From Almost Canceled to One of the Most Popular Courses

When “Biodiversity and Evolution” was first proposed as a liberal arts course at Korea University, it was rejected in the initial review stage, partly because the term “biodiversity” was considered too specialized. “They said, ‘How can you offer this as a liberal arts class? It sounds like a major course,’” Professor Bae recalls with a laugh.

But he stresses that biodiversity is not the exclusive domain of specialists, that it is in fact essential knowledge for all. Eventually the course was approved, starting with 50 students and growing into a large lecture attracting over 300 students each semester. “I don’t try to make the lectures flashy or overly entertaining,” he says, “but students actively want this content. Climate and ecological issues are no longer someone else’s problem.”

Professor Bae Yeon-jae

Integrating Experiences From the National Institute of Biological Resources
and the Korean Entomological Institute

The course is divided into four parts: the definition and origins of biodiversity, the evolution of biological groups, the sustainable use of resources, and conservation strategies. It also examines how biodiversity intersects with societal systems such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and corporate ESG strategies, helping students understand science in the context of daily life.

Professor Bae is one of Korea’s foremost experts in biodiversity, having served as Director of the National Institute of Biological Resources and Director of the Korean Entomological Institute. His career activities span field surveys, laboratory research, policy-making, and organizing international forums co-hosted with Nature. “From dung beetle restoration and Cheonggyecheon ecosystem surveys to insect research in the Mongolian desert, every image and example I use in class comes from my own research and photography,” he explains.

Students respond to these firsthand materials with huge interest. Kim Do-hyun (Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Incoming class of 2022) said his childhood experience raising stag beetles led him to take the class. Fellow student Park Jong-beom recalled being most impressed by a lecture on using mosquito predators for ecological control, noting that the professor’s fieldwork brought a depth of insight unmatched by textbooks.

From Evolutionary Theory to ESG - A Cross-Disciplinary Experience

The syllabus covers a wide spectrum, from evolutionary theory and species classification to conservation biology, the use of biological resources, genetic resource sharing and international agreements, as well as ESG management strategies. “My job is to explain difficult concepts in an accessible way. While the course includes a lot of major-level theory, I’ve structured it so that anyone can understand,” she says.

Despite being a large class, meaningful exchanges occur through individual questions after class and conversations prompted by assignments. “Back when ‘ESG’ was still an unfamiliar term, some students applied the concept in their projects. Students from the humanities, fine arts, and literature considered how biodiversity could be integrated into their own fields,” Professor Bae recalls.

Students also use the course to expand their personal interests. Park Jong-beom spoke about his fascination with orcas, sharing how he researched their evolutionary history after becoming curious about how they have survived to this day. “I’ve always watched National Geographic documentaries and wondered how whales made it this far. This class naturally answered those questions,” he said. With opportunities for diverse approaches and a space for questions beyond the textbook, “Biodiversity and Evolution” offers students a true taste of liberal arts studies.

Biodiversity’s Core Message: Coexistence

For Professor Bae, the ultimate goal of the course is not the accumulation of scientific facts, but the understanding of the importance of living together within the web of life. He explains the influence of Darwin’s theory of evolution and the limits of a competition-centered society, defining the course’s endpoint as follows: “The essence of biodiversity is coexistence. It’s about recognizing different species within an ecosystem and establishing the rules by which they live together. That is the philosophy at the heart of this discipline.”

This philosophy also appears in the preface to the textbook he is currently writing. By teaching not only biological knowledge but also ways of living, and by promoting humility and considerate leadership in a competitive world, this course demonstrates how science can become a way of life. In an era when the planetary crisis feels like a personal one, “Biodiversity and Evolution” quietly asks: What kind of beings will we choose to be?