Khon Kaen University - SDG Alignment for Doctor of Philosophy Program in Fisheries

SDG Alignment for Doctor of Philosophy Program in Fisheries

Overall SDG Alignment Evaluation:

The Doctor of Philosophy Program in Fisheries is fundamentally aligned with the principles of sustainable development. Its core philosophy emphasizes research-based problem-solving to address the complex challenges facing global and local fisheries, such as climate change impacts, food security, and environmental degradation. The curriculum is designed to produce experts capable of generating new knowledge and innovative practices, directly contributing to several key Sustainable Development Goals. The program's intensive focus on aquatic ecosystems, sustainable resource management, and water quality makes it a powerful contributor to SDG 14 (Life Below Water) and SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation). By advancing knowledge in sustainable aquaculture, feed technology, and disease control, it directly supports the goal of SDG 2 (Zero Hunger). Furthermore, its emphasis on responsible production, waste utilization, and developing functional foods aligns with SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being). As a doctoral-level program, it inherently promotes SDG 4 (Quality Education) and fosters the global partnerships and knowledge exchange essential for SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

SDG Related Course(s)

SDG 2: Zero Hunger

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Alignment Summary: The program directly addresses food security by advancing knowledge and practices in sustainable aquaculture. Courses focus on improving the efficiency and sustainability of food production from aquatic sources, developing better feed technologies, and managing hatcheries effectively to increase the availability of nutritious food.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
AG 187 722	Management of Aquatic Animal Hatchery	Supports sustainable food production by teaching efficient and safe hatchery management, which is crucial for increasing the supply of fish and other aquatic foods (Target 2.1).
AG 187 751	Aquatic Animal Feed Technology	Contributes to ending hunger by focusing on the development of efficient and sustainable feed, a key factor in improving the productivity of aquaculture systems (Target 2.3).
AG 189 921	Intensive Aquaculture System	Aligns with Target 2.3 by teaching methods to increase agricultural productivity through intensive systems, which helps in boosting food production to combat hunger.
AG 189 961	Functional and Nutraceutical Food from Aquatic Animals	Addresses malnutrition (Target 2.2) by researching and developing food products from aquatic sources with enhanced nutritional and health benefits.

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

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Alignment Summary: This curriculum contributes to good health and well-being by focusing on the safety and quality of aquatic food products. It addresses fish pathology, immunology, and toxicology to prevent diseases and contamination, ensuring that seafood is safe for consumption and can contribute to a healthy diet.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
AG 187 741	Fish Immunology	Contributes to food safety and public health by developing knowledge to prevent and control fish diseases, reducing the risk of foodborne illnesses (Target 3.9).
AG 187 743	Aquatic Animal Toxicology	Aligns with good health by studying the effects of toxins in aquatic animals, which is crucial for ensuring the safety of seafood and preventing human exposure to harmful substances (Target 3.9).
AG 189 961	Functional and Nutraceutical Food from Aquatic Animals	Directly supports well-being by focusing on the development of health-promoting foods from aquatic animals, contributing to improved nutrition and disease prevention.

SDG 4: Quality Education

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Alignment Summary: As a doctoral program, this curriculum is the epitome of quality education, designed to create experts and researchers who can generate new knowledge. It provides inclusive and equitable advanced education, equipping graduates with specialized technical and research skills for high-level employment and lifelong learning in the field of sustainable fisheries.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
AG 187 731	Statistics and Research Methods in Fisheries	Directly supports Target 4.4 by equipping students with advanced technical and research skills that are highly relevant for employment and entrepreneurship in the scientific sector.
AG 189 931	Advanced Statistics and Research Methods in Fisheries	Enhances lifelong learning opportunities (Target 4.3) by providing doctoral-level training in research design and data analysis, fostering the creation of new knowledge.
AG 189 996 / 997 / 998 / 999	Dissertation	Represents a capstone lifelong learning opportunity (Target 4.3), where students conduct original research, thereby acquiring superior technical and vocational skills for employment and innovation (Target 4.4).

SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

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Alignment Summary: The program places a strong emphasis on water quality as a cornerstone of sustainable aquaculture. Courses are dedicated to the management and improvement of water quality, the treatment of wastewater, and preventing pollution, directly contributing to the protection of water-related ecosystems.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
AG 187 745	Fish Disease and Water Quality Control	Directly addresses the need to improve water quality by teaching methods to control pollution and manage water to prevent disease outbreaks in aquaculture (Target 6.3).
AG 187 771	Water Quality Management in Aquaculture	Explicitly aligns with SDG 6 by focusing on the principles and practices of managing water quality to ensure the sustainability of aquaculture and protect local water resources (Target 6.3).

SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

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Alignment Summary: This research-intensive program drives innovation in the fisheries and aquaculture industry. Through advanced courses in biotechnology, genetics, and processing, it fosters the development of new technologies and sustainable practices that enhance the industry's productivity and reduce its environmental impact.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
AG 187 713	Molecular Biology and Genetic Improvement in Aquatic Animals	Supports Target 9.5 by enhancing scientific research and upgrading the technological capabilities of the aquaculture industry through advanced genetic techniques.
AG 189 951	Biotechnology in Aquatic Animal Feed	Promotes innovation by applying biotechnology to improve aquatic feed, fostering a more sustainable and technologically advanced aquaculture industry (Target 9.5).
AG 187 762	Advanced Aquatic Animal Processing	Contributes to upgrading industrial infrastructure by teaching advanced and clean technologies for processing aquatic products, which supports sustainable industrialization (Target 9.4).

SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

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Alignment Summary: The curriculum strongly promotes sustainable consumption and production patterns by focusing on the efficient use of resources and the reduction of waste in the fisheries sector. It includes courses on feed technology, waste utilization, and advanced processing, all aimed at creating a more sustainable and circular aquaculture industry.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
AG 187 751	Aquatic Animal Feed Technology	Promotes the efficient use of natural resources (Target 12.2) by developing sustainable feed technologies that minimize waste in the production chain.
AG 187 772	Waste Utilization Management for Aquaculture	Directly aligns with Target 12.5 by teaching methods to substantially reduce waste generation through the utilization of agricultural and industrial by-products in aquaculture.
AG 187 763	Quality Assessment and Quality Control of Aquatic Animal Product	Encourages companies to adopt sustainable practices (Target 12.6) by instilling principles of quality control that reduce post-harvest losses and ensure product safety.

SDG 14: Life Below Water

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Alignment Summary: This program is centrally focused on the conservation and sustainable use of aquatic resources. Nearly every course contributes to understanding, protecting, and managing marine and freshwater ecosystems, from the physiological level of aquatic animals to the broad management of fishery resources and the mitigation of pollution from aquaculture.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
AG 187 711	Physiology of Aquatic Animals	Provides fundamental knowledge essential for the conservation and management of aquatic species, supporting the protection of marine and coastal ecosystems (Target 14.2).
AG 187 732	Fishery Resources Management and Utilization	Directly addresses Target 14.4 by teaching scientific principles to effectively regulate harvesting and end overfishing, ensuring the sustainable management of marine resources.
AG 189 922	Advanced Genetics in Fisheries	Contributes to the conservation of marine biodiversity (Target 14.2) by applying genetic tools to manage and protect fish populations and reduce the impacts of aquaculture on wild stocks.
AG 189 942	Fish Pathology	Supports the health of aquatic ecosystems by providing expertise in diagnosing and managing diseases that can threaten both farmed and wild fish populations (Target 14.2).

SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

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Alignment Summary: The program inherently fosters partnerships for sustainable development through its advanced research focus. Doctoral research and seminars require engagement with the global scientific community, promoting the knowledge-sharing and multi-stakeholder collaborations that are essential for addressing the complex, interconnected challenges of the SDGs.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
AG 187 891 / 892	Seminar in Fisheries I / II	Promotes partnerships (Target 17.16) by requiring students to engage with and present on the latest global research, fostering a culture of knowledge-sharing and collaboration.
AG 189 991 / 992 / 993	Seminar in Fisheries III / IV / V	Enhances the global partnership for sustainable development by having doctoral candidates present and discuss cutting-edge research, contributing to the international body of scientific knowledge (Target 17.6).
AG 189 996 / 997 / 998 / 999	Dissertation	Represents a significant contribution to global partnerships (Target 17.17) by creating new, publishable knowledge that is shared internationally to help solve critical sustainability challenges in fisheries.