource of research in this department is divided into three major groups: electronics, communications, and information. The key research directions of each group are listed as follows:

(1) Electronics Group (Optoelectronics, Semiconductor and IC design)

In recent years, the government has actively promoted the Two Trillion & Twin Star policy, where 1 trillion is invested in the IC industry (for wafer foundry, IC design, and IC packaging & testing), and another 1 trillion is invested in the development of thin-film transistor liquid crystal displays (TFT-LCD). Due to the focus on supporting the semiconductor industry and actively cultivating the display technology talents in optoelectronics, Taiwan has become one of the leading countries in the semiconductor and optoelectronic display technology and is moving towards nanotechnology with a view to expanding its market share of the semiconductor and optoelectronic in the future. In addition, the total investment of the semiconductor devices, optoelectronic components, and material manufacturing in Tainan Science Park has exceeded NT$2 trillion in 10 years and its growth rate has continued to increase. In particular, driven by the development of 3C industry and the system on a Chip (SoC), the demand for semiconductors is bound to surge in the future. Therefore, the demand for talents in semiconductor and optoelectronic components will be very high in the future; especially at this moment after the economic recovery, the demand for technology talents has surged, whereas the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) alone has a manpower needs of more than 8,000 laborers. In addition, the enhancement and improvement of manufacturing process technology, as well as the research on the electrical properties of nano-device and the development of applied circuits, are all urgent tasks for the industry and academia. In order to meet the development of technology and talent demand in the fields of optoelectronics, semiconductor and IC design, the Electronics Group of this department especially selected the following suitable areas as the research and development focus of this group.

(A) Electrical properties of electronic materials.

(B) Electrical properties of electronic components.

(D) Electronic circuits, systems and analog IC design.

(2) Communication and System Group

With the rapid development of digital communication and IC design, the supply side of the telecommunication service market has evolved from a single voice service to a variety of services such as data video and multimedia, providing new applications and new business opportunities. With the development of the Internet and the increasing demand for personal communication services, the telecommunications industry will become the brightest future star of Taiwan's industry. Since the government has located the Telecom Technology Center in the Luzhu Science Park in Kaohsiung, domestic telecom manufacturers have been investing in the development of telecom technology and are eager to seek talents from colleges and universities to meet the global telecom industry challenges in the 21st century. In order to meet the development of technology and talent demand in the telecommunications industry, the Communication and System Group of this department especially selected the following suitable areas as the research and development focus of this group.

(A) Research and application of voice and video signal processing.

(B) Development and application of communication technology.

(D) Analysis and application of optical waveguide characteristics.

(E) Application of biomedical signal sensing and AIOT

(3) Information and Digital IC Design Group

Taiwan's information industry, such as the manufacturing of personal computers and their peripheral components, occupies an important position in the world market and many products have already become world-famous. Therefore, the world-renowned computer companies have commissioned manufacturers in Taiwan to mass-produce personal computers through the OEM or ODM approaches, and this shows the Taiwan's strength of hardware manufacturing in the information industry. However, Taiwan lags far behind the US and Japan in the high added value software industry that symbolizes the strength of a modern nation. In light of this, the Executive Yuan started a software talent training program in July 1998, where major colleges and universities were entrusted to train graduates of colleges and universities in related fields to meet the needs of the industries. For software design manpower at or above the level of research institutes, long-term fostering and training provided by the school would be essential.

The Nangang Software Park has been launched. Its output value is more than NT$ 300 billion. Meanwhile, the Kaohsiung Software Technology City (Kaohsiung Software Park), located in the Kaohsiung Multi-functional Commerce and Trade Park (Asia’s New Bay Area in Kaohsiung), was finalized in October 1999. Its target output value will exceed that of the Nangang Software Park. The prosperity period will be more than 20 years, and the demand for advanced software design talents shall be higher. This department has been working in this field for a long time. As planned, it is to be combined with the "Electronic Communication Technology R&D Center" established by the school, so that they can work together for multimedia software and hardware and VLSI design. In order to meet the development of technology and talent demand in the information industry, the Information Group of this department especially selected the following suitable areas as the research and development focus of this group.

(A) Research on the design of VLSI (very-large-scale integration).

(B) Research on biomedical engineering and bioinformatics.

(D) Research on e-commerce and database management systems.

C. Department of Computer Science and Information Engineering

Department Introduction

In view of the flourishing of information industry and to nurture the talents to meet the urgent demand for information technology, the department of Computer Science and Information Engineering is founded in August, 2005. We offer four degree programs: a four-year Bachelor’s Program, a Master’s Program for day students, a Master’s Program for evening students, and a Ph.D. Program. Our conscientious faculty members strive to guide and assist students to develop practical abilities and they also popularize their research results. They apply research results to upgrade the information technology in the country.

Educational Goals

We aim to nurture excellent IT engineers with “internationalization”, “specialization”, “practicality” and “holistication” traits. In our department, the graduates possess basic IT capabilities and logical thinking, and the master students have research and development capabilities. Simultaneously, all students must have the ability of independent thinking and execution, and have the spirit of ethics, professional dedication and teamwork.

