Khon Kaen University - SDG Alignment for Ph.D. in Computer Science and Information Technology

SDG Alignment for Ph.D. Program in Computer Science and Information Technology

Overall SDG Alignment Evaluation:

The Doctor of Philosophy Program in Computer Science and Information Technology is strategically designed to produce innovators and leaders for the digital and green economy era, aligning closely with the national goals of "Thailand 4.0" and the global Sustainable Development Goals. The curriculum is deeply rooted in SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) by providing advanced training in cornerstone technologies of the fifth industrial revolution, including Artificial Intelligence, Big Data, IoT, and Cybersecurity, which are fundamental to building resilient infrastructure and fostering technological innovation. By training experts who can drive digital transformation and create high-value services, the program directly supports SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth). Its emphasis on smart systems, data analytics, and network technologies contributes significantly to the development of SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities). As a research-focused, international doctoral program, it inherently promotes SDG 4 (Quality Education) and strengthens global SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) through extensive research collaboration networks.

SDG Related Course(s)

SDG 4: Quality Education

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Alignment Summary: This doctoral program is the pinnacle of quality education, designed to cultivate expert researchers and innovators. It provides an inclusive, high-level learning environment that equips graduates with advanced technical skills and fosters a culture of lifelong learning, enabling them to generate new knowledge and contribute to a sustainable future.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
**CP 399 990	Research Methodology	Provides the core research skills that define high-quality doctoral education, equipping students for high-level employment and lifelong learning in scientific research (Target 4.3 and 4.4).
**CP 398 209	Natural Language Processing	Develops skills to create systems that understand human language, which can be applied to build advanced and inclusive educational technologies and services, aligning with the goal of providing equitable quality education (Target 4.3).
**CP 399 996 / 998	Dissertation	The dissertation is a capstone educational experience that fosters independent research and advanced problem-solving skills, representing a significant contribution to quality education and the creation of new knowledge (Target 4.4).

SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

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Alignment Summary: The program contributes to sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth by producing highly skilled graduates who can drive innovation in the digital economy. The curriculum fosters skills in business intelligence and enterprise architecture, enabling the development of high-value industries and promoting productive employment.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
*CP 398 106	Enterprise Software Architecture and Design	Contributes to economic productivity through technological upgrading and innovation (Target 8.2) by training experts to design robust, large-scale software systems that form the backbone of modern enterprises.
**CP 398 406	Advanced Business Intelligence	Supports Target 8.2 by teaching data-driven decision-making, which helps organizations improve productivity, optimize resource management, and drive economic growth.

SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

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Alignment Summary: This program is at the forefront of fostering innovation and building resilient digital infrastructure. The curriculum provides deep expertise in foundational technologies of the digital era, including Artificial Intelligence, Big Data, IoT, and Cybersecurity. Graduates are equipped to upgrade the technological capabilities of industries and drive scientific research, contributing directly to a more innovative and technologically advanced economy.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
**CP 398 201	Paradigms of Artificial Intelligence	Teaches foundational and advanced AI techniques, which are a cornerstone of modern technological innovation, directly supporting the enhancement of scientific research and technological capabilities (Target 9.5).
**CP 398 301	Advanced Computer Networks	Focuses on the design and management of robust and efficient digital communication infrastructure, which is fundamental for industrial and technological progress (Target 9.1).
**CP 398 302	Wireless, Mobile, and Internet of Things Networks	Central to developing smart infrastructure (Target 9.1), IoT is a key enabler for innovative industrial processes, sustainable urban services, and creating a connected, efficient economy.
*CP 398 309	Embedded Systems and Robotics Technology	Drives innovation in advanced manufacturing, smart agriculture, and automation by covering the technology behind intelligent devices and robotic systems, aligning with Target 9.4 to upgrade industrial technological capabilities.

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

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Alignment Summary: The curriculum directly enables the development of smart, sustainable cities. Courses in IoT, big data analytics, and network design provide the essential skills to create and manage intelligent urban systems, such as smart grids, efficient transportation networks, and responsive public services, making cities more inclusive, safe, and resilient.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
**CP 398 204	Big Data Analytic and Mining	Provides skills for analyzing massive datasets from urban systems, which is crucial for optimizing city services, improving planning, and creating innovative smart city solutions (Target 11.A).
**CP 398 302	Wireless, Mobile, and Internet of Things Networks	This course is fundamental to building the technological backbone of smart cities. It provides knowledge on creating the connected infrastructure needed for smart transportation, waste management, and energy grids (Target 11.A).

SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

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Alignment Summary: The program promotes responsible production patterns by training experts who can design intelligent systems for resource optimization. Business intelligence and data analytics skills can be applied to create more efficient supply chains, reduce waste in industrial processes, and encourage corporations to adopt more sustainable practices.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
**CP 398 406	Advanced Business Intelligence	Contributes to Target 12.6 by equipping graduates with tools to help companies integrate sustainability information into their reporting cycles and adopt more efficient, responsible production methods.

SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

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Alignment Summary: The program contributes to building strong and accountable institutions by focusing on cybersecurity. Protecting digital infrastructure is vital for the effective functioning of government, public services, and the justice system in the modern era, ensuring they are resilient against threats and can operate transparently.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
*CP 398 303	Cybersecurity Essentials	Directly supports the development of effective, accountable, and transparent institutions (Target 16.6) by providing the skills needed to protect public digital infrastructure and ensure the integrity of government data and services.
*CP 398 305	Penetration Testing and Ethical Hacking	Strengthens institutions by teaching methods to proactively identify and fix vulnerabilities in digital systems, making public services less susceptible to corruption and disruption (Target 16.5).

SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

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Alignment Summary: As an international doctoral program with extensive collaboration networks, this curriculum is a hub for global partnerships. The research-intensive nature of the program encourages cooperation with academic institutions and industries worldwide, fostering the knowledge-sharing and capacity-building necessary to achieve all SDGs.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
**CP 399 990	Research Methodology	Enhances capacity-building for sustainable development (Target 17.9) by providing students with the skills to collect, analyze, and report data, which is essential for monitoring SDG progress globally.
**CP 399 996 / 998	Dissertation	Represents a significant contribution to the global partnership for sustainable development (Target 17.6) by generating and disseminating new scientific knowledge through international academic collaborations and publications.