Khon Kaen University - SDG Alignment for Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering

SDG Alignment for Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering

Overall SDG Alignment Evaluation:

The Doctor of Philosophy Program in Electrical and Computer Engineering is engineered to be a catalyst for technological advancement and sustainable development. Its curriculum is deeply integrated with the goals of creating resilient infrastructure, fostering innovation, and upgrading industrial capabilities, making it a powerful driver for SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure). By specializing in areas such as smart grids, power electronics, and control systems, the program directly contributes to SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy). Furthermore, its focus on communication networks, embedded systems, and computer vision provides the technological foundation for SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and has significant applications in advancing SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) through medical technology. As an international, research-intensive doctoral program, it is a flagship for SDG 4 (Quality Education), enhances institutional resilience through cybersecurity under SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), and thrives on the global collaboration central to SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

SDG Related Course(s)

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

▶

Alignment Summary: The program contributes to health and well-being by developing advanced technologies for medical diagnostics and analysis. Courses in image processing and computer vision train experts to create innovative tools for medical imaging, which can improve disease detection and treatment, thereby supporting better health outcomes.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
182 712	Advanced Digital Image Processing	Supports health and well-being by providing the techniques essential for developing advanced medical imaging systems, which are critical for diagnosing diseases (Target 3.D).
182 713	Computer Vision	Contributes to Target 3.D by training experts to build systems that can analyze medical images (e.g., X-rays, MRIs) to assist in early and accurate diagnosis of diseases.

SDG 4: Quality Education

▶

Alignment Summary: As a doctoral program, this curriculum represents the highest level of quality education. It is designed to cultivate expert researchers and innovators who can generate new knowledge in a critical technological field, fostering the lifelong learning and advanced skills necessary to address complex global challenges.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
182 891	Seminar in Electrical and Computer Engineering 1	Enhances lifelong learning opportunities (Target 4.3) by providing a platform for doctoral students to engage with cutting-edge research and develop critical analysis skills.
182 998 / 999	Dissertation	Represents a capstone lifelong learning opportunity (Target 4.3), where students conduct original research, thereby acquiring superior technical and professional skills for employment and innovation (Target 4.4).

SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

▶

Alignment Summary: The curriculum directly addresses the transition to sustainable energy systems. It provides advanced knowledge in power electronics, which are crucial for integrating renewable energy sources, and smart grid technology, which is essential for creating efficient, reliable, and modern energy infrastructure.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
182 731	Advanced Power Electronics	Directly supports the expansion of renewable energy by teaching the technologies needed to efficiently convert and control power from sources like solar and wind, aligning with Target 7.2.
182 732	Smart Grid Technology	Aligns with Target 7.A by focusing on research and access to clean energy technology, as smart grids are essential for modernizing and increasing the share of renewables in the energy infrastructure.
182 733	Advanced Control Systems	Contributes to improving energy efficiency (Target 7.3) by teaching methods to optimize the performance of energy systems in industrial and commercial applications.

SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

▶

Alignment Summary: This program is a powerhouse for fostering innovation and building resilient technological infrastructure. The curriculum provides deep expertise in core technologies that underpin modern industry, including advanced networks, artificial intelligence, robotics, and embedded systems. Graduates are prepared to lead scientific research, upgrade industrial capabilities, and develop the next generation of digital infrastructure.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
182 721	Advanced Computer Networks	Builds resilient infrastructure (Target 9.1) by providing expertise in designing and managing the high-performance networks that are critical for modern industry and society.
182 743	Artificial Intelligence	Enhances scientific research and innovation (Target 9.5) by teaching the core principles of AI, a key technology for upgrading industrial capabilities and creating new industries.
182 742	Embedded Systems	Drives innovation by providing skills to develop intelligent devices for the Internet of Things (IoT), which is fundamental to modernizing industrial processes and infrastructure (Target 9.4).
182 744	Robotics and Automation	Supports sustainable industrialization (Target 9.2) by training experts who can develop and implement automation technologies to make industries more efficient and productive.

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

▶

Alignment Summary: The curriculum provides the core technologies for developing smart and sustainable cities. Courses on wireless communications, smart grids, and embedded systems equip graduates with the skills to design and implement the intelligent infrastructure needed for efficient transportation, energy management, and public services, making cities more inclusive, safe, and resilient.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
182 722	Wireless Communication Networks	Provides the foundational knowledge for building the communication infrastructure of smart cities, essential for services like intelligent transport systems and public safety networks (Target 11.A).
182 732	Smart Grid Technology	Directly contributes to creating sustainable cities by providing expertise in modernizing energy infrastructure for greater efficiency and resilience, a key component of sustainable urban development (Target 11.A).

SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

▶

Alignment Summary: The program contributes to building strong and resilient institutions by focusing on the security of digital infrastructure. In an increasingly connected world, protecting government, public, and private digital systems from cyber threats is essential for ensuring their effective, accountable, and transparent operation.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
182 723	Network and Cyber Security	Directly supports the development of effective, accountable, and transparent institutions (Target 16.6) by providing the critical skills needed to protect digital infrastructure and ensure the integrity and reliability of public and private services.

SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

▶

Alignment Summary: As an international program focused on globally relevant technologies, this curriculum inherently fosters partnerships. The research-intensive nature of the program, demonstrated through seminars and the dissertation, promotes the international knowledge-sharing and multi-stakeholder collaborations required to achieve all SDGs.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
182 891	Seminar in Electrical and Computer Engineering 1	Promotes the global partnership for sustainable development (Target 17.6) by requiring students to engage with and present on the latest international research, fostering a culture of knowledge-sharing and collaboration.
182 998 / 999	Dissertation	Represents a significant contribution to global partnerships (Target 17.16) by creating new, publishable knowledge in science and technology that is shared internationally to help solve critical sustainability challenges.