Overall SDG Alignment Evaluation:
The Bachelor of Science Program in Computer Science at Khon Kaen University is engineered to produce graduates with world-class knowledge in computer science and software engineering, capable of applying technology to solve real-world problems creatively, ethically, and with social responsibility. This vision inherently aligns with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals. The curriculum is a powerhouse for SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), as it forms the bedrock of digital innovation. Courses in Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things (IoT), Software Engineering, and Cybersecurity are fundamental to building resilient infrastructure and fostering sustainable industrialization. This directly fuels SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) by supplying highly skilled professionals to the burgeoning digital economy. In the societal dimension, the program supports SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) through education on IT Law and Ethics and Information System Security, which are crucial for creating transparent and secure institutions. It also connects to SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), as graduates can innovate solutions for smart cities. As a higher education program, it exemplifies SDG 4 (Quality Education), and the collaborative nature of technology fosters a spirit of global partnership, aligning with SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
SDG 4: Quality EducationAlignment Summary: This program provides high-quality, specialized tertiary education in a high-demand field. It focuses on developing advanced technical and research skills, ensuring graduates are equipped for skilled employment and lifelong learning in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.
| Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| SC 322 001 | Research in Computer Science | Directly supports quality education by equipping students with advanced research methodologies and technical skills necessary for innovation and high-level employment (Target 4.4). |
| SC 324 894 | Cooperative Education | Provides mandatory, extensive work placement, ensuring all students gain relevant technical and vocational skills for employment and lifelong learning opportunities (Target 4.3 & 4.4). |
| SC 324 893 | Project | Represents a capstone lifelong learning opportunity where students conduct significant projects, acquiring superior technical skills for employment and innovation (Target 4.4). |
SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic GrowthAlignment Summary: The curriculum is a direct engine for economic growth by producing highly skilled graduates for the technology sector. It promotes high-value job creation and entrepreneurship, contributing to economic diversification and increased productivity.
| Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| SC 324 894 | Cooperative Education | Ensures students gain professional experience, supporting full and productive employment and facilitating the transition of youth into the workforce (Target 8.6). |
| SC 313 504 | Entrepreneurship and Digital Startup | Directly promotes entrepreneurship and innovation, encouraging the creation of new businesses and decent jobs in the digital economy (Target 8.3). |
SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and InfrastructureAlignment Summary: This program is at the heart of fostering innovation and building modern digital infrastructure. Students learn to develop advanced software, create intelligent systems, and manage computer networks, which are all critical components for promoting inclusive, sustainable industrialization and upgrading technological capabilities across all sectors.
| Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| SC 323 213 | Software Engineering | Provides the foundational skills for creating the software that drives modern industry and innovation, supporting sustainable industrialization (Target 9.2). |
| SC 323 441 | Artificial Intelligence | Enhances scientific research and upgrades technological capabilities by teaching the principles of AI, a key driver of industrial innovation (Target 9.5). |
| SC 323 115 | Computer Networks | Provides essential knowledge for building and maintaining resilient digital infrastructure, which is critical for all industries (Target 9.1). |
| SC 323 446 | Internet of Things | Fosters innovation by teaching students to create interconnected systems, contributing to the development of smart infrastructure and industries (Target 9.4). |
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and CommunitiesAlignment Summary: The program equips students with the technical skills to develop innovative solutions for urban challenges. Graduates can create applications for smart traffic management, resource monitoring, and public service delivery, contributing directly to making cities and communities more inclusive, safe, and sustainable.
| Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| SC 323 446 | Internet of Things | Teaches the creation of sensor networks and data systems that are fundamental to building smart cities and managing urban resources efficiently (Target 11.3). |
| SC 323 433 | Information System Security and Privacy | Contributes to making cities safer by securing the digital infrastructure that underpins public services and protects citizens' data (Target 11.7). |
| SC 323 116 | Web Programming and Web Services | Provides skills to develop accessible online platforms for public services and community engagement, promoting inclusive and participatory urban planning. This supports 'Sustainable practices' (Target 11.A). |
SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong InstitutionsAlignment Summary: The curriculum promotes the development of strong, secure, and transparent institutions through its focus on cybersecurity and information ethics. By training experts who can protect digital infrastructure from crime and ensure the ethical use of data, the program contributes to the rule of law and public access to information in the digital age.
| Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| SC 323 433 | Information System Security and Privacy | Directly contributes to building effective and accountable institutions by providing the skills to protect against cybercrime and ensure data privacy (Target 16.5 & 16.6). |
| LW 011 105 | Information Technology Law and Ethics | Promotes the rule of law at national and international levels by educating students on the legal and ethical frameworks governing technology (Target 16.3). |
| SC 323 435 | Cyber Forensics | Strengthens institutions by providing skills to investigate cybercrime, thus helping to reduce illicit financial and arms flows and combat all forms of organized crime (Target 16.4). |
SDG 17: Partnerships for the GoalsAlignment Summary: The field of computer science is inherently global and collaborative. The curriculum fosters a spirit of partnership by encouraging students to work on team-based projects and engage with open-source communities, preparing them to contribute to multi-stakeholder collaborations for sustainable development.
| Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| SC 324 893 | Project | Encourages multi-stakeholder partnerships by having students work on real-world projects that often involve collaboration with industry or community partners, mobilizing and sharing knowledge (Target 17.17). |
| SC 323 213 | Software Engineering | Promotes partnerships through its emphasis on collaborative software development methodologies, which are essential for building the technology-based solutions needed to achieve the SDGs (Target 17.16). |