Overall SDG Alignment Evaluation:
The Bachelor of Science Program in Artificial Intelligence at Khon Kaen University is strategically designed to cultivate "innovators" capable of developing and applying AI technology to drive the economy and society sustainably. The program's philosophy—to produce graduates with world-class knowledge, ethical grounding, and social responsibility—aligns powerfully with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals. The curriculum is a cornerstone for SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), as AI is a fundamental technology for 21st-century innovation. Courses like Machine Learning, Deep Learning, Data Science, and the Internet of Things (IoT) equip graduates to technologically upgrade industries, directly fueling SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) by creating a high-skilled workforce for the digital economy. Moreover, the program targets key development sectors through applied AI courses, such as AI for Medical Applications, which supports SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), and AI for Smart Farming, which promotes SDG 2 (Zero Hunger). The emphasis on Ethics and Law for AI is crucial for SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), ensuring technology is used responsibly. As a higher education program, it is an archetype of SDG 4 (Quality Education), and its project-based, collaborative nature inherently fosters the spirit of SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
SDG 2: Zero HungerAlignment Summary: This program contributes to achieving zero hunger by training students to apply artificial intelligence to agriculture. This fosters the development of "smart farming" techniques that can increase productivity, improve resource management, and build more resilient agricultural systems.
| Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| CP 383 454 | Artificial Intelligence for Smart Farming | Directly aligns with promoting sustainable agriculture by teaching the application of AI to improve crop management, resource efficiency, and productivity, contributing to food security (Target 2.3 & 2.4). |
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-beingAlignment Summary: The curriculum supports good health and well-being by educating students on the application of AI in the medical field. This includes developing systems for medical data analysis, diagnostics, and treatment planning, thereby contributing to the advancement of healthcare services.
| Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| CP 383 451 | Artificial Intelligence for Medical Applications | Directly supports health and well-being by training students to create AI-powered tools for medical diagnosis and data analysis, enhancing the capacity of health systems (Target 3.D). |
SDG 4: Quality EducationAlignment Summary: This program provides high-quality, specialized education in a field crucial for the future. It equips students with advanced technical and research skills, preparing them for skilled employment and lifelong learning in a technology-driven world.
| Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| CP 382 001 | Research in Artificial Intelligence | Provides students with advanced research methodologies and technical skills, ensuring they are equipped for high-level employment and continuous learning (Target 4.4). |
| CP 384 894 | Cooperative Education | Guarantees that students acquire relevant vocational and technical skills through mandatory work placements, promoting skills for employment and lifelong learning opportunities (Target 4.3 & 4.4). |
SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic GrowthAlignment Summary: By producing graduates with expertise in artificial intelligence, the curriculum directly fuels the high-value technology sector, a key driver of economic growth. It promotes innovation and entrepreneurship, leading to the creation of decent jobs and supporting economic diversification.
| Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| CP 384 894 | Cooperative Education | Ensures students gain professional experience, supporting full and productive employment and facilitating the transition of youth into the workforce (Target 8.6). |
| CP 383 453 | AI for Business | Teaches the application of AI to improve business productivity and innovation, contributing to sustained economic growth (Target 8.2). |
SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and InfrastructureAlignment Summary: The entire Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence program is a catalyst for SDG 9. It provides the core competencies needed to build the intelligent systems, resilient infrastructure, and innovative technologies that are essential for promoting inclusive and sustainable industrialization in the 21st century.
| Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| CP 383 341 | Machine Learning | Enhances scientific research and upgrades the technological capabilities of all industrial sectors by teaching the core principles of modern AI (Target 9.5). |
| CP 383 456 | Internet of Things and Applications | Fosters innovation by teaching students to create interconnected systems, which are fundamental to building smart infrastructure and promoting sustainable industrialization (Target 9.4). |
| CP 383 452 | Robotics and Intelligent Systems | Supports the upgrading of industries by providing skills in automation and robotics, which increases productivity and promotes clean and environmentally sound technologies (Target 9.4). |
| CP 383 441 | Data Science | Drives innovation by teaching students to extract insights from data, a critical capability for enhancing scientific research and developing new industrial processes (Target 9.5). |
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and CommunitiesAlignment Summary: The program provides the technical foundation for developing smart cities. Graduates can apply their AI skills to create solutions for urban challenges, such as intelligent transportation systems, efficient resource management, and enhanced public safety, making cities more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable.
| Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| CP 383 456 | Internet of Things and Applications | Provides the skills to develop sensor networks and data-driven systems that are fundamental to building smart cities and managing urban resources efficiently (Target 11.3). |
| CP 383 442 | Computer Vision | Can be applied to develop intelligent systems for urban monitoring, such as traffic flow analysis and public safety surveillance, contributing to safe and sustainable cities. This supports 'Sustainable practices' (Target 11.A). |
SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong InstitutionsAlignment Summary: The curriculum promotes the development of strong and ethical institutions by addressing the legal and ethical implications of artificial intelligence. By educating students on responsible AI development, data privacy, and security, the program helps build a foundation for just, accountable, and transparent governance in the digital age.
| Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| CP 383 433 | Information System Security and Privacy | Contributes to building effective and accountable institutions by providing the skills to protect digital infrastructure and ensure data privacy (Target 16.6). |
| LW 011 106 | Information Technology Law and Ethics for AI | Directly promotes the rule of law by educating students on the legal and ethical frameworks governing AI, which is essential for ensuring non-discriminatory laws and policies (Target 16.B). |
SDG 17: Partnerships for the GoalsAlignment Summary: The development of artificial intelligence is a global and collaborative endeavor. This program fosters a spirit of partnership through its project-based learning and cooperative education, preparing students to work in multi-stakeholder teams and contribute to the global sharing of knowledge and technology for sustainable development.
| Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| CP 384 894 | Cooperative Education | Represents a direct multi-stakeholder partnership between the university and industry, mobilizing and sharing knowledge, expertise, and technology to achieve the SDGs (Target 17.17). |
| CP 384 801 | Seminar | Promotes knowledge-sharing and dialogue on the latest advancements in AI, enhancing the global partnership for sustainable development (Target 17.16). |