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Khon Kaen University

Master of Science Program in Agronomy

SDG Alignment for Master of Science Program in Agronomy

Overall SDG Alignment Evaluation:

The Master of Science Program in Agronomy at Khon Kaen University is deeply rooted in the principles of sustainable development. The curriculum is meticulously designed to produce research leaders capable of addressing the pressing challenges of global food security, environmental sustainability, and climate change. It directly confronts the goal of SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) by advancing knowledge in crop improvement, biotechnology, and precision agriculture to enhance food production sustainably. The program fosters innovation and technological advancement in agriculture, making a significant contribution to SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure). A strong emphasis on the efficient management of natural resources, such as water, nutrients, and land, aligns the curriculum with SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 15 (Life on Land). By training students to develop crops resilient to environmental stresses, the program directly addresses strategies for SDG 13 (Climate Action). As a master's level program, it inherently promotes SDG 4 (Quality Education) by delivering advanced technical skills and fostering the research collaborations essential for SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

SDG Related Course(s)

SDG 2 Icon SDG 2: Zero Hunger

Alignment Summary: This program is central to ending hunger by developing experts in sustainable and productive agriculture. Courses focus on advanced plant breeding, biotechnology, and efficient resource management to increase crop yields, improve nutritional value, and build resilient food systems that can withstand environmental stresses and climate change, directly supporting food security.

Course CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
AG 147 100Precision and Farm Management in AgronomyAligns with Target 2.4 by teaching sustainable and intensive farming practices through technology, which increases agricultural productivity and food production.
AG 147 301Biotechnology for Crop ImprovementDirectly supports Target 2.4 by applying biotechnology to develop resilient, high-yield crop varieties, thus enhancing food security and sustainable agriculture.
AG 147 304Crop Improvement for Tolerance to Biotic and Abiotic StressContributes to ending hunger by developing crops that can withstand environmental stresses, ensuring stable food production in the face of climate change (Target 2.4).
AG 147 401Nutrition of Field Crop and Its Management for Sustainable Crop ProductionAddresses sustainable food production systems (Target 2.4) by teaching efficient nutrient management to maximize yields while minimizing environmental impact.
AG 147 500Grain and Seed Quality Management and ControlContributes to reducing food loss (Target 2.1) through effective post-harvest management, quality control, and preservation of grains and seeds.

SDG 4 Icon SDG 4: Quality Education

Alignment Summary: As a master's degree program, the curriculum represents a pillar of quality education. It is dedicated to equipping students with specialized technical and scientific skills in agronomy, preparing them for high-level employment in research, academia, and industry. The research-intensive nature of the program fosters lifelong learning and the creation of new knowledge to solve complex agricultural problems.

Course CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
AG 147 001Research Methods and Field Plot and Greenhouse Experimental Techniques in Plant ScienceDirectly supports Target 4.4 by providing students with advanced technical and research skills for relevant employment and innovation in the agricultural science sector.
AG 147 891Agronomy Seminar IEnhances lifelong learning opportunities (Target 4.3) by training students in critical analysis and communication of scientific literature, essential for continuous professional development.
AG 147 898 / 899ThesisRepresents a capstone lifelong learning opportunity where students conduct original research, thereby acquiring superior technical skills for employment and contributing new knowledge to the field (Target 4.4).

SDG 6 Icon SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

Alignment Summary: The curriculum addresses the critical need for sustainable water management in agriculture, which is the largest consumer of the world's freshwater. By teaching efficient irrigation techniques and water conservation strategies, the program contributes directly to increasing water-use efficiency and protecting vital water resources.

Course CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
AG 147 405Water Management in AgronomyDirectly aligns with Target 6.4 by focusing on principles and practices that substantially increase water-use efficiency across the agricultural sector.

SDG 8 Icon SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

Alignment Summary: The program contributes to economic growth by producing highly skilled professionals who can drive innovation and productivity in the agricultural sector. Graduates are equipped to develop and manage modern agricultural enterprises, including the economically significant seed production industry, fostering sustainable economic development.

Course CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
AG 147 306Hybrid Breeding in Crops and Seed ProductionSupports economic productivity (Target 8.2) by training experts in the high-value seed industry, a key driver of agricultural growth and technological upgrading.

