The Department of Plant Bioscience conducts research and education on oriental medicine, new plants, the breeding of herbs using bioengineering techniques, and the extraction of functional materials, with the aim of improving health, the food supply, and the environment, which are the most serious challenges faced worldwide, using diverse plant resources, including herbs.

The prosperity of the human population of 6.2 billion would have not been possible without the dramatic development of agriculture. In particular, the advancement of science and the increase in income will result in a higher demand for longevity and a greater interest in health, proof of the promising future of the plant bioscience industry.

To respond to the needs of the times, the Department of Plant Bioscience is conducting research and offering education in the following seven key areas. The department aims to produce talented graduates who will take on leading roles in research, education administration, and related business areas, while developing into a global center for medicinal plant research.

1. Development of biomaterials from oriental herbs
2. Development and productivity improvement of new functional phytochemicals extracted from herbs and functional plants
3. Breeding of plants and herbs for medicine
4. Plant breeding using bioengineering techniques
5. Development of plants for oriental medicine through research into unknown plant resources
6. Technology development for mass production with bio nanotechnology
7. Development of an organic agricultural production system based on a comprehensive understanding of plants and environmental factors, such as soil, weeds, and harmful insects

The curriculum of the department includes basic courses such as Plant Science, Genetics, Physiology, Statistics, and Biochemistry; courses directly related to plant cultivation, including Cultivation, Crop Ecology, Food Crop Science, Medical Crop Science, Cash Crops, and Weed Science; and courses closely related to plant breeding, such as Crop Breeding and Genetic Engineering. The department hosts a medical plant festival, a customized herb exhibition, and a seminar on the indoor cultivation of herbs, and runs field trips to an oriental medicine fair, an oriental medicine festival, and bio businesses.

The department has recently pursued the adoption of advanced technologies such as BT, NT, and IT, for the development of new functional plants and oriental medicines.