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Khon Kaen University

Master of Science Program in Animal Science

SDG Alignment for Master of Science Program in Animal Science

Overall SDG Alignment Evaluation:

The Master of Science Program in Animal Science at Khon Kaen University is strategically aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals, addressing critical global challenges through advanced education and research. The curriculum is designed to produce experts who can enhance food security, promote sustainable agricultural practices, and contribute to economic growth while respecting environmental limits. The program makes a foundational contribution to SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) by focusing on improving animal productivity, nutrition, and breeding. It also supports SDG 1 (No Poverty) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) by equipping graduates with the skills to drive innovation and efficiency in the livestock industry. Through its emphasis on biotechnology, sustainable feed production, and environmental physiology, the program aligns with SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 13 (Climate Action). As an advanced degree program, it is a cornerstone of SDG 4 (Quality Education) and fosters the global collaborations necessary for SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

SDG Related Course(s)

SDG 1 Icon SDG 1: No Poverty

Alignment Summary: This program contributes to poverty reduction by improving the productivity and sustainability of the livestock sector, which is a critical source of income for millions of smallholder farmers. By advancing knowledge in animal production, graduates can help increase the economic resilience of rural communities.

Course CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
AG 177 701Tropical Animal Production SystemSupports Target 1.4 by building the resilience of the poor and those in vulnerable situations through improved livestock production systems, which are key assets for rural livelihoods.

SDG 2 Icon SDG 2: Zero Hunger

Alignment Summary: The program directly addresses the challenge of ending hunger by focusing on enhancing the productivity and sustainability of animal agriculture. Through advanced courses in nutrition, genetics, and production systems, it aims to increase the availability of high-quality protein and improve food security for a growing global population.

Course CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
AG 177 701Tropical Animal Production SystemAligns with Target 2.4 by teaching sustainable and productive farming systems, which is crucial for ending hunger and ensuring food security.
AG 177 741Advanced Animal NutritionContributes to ending malnutrition (Target 2.2) by focusing on optimizing nutrient use to improve the quality and quantity of animal-sourced foods.
AG 177 753Animal Genetic EvaluationSupports Target 2.4 by applying genetic principles to increase the productivity and resilience of livestock, thereby ensuring sustainable food production systems.
AG 177 745Tropical Feed Production ScienceAddresses food security by focusing on the sustainable production of animal feed, a cornerstone of a productive and resilient livestock sector (Target 2.4).

SDG 3 Icon SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

Alignment Summary: The curriculum contributes to good health by ensuring the safety and quality of animal-derived foods. It addresses animal physiology, nutrition, and meat science to produce healthy livestock and safe food products, which are essential components of a nutritious diet for human well-being.

Course CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
AG 177 711Advanced Meat ScienceSupports public health (Target 3.9) by teaching practices that ensure the safety and quality of meat products, reducing the risk of foodborne illnesses.

SDG 4 Icon SDG 4: Quality Education

Alignment Summary: As a master's level program, this curriculum embodies quality education by providing advanced, specialized training in animal science. It equips graduates with the technical and research skills needed for high-level employment and innovation, fostering a culture of lifelong learning and scientific advancement.

Course CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
AG 177 781Statistical Methods in Animal ScienceDirectly supports Target 4.4 by equipping students with the advanced technical and research skills necessary for employment and entrepreneurship in the animal science industry.
AG 177 891Seminar in Animal Science IEnhances lifelong learning opportunities (Target 4.3) by training students to critically evaluate and present scientific research, a key skill for ongoing professional growth.
AG 177 898 / 899ThesisRepresents a capstone lifelong learning experience (Target 4.3), where students conduct original research, thereby acquiring superior technical skills for employment and innovation (Target 4.4).

SDG 8 Icon SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

Alignment Summary: The program supports sustained economic growth by producing highly skilled graduates who can enhance the productivity and technological level of the livestock industry. By focusing on innovation and efficient production systems, the curriculum contributes to economic diversification and value-added sectors.

Course CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
AG 177 701Tropical Animal Production SystemPromotes sustained and inclusive economic growth (Target 8.1) by improving the efficiency and productivity of livestock systems, a significant contributor to the agricultural economy.

SDG 9 Icon SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

Alignment Summary: This program is a catalyst for innovation in the animal science industry. Through advanced training in biotechnology, genetics, and production technologies, it enhances scientific research and upgrades the technological capabilities of the livestock sector, fostering a more resilient and sustainable industry.

Course CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
AG 177 734Biotechnology for Animal ReproductionSupports Target 9.5 by enhancing scientific research and upgrading technological capabilities in the livestock industry through advanced reproductive technologies.
AG 177 744Biotechnology in Animal NutritionPromotes innovation by applying biotechnology to improve animal nutrition and feed efficiency, fostering a more technologically advanced and sustainable livestock industry (Target 9.5).
AG 177 754Biotechnology in Animal BreedingContributes to upgrading the technological capabilities of the livestock sector (Target 9.4) by applying modern genetic and breeding technologies to enhance animal productivity.

SDG 12 Icon SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

Alignment Summary: The curriculum promotes responsible production patterns by emphasizing the efficient use of natural resources in livestock farming. Courses on nutrition, feed production, and environmental physiology are designed to minimize waste and reduce the environmental footprint of animal agriculture, contributing to more sustainable food systems.

Course CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
AG 177 741Advanced Animal NutritionPromotes the efficient use of natural resources (Target 12.2) by teaching principles of nutrient metabolism and feed formulation to minimize waste in the production chain.
AG 177 745Tropical Feed Production ScienceSupports sustainable production by focusing on the efficient use and preservation of tropical feed resources, which helps to reduce waste and loss along the food supply chain (Target 12.3).

SDG 13 Icon SDG 13: Climate Action

Alignment Summary: This program addresses the need for climate action by investigating how livestock can adapt to environmental changes and by developing strategies to mitigate the impact of animal agriculture on the climate. It educates students on the physiological responses of animals to environmental stress, which is crucial for building resilience in the face of climate change.

Course CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
AG 177 735Environmental Physiology of AnimalsStrengthens resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards (Target 13.1) by studying how animals respond to environmental stress, a key factor in climate change adaptation.

SDG 15 Icon SDG 15: Life on Land

Alignment Summary: The program contributes to the sustainable management of terrestrial ecosystems by promoting responsible grazing and pasture management practices. It aims to integrate livestock production with the conservation of land and biodiversity, ensuring that agricultural activities support rather than degrade life on land.

Course CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
AG 177 771Advanced Tropical Pasture and PreservationSupports the conservation and sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems (Target 15.2) by teaching principles of pasture management that protect soil and biodiversity.

SDG 17 Icon SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

Alignment Summary: The research-intensive nature of this program inherently fosters partnerships for sustainable development. Through seminar courses and the thesis requirement, students engage with the global scientific community, promoting the knowledge-sharing and multi-stakeholder collaborations that are vital for addressing the complex challenges of the SDGs.

Course CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
AG 177 891 / 892Seminar in Animal Science I / IIEnhances the global partnership for sustainable development by having students present and discuss cutting-edge research, contributing to the international body of scientific knowledge (Target 17.6).
AG 177 898 / 899ThesisRepresents 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 animal science.