Overall SDG Alignment Evaluation:
The Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences (International Program) at Khon Kaen University is deeply rooted in advancing global health and sustainable development. The curriculum's philosophy is to produce graduates who are not only experts in biomedical sciences but also innovators capable of addressing pressing health challenges, particularly within the context of the "One Health" framework, which recognizes the intricate link between human, animal, and environmental well-being. This holistic approach ensures a strong alignment with SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), with specialized courses in immunology, toxicology, and the health of aging populations. The program's emphasis on developing advanced research capabilities, including bioinformatics and big data analytics, directly fosters SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) and underpins its commitment to SDG 4 (Quality Education) by producing high-caliber researchers. By exploring the development of natural products and promoting entrepreneurship in healthcare, the curriculum also contributes to SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth). The interdisciplinary nature of the program and its engagement with a global consortium of universities underscore its commitment to SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), making it a pivotal force in driving sustainable health solutions on a local and international scale.
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-beingAlignment Summary: The program comprehensively supports SDG 3 by focusing on the molecular and cellular basis of diseases, immunology, and the development of new treatments. Specialized courses address the health of aging populations, food safety through the study of toxins, and innovations in diagnostics like biosensors and precision medicine, all aimed at promoting well-being and combating disease for all ages.
| Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| GS 217 710 | Advances in Biomedical Sciences | This course focuses on cutting-edge applications in precision medicine, genomics, and medical bioengineering, directly contributing to research on health and well-being. |
| AM 137 510 | Molecular Precision Medicine and Medical Bioinformatics | This course on precision medicine and genomics directly supports research into diagnosing, prognosticating, and treating diseases more effectively. |
| MD 627 732 | Bioinformatics | Teaches the use of computational tools to analyze biological data, which is crucial for modern health research and developing innovative solutions for diseases. |
| MD 847 101 | Big Data Analytics in Medicine | This course enables the analysis of large-scale health data from omics and electronic health records for disease research and improving health outcomes. |
| GS 217 706 | One Health in Biomedical Sciences | This course directly addresses the interconnectedness of human, animal, and ecosystem health, which is fundamental to preventing and controlling zoonotic and emerging diseases. |
| GS 217 709 | Human-Animal-Environment Interface | Focuses on the complex interactions that lead to emerging infectious diseases, contributing to public health preparedness and well-being. |
| GS 217 704 | Biosensors in Biomedical Sciences | Supports health innovation by focusing on the development of new diagnostic technologies that enable better and faster disease detection. |
| GS 217 707 | Biomedical Sciences and Pharmaceutical Formulation Design | Directly contributes to SDG 3 by teaching the principles of designing and developing effective pharmaceutical products for treating diseases affecting various body systems. |
| GS 217 708 | Development of Natural Products | Aligns with SDG 3 by exploring natural sources for new therapeutic agents, including dietary supplements and functional foods with pharmacological action. |
| MD 567 712 | Cells and Molecular Biology | Provides foundational knowledge of the molecular and cellular basis of diseases, which is essential for all research aimed at improving human health. |
| AM 427 410 | Immunobiology | Focuses on the immune system's role in health and disease, providing critical knowledge for developing vaccines and treatments for infectious and autoimmune conditions. |
| AM 427 412 | Immune System in the Elderly | Specifically addresses health issues in an aging population by studying immunosenescence, contributing to well-being for all ages as per Target 3.4. |
| GS 217 703 | Biomedical Sciences in the Elderly | Directly addresses SDG 3 by focusing on the health and well-being of the elderly, covering chronic diseases, nutrition, and pharmacotherapy in this demographic. |
| AM 427 422 | Transplantation Immunology and Applications in Transplantation Laboratories | Contributes directly to improving health outcomes by advancing the science behind organ and tissue transplantation, a life-saving medical procedure. |
SDG 4: Quality EducationAlignment Summary: As a master's level program centered on research, it inherently provides high-quality education. Core courses in research methodology, scientific writing, and seminars equip students with advanced skills for high-level employment and lifelong learning, enabling them to contribute new knowledge to the global scientific community.
| Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| MD 567 714 | Medical Sciences Research Methodology | This course provides the fundamental skills for conducting high-quality research, directly contributing to the 'Quality Education' metric by equipping graduates with advanced research capabilities. |
| GS 217 711 | Article Writing in Biomedical Science | Builds essential skills for disseminating research findings, a key component of higher education and contributing to the global knowledge base, aligning with the 'Lifelong learning measures' under SDG 4. |
| GS 217 891 / 892 | Seminar in Biomedical Sciences I / II | These seminars foster critical thinking, academic debate, and knowledge exchange among peers and faculty, directly enhancing the quality of education and lifelong learning opportunities. |
| GS 217 898 / 899 | Thesis | The thesis component is a cornerstone of advanced education, enabling students to generate new knowledge through original research that addresses challenges across multiple SDGs. |
SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic GrowthAlignment Summary: The curriculum fosters economic growth by training a specialized workforce in the high-demand biomedical sector. The inclusion of a course on healthcare entrepreneurship directly encourages the creation of decent work and new business ventures within the growing health sciences industry, contributing to a knowledge-based economy.
| Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| BS 957 149 | Entrepreneurship Healthcare and Health Sciences in Globalization | This course fosters economic growth by equipping graduates with entrepreneurial skills to create new businesses and decent work in the health sector. This aligns with the 'Decent Work and Economic Growth' metric. |
SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and InfrastructureAlignment Summary: Innovation is a central theme, with courses dedicated to cutting-edge fields like precision medicine, bioinformatics, big data analytics, and biosensor technology. This focus prepares graduates to build and contribute to resilient infrastructure and foster sustainable innovation within the medical and biotechnology industries.
| Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| GS 217 710 | Advances in Biomedical Sciences | This course focuses on medical bioengineering and other advanced technologies, directly supporting research and innovation in the medical industry. |
| AM 137 510 | Molecular Precision Medicine and Medical Bioinformatics | Drives innovation in medical technology and infrastructure by training experts in advanced diagnostics and data analysis for healthcare. |
| MD 627 732 | Bioinformatics | Teaches the use of computational tools and databases to analyze biological data, a key component of modern innovation in the biotechnology industry. |
| MD 847 101 | Big Data Analytics in Medicine | Promotes industry and innovation by developing skills in a key technological area for modern healthcare infrastructure and research. |
| GS 217 704 | Biosensors in Biomedical Sciences | This course supports innovation by focusing on the principles and development of new diagnostic technologies, a key area of industrial growth. |
SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and ProductionAlignment Summary: The program encourages responsible production and consumption through its focus on developing products from natural sources, which includes principles of quality control and sustainable development. This fosters an understanding of creating effective products while considering environmental and resource impacts.
| Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| GS 217 708 | Development of Natural Products | This course aligns with responsible production by covering the quality, standards, and intellectual property related to developing products from natural sources, encouraging sustainable practices. |
SDG 14: Life Below WaterAlignment Summary: The curriculum addresses 'Life Below Water' through the 'One Health' concept, which acknowledges the interconnectedness of all ecosystems. By studying the complex interactions between human, animal, and environmental health, the program indirectly contributes to the understanding and protection of aquatic ecosystems from land-based sources of pollution and disease.
| Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| GS 217 706 | One Health in Biomedical Sciences | Contributes to protecting life below water by studying the interdisciplinary interactions between human, animal, and ecosystem health, which includes understanding land-based impacts on aquatic environments. |
SDG 15: Life On LandAlignment Summary: The program contributes to 'Life on Land' through the 'One Health' and 'Human-Animal-Environment Interface' courses. These modules explore the dynamics of zoonotic and emerging diseases, which are intrinsically linked to the health and sustainable management of terrestrial ecosystems and wildlife.
| Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| GS 217 706 | One Health in Biomedical Sciences | Aligns with SDG 15 by focusing on the complex interactions between human, animal, and ecosystem health, contributing to the understanding and sustainable management of terrestrial ecosystems to prevent zoonoses. |
| GS 217 709 | Human-Animal-Environment Interface | Supports the protection of life on land by studying the ecological dynamics of emerging infectious diseases and promoting strategies for managing the interface between humans, animals, and the environment. |
SDG 17: Partnerships for the GoalsAlignment Summary: The program is built on a foundation of collaboration. The seminar series and the thesis research process require engagement with the international scientific community. Furthermore, the program is part of an International Biomedical Sciences Consortium, directly embodying the spirit of global partnership for knowledge sharing and achieving sustainable development goals.
| Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| GS 217 891 / 892 | Seminar in Biomedical Sciences I / II | Promotes partnerships (Target 17.16) by requiring students to engage with and present on the latest global research, fostering a culture of knowledge-sharing and collaboration. |
| GS 217 898 / 899 | Thesis | Represents a significant contribution to global partnerships (Target 17.17) by creating new, publishable knowledge that is shared internationally to help solve critical sustainability challenges in biomedical science. |