Khon Kaen University - SDG Alignment for Master of Science Program in Fisheries

SDG Alignment for Master of Science Program in Fisheries

Overall SDG Alignment Evaluation:

The Master of Science Program in Fisheries is fundamentally aligned with the principles of sustainable development, focusing on the responsible management of aquatic resources to ensure food security, environmental health, and economic viability. The curriculum is designed to produce experts capable of generating new knowledge and innovative practices to address the complex challenges facing global and local fisheries. 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 hatchery management, it directly supports the goal of SDG 2 (Zero Hunger). Furthermore, its emphasis on responsible production, waste utilization, and the development of safe aquatic products aligns with SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being). As a master's-level program, it inherently promotes SDG 4 (Quality Education) and fosters the global partnerships essential for SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

SDG Related Course(s)

SDG 2: Zero Hunger

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Alignment Summary: This program directly addresses food security by advancing knowledge and practices in sustainable aquaculture and fisheries. Courses focus on improving the efficiency of food production from aquatic sources, developing better feed technologies, and managing resources effectively to increase the availability of nutritious food and support the livelihoods of those in the fisheries sector.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
AG187 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 2.3).
AG187 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 2.4).
AG187 723	Broodstock Management and Aquatic Animals Production	Aligns with Target 2.3 by improving the productivity of small-scale food producers through advanced breeding and production techniques.

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

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Alignment Summary: The 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
AG187 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).
AG187 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).
AG187 744	Application of Drugs and Chemicals in Aquaculture	Supports Target 3.9 by teaching the responsible use of chemicals and drugs in aquaculture to reduce water pollution and ensure food safety.

SDG 4: Quality Education

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Alignment Summary: As a master's program, this curriculum embodies quality education by providing advanced, specialized training in fisheries science. It is designed to equip students with the research and technical skills necessary for high-level employment and innovation, fostering a culture of lifelong learning and scientific advancement to address complex global challenges.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
AG187 731	Statistics and Research Methods in Fisheries	Directly supports Target 4.4 by equipping students with advanced technical and research skills for relevant employment and entrepreneurship in the fisheries sector.
AG187 891 / 892	Seminar in Fisheries I / II	Enhances lifelong learning opportunities (Target 4.3) by providing graduate-level training in scientific discourse, critical analysis, and effective communication.
AG187 898 / 899	Thesis	Represents a capstone lifelong learning opportunity (Target 4.3), where students conduct original research, thereby acquiring superior technical 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 and healthy aquatic ecosystems. 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
AG187 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).
AG187 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
AG187 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.
AG187 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).
AG187 764	Aquatic Animal Processing Technology for Entrepreneur	Promotes innovation and small-scale enterprise development (Target 9.3) by equipping entrepreneurs with modern processing technologies.

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
AG187 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.
AG187 772	Waste Utilization Management for Aquaculture	Directly aligns with Target 12.5 by teaching methods to substantially reduce waste generation through the utilization and recycling of by-products in aquaculture.
AG187 761	Fishery Processing Industry	Encourages companies to adopt sustainable practices (Target 12.6) by introducing modern technologies that reduce waste and improve resource efficiency in processing.
AG187 763	Quality Assessment and Quality Control of Aquatic Animal Product	Contributes to reducing food losses (Target 12.3) by implementing quality control systems that prevent spoilage and ensure the efficient use of harvested resources.

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
AG187 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).
AG187 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.
AG187 713	Molecular Biology and Genetic Improvement in Aquatic Animals	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.
AG187 771	Water Quality Management in Aquaculture	Aims to prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds (Target 14.1) by managing water quality and effluent from land-based aquaculture activities.

SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

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Alignment Summary: The program's advanced, research-oriented nature 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 fisheries and aquaculture.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
AG187 891 / 892	Seminar in Fisheries I / II	Enhances the global partnership for sustainable development by having students engage with and present on the latest global research, fostering a culture of knowledge-sharing (Target 17.6).
AG187 898 / 899	Thesis	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.