Khon Kaen University - SDG Alignment for Master of Science Program in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (International Program)

SDG Alignment for Master of Science Program in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (International Program)

Overall SDG Alignment Evaluation:

The Master of Science in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence is holistically and fundamentally aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals by training a new generation of experts to harness the transformative power of data. The curriculum's philosophy, emphasizing advanced analytics, machine learning, and ethical, real-world application, makes it a powerful contributor to sustainable development. The program is a cornerstone of SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) by providing the core skills for technological innovation and building the data infrastructure of the modern economy. It is a direct driver of SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) by enhancing productivity through data-driven insights and preparing graduates for high-demand jobs. Furthermore, the curriculum's specialized applications in healthcare and agriculture contribute directly to SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 2 (Zero Hunger). As an advanced international program, it is a flagship of SDG 4 (Quality Education) and is built upon a foundation of research and global partnerships, embodying the spirit of SDG 17.

SDG Related Course(s)

SDG 2: Zero Hunger

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Alignment Summary: This program addresses the challenge of Zero Hunger by applying advanced data science and AI to agriculture. These technologies can optimize crop yields, improve resource management, and create more resilient and productive food systems, contributing to global food security.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
CS407732	Smart Agriculture	Directly supports sustainable food production systems by applying AI, IoT, and data analytics to make farming more efficient, productive, and environmentally friendly (Target 2.4).

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

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Alignment Summary: The curriculum is central to promoting good health by providing the data science and AI tools that are revolutionizing medicine. Graduates are equipped to analyze complex health data, develop diagnostic tools, and contribute to research that leads to new treatments for both communicable and non-communicable diseases.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
CS407705	Machine Learning	Is fundamental to modern healthcare, with applications in disease prediction, medical image analysis, and personalized medicine that support well-being (Target 3.4).
CS407731	Computational Intelligence for Healthcare	Directly supports good health by focusing on the application of AI and data science to solve complex problems in healthcare, from diagnostics to health system management (Target 3.D).
CS407721	Deep Learning	Contributes to health by enabling advanced analysis of medical imaging (e.g., X-rays, MRIs) for earlier and more accurate disease detection (Target 3.4).

SDG 4: Quality Education

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Alignment Summary: As an advanced international Master of Science program, the curriculum itself is a vehicle for high-quality education. It is designed to foster scientific literacy, critical thinking, and the research skills needed to drive innovation and promote sustainable development through technology.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
CS407707	Research Methods in Data Science and AI	Enhances education for sustainable development by equipping students with the skills to conduct scientific research, fostering lifelong learning and evidence-based innovation (Target 4.7).
CS407891/4	Thesis / Independent Study	Provides quality education by enabling students to conduct independent research, applying their knowledge to solve complex problems and create new knowledge (Target 4.7).

SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

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Alignment Summary: The program is a direct driver of economic growth by producing graduates with highly sought-after skills in data science and AI, which are critical for the modern economy. These skills help businesses in all sectors to improve productivity, innovate, and make better decisions, leading to sustained economic growth and high-value, decent work.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
CS407704	Data Science and Analytics	Contributes to higher levels of economic productivity through technological upgrading and innovation by teaching how to extract value from data (Target 8.2).
CS407714	Business Intelligence and Analytics	Supports economic productivity by training students to use data to improve business strategy and operations (Target 8.2).

SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

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Alignment Summary: This program is the very definition of fostering innovation for industry. The entire curriculum is focused on the theory and application of data science and artificial intelligence, which are the fundamental tools driving innovation, upgrading industries, and building the resilient digital infrastructure of the 21st century.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
CS407706	Artificial Intelligence	Is a cornerstone of modern innovation, providing the skills to build intelligent systems that are transforming all industries (Target 9.5).
CS407711	Big Data Technologies and Management	Directly supports the development of quality, reliable, and resilient digital infrastructure by teaching how to manage the large-scale data systems that are essential for modern industry (Target 9.1).
CS407891/4	Thesis / Independent Study	Directly enhances scientific research and innovation by training students to conduct cutting-edge research to develop new data-driven technologies and solutions (Target 9.5).

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

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Alignment Summary: The program is essential for creating sustainable "smart cities." Graduates are equipped to design and implement the data analytics and AI systems needed to manage urban traffic, optimize energy use, improve public safety, and make cities more efficient and resilient.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
CS407706	Artificial Intelligence	Directly supports inclusive and sustainable urbanization by providing the core technology for smart city applications, such as traffic flow optimization and public safety monitoring (Target 11.3).
CS407724	Computer Vision	Can be applied to analyze urban data from cameras to improve traffic management and public safety, making human settlements safer and more resilient (Target 11.B).

SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

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Alignment Summary: The curriculum can contribute to responsible production by providing the tools to create more efficient systems. Data analytics can be used to optimize manufacturing processes and supply chains, leading to the more efficient use of energy and materials and a reduction in waste.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
CS407704	Data Science and Analytics	Can promote the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources by creating systems that optimize logistics, inventory, and energy consumption in production (Target 12.2).

SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

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Alignment Summary: The program contributes to strong and just institutions by focusing on the ethical application of data and AI. In an increasingly data-driven world, the ability to build fair, accountable, and transparent algorithmic systems is fundamental to creating effective institutions and protecting human rights.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
CS407703	Database Systems for Data Science and AI	Is essential for building effective and accountable institutions by providing the skills to manage and secure public and private data infrastructure, ensuring data integrity and privacy (Target 16.10).

SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

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Alignment Summary: As an international, research-focused master's program, it inherently fosters partnerships for the goals. The thesis and research components create a vital bridge between the university, industry, and the global scientific community, facilitating the knowledge sharing and collaboration needed to achieve the SDGs.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
CS407707	Research Methods in Data Science and AI	Enhances the global partnership for sustainable development by training students in the universal language of scientific research (Target 17.6).
CS407891/4	Thesis / Independent Study	Directly encourages and promotes effective partnerships by requiring students to engage with the global research community and often collaborate with industry or other institutions (Target 17.17).