Khon Kaen University - SDG Alignment for Bachelor of Science in Information Technology

SDG Alignment for Bachelor of Science in Information Technology

Overall SDG Alignment Evaluation:

The Bachelor of Science Program in Information Technology at Khon Kaen University is engineered to produce "innovators" who can seamlessly integrate IT with the business and industrial sectors to drive sustainable development. The curriculum's philosophy, focused on creating graduates with international-standard knowledge who are ethical, socially responsible, and capable of creative problem-solving, is inherently aligned with the UN's Sustainable Development Goals. The program is a major contributor to SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), as it provides the core competencies for building the digital infrastructure of the future. Courses in software development, network management, cloud computing, and blockchain technology are crucial for upgrading industries and fostering innovation. This directly fuels SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) by producing a highly skilled workforce for the digital economy and fostering entrepreneurship through courses on digital startups. On a societal level, the program supports SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) through its emphasis on IT Law and Ethics and Digital Forensics, which are vital for building transparent, accountable, and secure digital systems. It also connects to SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), as graduates are equipped to develop smart city solutions. As a higher education program, it is a clear embodiment of SDG 4 (Quality Education), and the global, collaborative nature of technology naturally promotes SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

SDG Related Course(s)

SDG 4: Quality Education

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Alignment Summary: This program provides high-quality, specialized education in a critical 21st-century field. It is designed to develop advanced technical skills and research capabilities, ensuring graduates are well-equipped for skilled employment and continuous lifelong learning in the fast-paced world of information technology.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
SC 364 897	Research Project in Information Technology	Directly supports quality education by equipping students with the skills to conduct independent research, fostering lifelong learning and preparing them for advanced technical employment (Target 4.4).
SC 364 894	Cooperative Education	Provides mandatory, full-time work placements, ensuring all students acquire relevant technical and vocational skills for employment and entrepreneurship (Target 4.3 & 4.4).

SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

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Alignment Summary: The curriculum is a direct catalyst for economic growth by producing graduates who are ready to contribute to the digital economy. By fostering skills in high-demand areas like software development, data science, and entrepreneurship, the program helps create high-value jobs and supports economic diversification.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
SC 363 502	Entrepreneurship and Digital Startup	Promotes entrepreneurship, creativity, and innovation, which are fundamental to job creation and sustained economic growth in the digital era (Target 8.3).
SC 364 894	Cooperative Education	Ensures students gain professional experience, supporting the achievement of full and productive employment and facilitating the transition of youth into the workforce (Target 8.6).

SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

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Alignment Summary: This program is at the core of building a modern, innovative, and resilient digital infrastructure. It equips students with the skills to develop and manage the technologies that underpin all modern industries, from cloud computing and data analytics to blockchain, thereby fostering sustainable industrialization and enhancing technological capabilities.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
SC 362 211	Software Engineering	Provides the foundational skills for creating the software that drives industrial innovation and upgrades technological capabilities across all sectors (Target 9.5).
SC 363 305	Cloud Computing and Applications	Contributes to building resilient and modern digital infrastructure by teaching students how to manage and deploy scalable cloud-based systems (Target 9.1 & 9.4).
SC 363 306	Blockchain Technology and Cryptocurrency	Fosters innovation by providing knowledge of emerging technologies that can enhance security and transparency in industries (Target 9.B).
SC 363 441	Big Data Analytics	Enhances scientific research and supports industrial innovation by teaching students how to derive insights from large datasets, a critical capability for modern industries (Target 9.5).

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

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Alignment Summary: The program provides the technical foundation for developing smart cities and sustainable communities. Graduates can apply their skills in data analytics, cloud computing, and mobile application development to create solutions for urban challenges like traffic management, resource efficiency, and public service delivery.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
SC 363 441	Big Data Analytics	Teaches skills that can be applied to urban data to improve planning, resource management, and make cities more sustainable and resilient (Target 11.3).
SC 363 213	Mobile Device Programming	Provides the ability to create mobile applications that can enhance access to public services and improve the quality of life in cities. This supports the 'Sustainable practices' metric for building inclusive communities.

SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

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Alignment Summary: The curriculum reinforces the principles of strong and ethical institutions by focusing on information security, law, and digital forensics. By training professionals who can protect digital systems, ensure data integrity, and investigate cybercrime, the program helps build transparent, accountable, and just institutions for the digital age.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
SC 363 231	Information Security	Directly contributes to building effective and accountable institutions by providing the skills to protect against cybercrime and ensure data security (Target 16.5 & 16.6).
LW 011 105	Information Technology Law and Ethics	Promotes the rule of law by educating students on the legal and ethical frameworks that govern technology, ensuring responsible innovation (Target 16.3).
SC 363 307	Digital Forensics	Strengthens institutions by providing the skills to investigate digital crimes, helping to combat corruption and promote justice (Target 16.4 & 16.5).

SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

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Alignment Summary: The nature of Information Technology is inherently collaborative and global. The program fosters a partnership-oriented approach through project-based learning and cooperative education, preparing students to work in multi-stakeholder teams to develop and share technology and knowledge for sustainable development.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
SC 364 897	Research Project in Information Technology	Promotes partnerships by requiring students to engage in research that often involves collaboration with industry or academic partners, enhancing knowledge-sharing for sustainable development (Target 17.16).
SC 364 894	Cooperative Education	Represents a direct multi-stakeholder partnership between the university and industry, mobilizing knowledge and expertise to achieve the SDGs (Target 17.17).