Department Features

We pursue innovative and impactful research in Big Data Research, Artificial Intelligence, Cloud Computing, Blockchain Technology, Big Data Analysis and Application, Software-Defined Networking, Multimedia Processing, Image Processing, Network Engineering, Network Communication, Embedded System, Parallel Decentralized Computing, Mobile Computing, Sensor, Information Security, Data Mining, Bioinformatics, Medical Information System, Industry 4.0, and so on.

To follow the trend of technology industry, our department focuses on software development including bioinformatics and cloud computing application, network communication, digital content research including AI and blockchain technology, etc. We hold the spirit of teaching, research and service at the same time. Moreover, we promote the application of research results actively and support the professional skills to develop information technology industry.

Career Directions

Our graduates are qualified for a wide range of computer science jobs such as AI engineer, data engineer, blockchain engineer, software engineer, network system engineer, and biomedical science engineer. Students can find their careers in the renowned technology companies at the science park in Taiwan like Hsinchu Science Park, Kaohsiung Science Park, Tainan Science Park, and so on. Our graduates can go further study at domestic or overseas postgraduate schools for information engineering, electrical or electrical engineering.

D. Institute of Photonics and Communication

History

Institute of Photonics Engineering (IPE) at the National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology was established in February 2018 following the merger of two former institutes: Institute of Photonics and Communications (IPC) from the National Kaohsiung University of Applied Sciences (KUAS) and the Optoelectronics Group from the Graduate Institute of Electrical Engineering (GIEE) at the National Kaohsiung First University of Science and Technology (NKFST). IPC first began admitting graduate students in 2004. Currently, IPE employs 10 full-time faculty members with PhDs, specializing in areas such as photonics engineering, semiconductor technology, antenna engineering, sensors, lasers, wireless communications, optical fiber communications, and signal processing.

Key Features

IPE places equal emphasis on fundamental theories and hands-on experiments in photonics technology. The institute collaborates with interdisciplinary research teams to broaden its technological scope and enhance research competitiveness. The main research directions and technical strengths of IPE include:

Solar Energy Engineering and Technology: Modeling and simulations of high-efficiency solar cells, including multi-junction cells, intermediate band solar cells (IBSCs), hybrid photovoltaic devices, and HIT solar cells.
Optical Information Processing and Application Technology: Focuses on optical fiber applications, modulation, and signal processing technologies, including optical sensing and optical transmission/reception module design.
Optical Design, Lighting Technology, and Integrated Display Systems: R&D in areas such as photovoltaic and electromechanical systems, flat display systems, lighting, LCD technology, and LED process technology.
Optoelectronic Semiconductor Device Technology: Focuses on semiconductor process technology to develop talent in soft electronics and nanotechnology.
Laser Technology: Emphasizes laser applications and industry collaboration to enhance research outcomes, particularly in optoelectronic communication.
Digital Image Processing and Automated Optical Inspection (AOI): Research on AOI for Industry 4.0 and biometrics, including facial, fingerprint, iris recognition, and multi-modal biometric fusion.
Antenna and Microwave Component Technology: Designs compact antennas for smart devices, 4G/5G antennas, 5G base station antennas, RFID antennas, and microwave filters.

E. Department of Electronic Engineering(First Campus)

Brief Introduction

　Department of Electronic Engineering on First Campus was established in August, 2005 with four-year college of technology and graduate college program. We established doctoral-program in 2011 and the continuing education program at graduate schools in 2013.

The research of the Department of Electronic Engineering mainly focuses on the fields of integrated circuit, green energy technology, Intelligent electronic system integration and application , radio frequency circuit, microprocessor control systems, power electronics, communication technology, data science and AI. Development toward an integrated system based on the aforementioned techniques is also our research domain. We not only emphasize the integration of theory and practice, but also provide courses in general education and humanistic education. It is the education goal of this department to culture students to be professional electronic engineers.

All courses are taught by the excellent teaching faculty. There are nine professors professional in system-on-chip design and four in green-energy electronics. The curriculum covers three learning modules, which are green-energy circuit design and application, digital IC design and application, and analog IC design and applications. All modules concur with the currently most popular industries.

Faculty members not only spend time teaching in the classes but also are concerned with our students about their academic difficulties or life on campus. We are dedicated to helping students develop their career plans. Many of our faculty members have recognized scholars with many academic honors and awards.

Program

4-years college

A minimum of 128 credits is required for the graduation from the four-year undergraduate program, including 28 credits in General Education, 100 credits in professional courses related to electronics, integrated circuit and green energy systems.. Graduate college

A minimum of 37 credits is required for the graduation, including 27 credits in professional elective courses and 4 credits in common required courses. Moreover, the thesis has 6 credits.

Employment

The Department aims to train students to become professional electrical engineers.

Equip students with professional knowledge in electronics, energy resources and Intelligent electronic system integration and application ,and so on. Help them enter the related industry.

