Khon Kaen University - SDG Alignment for Ph.D. in Medical Physiology

SDG Alignment for Doctor of Philosophy Program in Medical Physiology

Overall SDG Alignment Evaluation:

The Doctor of Philosophy Program in Medical Physiology is fundamentally dedicated to advancing human health by creating new knowledge about the functional mechanisms of the human body, from the molecular to the systemic level. The program's core mission to produce high-caliber researchers capable of solving health problems makes it a powerhouse for achieving SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being). By training experts in advanced physiological research techniques, the curriculum is a key driver for SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) within the biomedical and healthcare sectors. As a research-intensive doctoral program, it is a flagship for SDG 4 (Quality Education), cultivating the next generation of scientists and academics. Through its requirement for internationally recognized research, the program fosters the global knowledge-sharing and collaboration essential for SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

SDG Related Course(s)

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

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Alignment Summary: This program is centrally focused on ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being by elucidating the fundamental mechanisms of human physiology and pathophysiology. The curriculum provides an advanced, research-intensive education covering all major organ systems, which is critical for understanding and developing treatments for a wide range of non-communicable diseases, thereby supporting global health.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
MD677701	Cellular Physiology	Provides a deep understanding of cellular function, which is foundational for research into the mechanisms of both communicable and non-communicable diseases (Target 3.3, 3.4).
MD677731	Neurophysiology	Supports research into mental health and neurological disorders, a key component of promoting well-being (Target 3.4).
MD677732	Cardiovascular Physiology	Directly supports efforts to combat cardiovascular diseases, a leading cause of premature mortality from non-communicable diseases (Target 3.4).
MD677733	Cardiopulmonary Physiology	Contributes to research on respiratory diseases, which are a major global health burden (Target 3.4).
MD677734	Endocrine and Reproductive Physiology	Aligns with good health by providing the scientific basis for understanding hormonal disorders and promoting reproductive health.
MD677735	Gastrointestinal and Metabolic Physiology	Directly addresses non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and obesity by focusing on the regulation of metabolism (Target 3.4).
MD677736	Renal and Acid-Base Physiology	Contributes to research on kidney disease and metabolic disorders, crucial for promoting health and well-being (Target 3.4).

SDG 4: Quality Education

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Alignment Summary: As a doctoral program, this curriculum is the epitome of quality education. It is designed to cultivate expert researchers and academics by providing advanced training in scientific research, ethics, and communication, fostering a culture of lifelong learning and contributing to the global knowledge economy in the biomedical sciences.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
MD677740	Physiological Techniques	Directly supports quality education by equipping students with the advanced technical and vocational skills necessary for high-level employment in research (Target 4.4).
MD677891/892/893	Seminar in Medical Physiology I/II/III	Enhances lifelong learning opportunities (Target 4.3) by providing a platform for critical analysis and discussion of current research, fostering the skills to create new knowledge.
MD67799X	Dissertation	Represents a capstone lifelong learning opportunity (Target 4.3), where students conduct original research, thereby acquiring superior skills for employment and innovation (Target 4.4).

SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

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Alignment Summary: The program is a catalyst for innovation in the biomedical and pharmaceutical industries. By providing advanced training in cutting-edge physiological research techniques, it enhances scientific research and upgrades the technological capabilities of sectors focused on diagnostics, drug development, and healthcare technology.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
MD677740	Physiological Techniques	Drives innovation (Target 9.5) in health by teaching advanced research technologies that are critical for the development of new diagnostic and therapeutic tools.
MD67799X	Dissertation	Fosters innovation by generating new knowledge that can be translated into novel diagnostics, therapeutic targets, and health technologies, thereby enhancing scientific research (Target 9.5).

SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

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Alignment Summary: The program's international scope and focus on globally relevant health issues inherently foster partnerships. The curriculum requires engagement with the international scientific community through seminars and research dissemination, promoting the knowledge-sharing and collaborations vital for achieving global health goals.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
MD677891/892/893	Seminar in Medical Physiology I/II/III	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 global knowledge-sharing.
MD67799X	Dissertation	Represents a significant contribution to global partnerships (Target 17.16) by creating new, publishable knowledge that is shared internationally to help solve critical health and disease challenges.