Khon Kaen University - SDG Alignment for Master of Medical and Health Sciences Program (International Program)

SDG Alignment for Master of Medical and Health Sciences Program (International Program)

Overall SDG Alignment Evaluation:

The Master of Medical and Health Sciences Program is holistically designed to produce researchers, academics, and professionals who can address the multifaceted challenges of global health, placing it in strong alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals. The curriculum's interdisciplinary nature, spanning from molecular biology to community health, equips graduates with a comprehensive toolkit to improve well-being for all. The program makes a foundational contribution to SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) by focusing on advanced research in diseases of global importance. It is a driver for SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) through its emphasis on bioinformatics, biotechnology, and the development of new health technologies. By promoting health equity and addressing the needs of diverse populations, the program supports SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities). As an advanced international and research-based degree, it is a pillar of SDG 4 (Quality Education), fostering a new generation of scientists prepared for global collaboration and embodying the cooperative spirit of 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 central to promoting good health by advancing the scientific understanding of diseases and improving research capabilities. The curriculum covers a wide range of topics from cellular and molecular biology to clinical epidemiology, directly contributing to the fight against both communicable and non-communicable diseases and promoting health and well-being for all ages.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
MD757 711	Cellular and Molecular Biology	Provides the fundamental knowledge of cellular and molecular processes that are essential for research into a wide range of diseases, supporting global health outcomes (Target 3.b).
MD757 713	Human Histology for Medical Research	Contributes to health and well-being by providing a detailed understanding of tissues, which is crucial for understanding disease processes at a microscopic level.
MD757 721	Clinical Epidemiology	Strengthens the capacity for early warning, risk reduction and management of national and global health risks (Target 3.d) through the application of epidemiological principles.
MD757 741	Essentials of Immunology	Aligns with good health by providing expertise in the immune system, which is fundamental to understanding infectious diseases, cancer, and autoimmune disorders (Target 3.3, 3.4).
MD757 742	Advanced Clinical Immunology	Supports research and development for vaccines and medicines by providing an advanced understanding of the immune system's role in disease (Target 3.b).

SDG 4: Quality Education

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Alignment Summary: As an international Master of Science program, this curriculum is a pillar of quality education, offering advanced and specialized training in medical and health sciences. It is designed to equip students from diverse backgrounds with the research, technical, and analytical skills necessary for high-level employment, fostering a culture of lifelong learning and scientific innovation.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
MD757 712	Medical Science Research Methodology	Directly supports Target 4.4 by providing students with the advanced technical and research skills for relevant, high-level employment and entrepreneurship in the medical and health sciences.
MD757 891 / 892	Seminar in Medical and Health Sciences I / II	Enhances lifelong learning opportunities (Target 4.3) by training students in critical analysis and communication of scientific literature, essential for continuous professional development.
MD757 898 / 899	Thesis	Represents a capstone lifelong learning opportunity where students conduct original research, thereby acquiring superior technical skills for employment and contributing new knowledge to the field (Target 4.4).

SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

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Alignment Summary: This program is a catalyst for innovation in the medical and biotechnology industries. It focuses on the application of cutting-edge technologies, such as bioinformatics and advanced molecular techniques, to enhance scientific research and upgrade the technological capabilities of the sector, fostering a more resilient and innovative healthcare industry.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
MD757 714	Laboratory Techniques in Medical Science	Supports Target 9.5 by enhancing scientific research and upgrading technological capabilities through training in advanced laboratory techniques.
MD757 732	Bioinformatics	Promotes innovation by providing skills in computational analysis of biological data, which is essential for modern drug discovery and diagnostics (Target 9.5).
MD757 743	Medical Biotechnology	Contributes to upgrading industrial infrastructure by teaching the principles and applications of medical biotechnology, fostering sustainable and inclusive industrialization (Target 9.4).

SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

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Alignment Summary: The curriculum aims to reduce health inequalities by training professionals to conduct research and develop health interventions that are relevant to diverse populations, including those in low- and middle-income countries. By promoting a global perspective on health, the program helps to ensure that all individuals have the opportunity to achieve their full health potential.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
MD757 722	Biostatistics	Empowers and promotes the social and economic inclusion of all by providing the tools to analyze health disparities and inform equitable health policies (Target 10.2).

SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

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Alignment Summary: The international and research-intensive nature of this program inherently fosters partnerships for sustainable development. Through seminar and thesis work, students from diverse backgrounds collaborate and engage with the global scientific and medical communities, promoting the knowledge-sharing and multi-stakeholder partnerships vital for addressing the complex challenges of global health.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
MD757 891 / 892	Seminar in Medical and Health Sciences I / II	Enhances the global partnership for sustainable development by having students from various countries present and discuss cutting-edge research, contributing to the international body of scientific knowledge (Target 17.6).
MD757 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 health challenges.