SDG 9 Icon SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

Alignment Summary: This program is a nexus of agricultural innovation, focusing on the development and application of modern technologies to build a resilient and sustainable agricultural industry. Courses in precision agriculture, biotechnology, and phenomics are designed to enhance scientific research and upgrade the technological capabilities of the entire sector.

Course CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
AG 147 100Precision and Farm Management in AgronomyDrives innovation by teaching cutting-edge technologies like drones, IoT, and AI to upgrade agricultural infrastructure and promote sustainable industrialization (Target 9.4).
AG 147 301Biotechnology for Crop ImprovementDirectly enhances scientific research and upgrades technological capabilities (Target 9.5) by applying genetic engineering and molecular biology to the agricultural industry.
AG 147 307Phenomics for Plant BreedingFosters innovation (Target 9.5) by introducing high-throughput phenotyping technologies, which accelerate scientific research and development in crop improvement.

SDG 12 Icon SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

Alignment Summary: The program strongly advocates for responsible production patterns within agriculture by emphasizing the sustainable and efficient management of natural resources. Courses are designed to minimize the use of chemical inputs, reduce post-harvest losses, and implement quality control systems, contributing to a more sustainable food production chain.

Course CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
AG 147 100Precision and Farm Management in AgronomyPromotes the efficient use of natural resources (Target 12.2) by teaching precise application of fertilizers and chemicals, minimizing waste and environmental impact.
AG 147 403Weed Management and Physiology and Biochemistry of HerbicidesSupports the environmentally sound management of chemicals (Target 12.4) by educating on the proper use of herbicides to reduce their impact on health and the environment.
AG 147 500Grain and Seed Quality Management and ControlAligns with Target 12.5 by teaching quality control and management practices that substantially reduce post-harvest food waste and losses.

SDG 13 Icon SDG 13: Climate Action

Alignment Summary: The curriculum directly addresses the urgent need for climate action by focusing on building resilience and adaptive capacity in agricultural systems. It educates future leaders on the impacts of climate change on crop production and equips them with the knowledge to develop plant varieties and management strategies that can withstand climate-related hazards.

Course CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
AG 147 304Crop Improvement for Tolerance to Biotic and Abiotic StressStrengthens resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards (Target 13.1) by breeding crops tolerant to drought, heat, and other climate-induced stresses.
AG 147 400Plant Physiology under Environmental StressContributes to climate change adaptation by providing a deep understanding of how plants respond to environmental stresses, which is fundamental for developing resilient crops.
AG 147 402Crop Physiology and ManagementDirectly integrates climate change adaptation into education (Target 13.3) by teaching management strategies for crops under changing climate scenarios.

SDG 15 Icon SDG 15: Life on Land

Alignment Summary: This program contributes to the protection of terrestrial ecosystems by promoting sustainable agricultural practices. It focuses on maintaining genetic diversity, managing soil health, and minimizing the negative impacts of farming on the environment, thereby helping to conserve and restore life on land.

Course CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
AG 147 301Biotechnology for Crop ImprovementSupports the conservation of genetic resources (Target 15.6) by teaching techniques for germplasm evaluation and conservation, which are vital for maintaining biodiversity.
AG 147 401Nutrition of Field Crop and Its Management for Sustainable Crop ProductionPromotes the sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems (Target 15.2) by focusing on soil health and management practices that prevent land degradation.
AG 147 403Weed Management and Physiology and Biochemistry of HerbicidesContributes to protecting biodiversity (Target 15.5) by teaching responsible herbicide use, which minimizes harm to non-target plants and the surrounding ecosystem.

SDG 17 Icon SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

Alignment Summary: Through its strong focus on research and knowledge creation, the program fosters partnerships for sustainable development. The seminar and thesis components require students to engage with the global scientific community, promoting the North-South and South-South cooperation and knowledge sharing that is essential for achieving the SDGs.

Course CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
AG 147 891 / 892Agronomy Seminar I / IIEnhances the global partnership for sustainable development by requiring students to engage with and present on the latest global research, fostering knowledge-sharing (Target 17.6).
AG 147 898 / 899ThesisRepresents a significant contribution to global partnerships by creating new, publishable knowledge that is shared internationally to help solve critical sustainability challenges in agriculture (Target 17.17).