Graduates have lots of job opportunities. No matter they enter electronic related industries, such as TSMC, MediaTek, Delta Electronics, or engage in research and development work, such as ITRI, NCSIST. The graduates of the department are competent and well received. They are fully employed

F. Department of Computer and Communication Engineering

Introduction to the Department

The Department of Computer and Communication Engineering (CCE), located in First Campus, offers four-year bachelor program (since 1995), master program (since 1998) and doctoral program (since 2001) in Computer and Communication Engineering. In accordance with the demands of advanced industrial manpower for research and development in information and communications engineering, the CCE Department offers multiple courses from first-year to graduate level, encompassing all areas of computer and communication engineering. We also have a vibrant research program, at both the graduate and undergraduate levels.

The CCE Department, established in 1995, has been through the stages of National Institute of Technology at Kaohsiung (1995—1998) and National Kaohsiung First University of Science and Technology (1998—2018). On February 1, 2018, National Kaohsiung First University of Science and Technology merged with two other Universities, National Kaohsiung University of Applied Sciences and National Kaohsiung Marine University, to form a new National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology (NKUST). The CCE Department is currently under the College of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science.

Educational Mission

The educational objectives include:

1. To equip students with abilities in computer and communication engineering.

2. To cultivate capabilities of analysis and practical work.

3. To cultivate capabilities of teamwork and collaboration.

4. To cultivate proficiency in English.

Department Features

Features in teaching
1. Emphasis on the linkages between the required and optional courses.
2. Emphasis on learning and certificate acquisition.
3. Annual capstone project competition- emphasis of capabilities in integration of theoretic work and practical skills.
Features in research

Emphasis of key research directions with teamwork.
Strive for support and collaboration from industry.
Consolidated relationship with domestic/international industrial partners through experienced and enthusiastic faculty members.

Features in courses
- Practical exercises: weekly lab sessions.
- Flexibility: focus on analysis, design and implementation.
- Inspiration: emphasis on development of ideas and innovation.

G. Department of Microelectronics Engineering

The Department of Microelectronics Engineering (MEE) is situated at the Nanzi Campus of the National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology (NKUST). The department occupies its own dedicated building and enjoys a strategic location near several key technology hubs, including the Kaohsiung Luzhu Science Park, Qiaotou Science Park, and the Nanzi Science Park.

Vision and Mission

MEE is committed to cultivating highly skilled professionals who are ready to meet the evolving demands of the microelectronics and semiconductor industries. Our mission is to provide a comprehensive educational experience that bridges the gap between academic knowledge and industrial application, thereby strengthening the synergy between academia and industry.

Research

The department's research initiatives focus on cutting-edge areas such as semiconductor thin films, optoelectronic devices, RF devices, biosensors, underwater technology applications, and various circuit and system designs. The department is well-equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including 10 laboratories dedicated to semiconductor film, process, and measurement technologies, and 11 laboratories focused on system design.

Academic Programs

MEE offers a diverse range of academic programs designed to accommodate both full-time students and working professionals:

Four-Year Program: A comprehensive undergraduate program focused on foundational and advanced microelectronics engineering.
Four-Year Night Program: Tailored for working students, this program provides flexibility in balancing education and professional commitments.
Master’s Program: An advanced program emphasizing research and development in microelectronics and semiconductor technologies.
Master's Program for Working Professionals: Designed for professionals who wish to pursue a master's degree while continuing their careers.

Conferences and Publications

The department is a vibrant hub for academic exchange, hosting two major conferences and co-organizing one international conference each year:

Microelectronics Technology and Application Conference: This annual event provides a platform for sharing cutting-edge research and developments in microelectronics.
Student Project Symposium: An internal event where students present their research findings, fostering a culture of academic inquiry and innovation.

Physics and Mechanics of New Materials and Their Applications (PHENMA)” International Conference: MEE has co-organized the "Physics and Mechanics of New Materials and Their Applications (PHENMA)" conference with international partners, contributing to the global dialogue on advanced materials.

Practical Training and Certification

MEE places a strong emphasis on practical training, offering off-campus internships that range from summer placements to year-long experiences. These internships are designed to prepare students for the workforce by providing hands-on experience in real-world settings. The department also hosts an on-site AMA license certification test center for microcontroller applications, encouraging students to gain certifications that enhance their employability. Additionally, students are supported in participating in prestigious competitions such as the Jinyuan International Information Month, ITM Innovation and Technology Design Competition, and the Holtek Cup Creative Microcontroller Application event.

Career Prospects

Graduates from MEE are well-prepared to pursue advanced studies or to embark on successful careers in the semiconductor industry. They find opportunities in major high-tech industries across Taiwan’s renowned science parks, including the Hsinchu Science Park, Tainan Science Park, Luzhu Science Park, Nanzi Processing Export Zone, and Kaohsiung Qianzhen Processing Export Zone. Career paths include roles such as R&D engineers, process engineers, and design engineers, with many graduates contributing to the growth and advancement of the global semiconductor industry.