Khon Kaen University - SDG Alignment for Master of Science Program in Parasitology and One Health (International Program)

SDG Alignment for Master of Science Program in Parasitology and One Health (International Program)

Overall SDG Alignment Evaluation:

The Master of Science Program in Parasitology and One Health is fundamentally designed to address the complex challenges of parasitic diseases through an integrated, interdisciplinary approach, aligning powerfully with the Sustainable Development Goals. The curriculum produces experts who understand the intricate connections between human, animal, and environmental health. The program makes a foundational contribution to SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) by focusing on the diagnosis, treatment, and control of parasitic diseases that affect millions globally. It is a strong driver for SDG 15 (Life on Land) through its emphasis on the ecological aspects of parasitism and the impact of environmental changes on disease transmission. By incorporating advanced molecular and immunological techniques, the program fosters innovation in line with SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure). As an advanced international and research-based degree, the program is a pillar of SDG 4 (Quality Education), fostering a new generation of scientists equipped for global collaboration. Furthermore, its emphasis on research and the One Health approach embodies 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 science of parasitology and its application to public health. The curriculum equips graduates with the knowledge to combat a wide range of parasitic diseases through advanced diagnostics, immunology, and an understanding of parasite-host interactions, directly contributing to the fight against communicable diseases and promoting well-being for all.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
MD 647 701	Medical Parasitology	Directly supports good health by providing foundational knowledge for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of parasitic diseases that cause significant morbidity and mortality worldwide (Target 3.3).
MD 647 706	Immunology of Parasitic Infections	Contributes to health and well-being by providing an in-depth understanding of the immune response to parasites, which is crucial for developing new vaccines and immunotherapies (Target 3.b).
MD 647 707	Medical Malacology	Aligns with good health by focusing on the snail intermediate hosts of major parasitic diseases like schistosomiasis, which is essential for developing effective control strategies.
MD 647 708	Medical Entomology	Supports the goal of ending the epidemics of communicable diseases by focusing on the arthropod vectors of parasitic diseases such as malaria and leishmaniasis (Target 3.3).

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 parasitology and One Health. It is designed to equip students from diverse backgrounds with the research, technical, and analytical skills necessary for high-level employment in academia, public health, and research, fostering lifelong learning and scientific innovation.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
MD 567 714	Medical Science Research Methodology	Directly supports Target 4.4 by providing students with the advanced technical and research skills for relevant, high-level employment in the fields of parasitology and public health.
MD 647 891 / 892	Seminar in Parasitology and One Health 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.
MD 647 898 / 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 fosters innovation in the biomedical and public health sectors by focusing on advanced diagnostic and research techniques. It enhances scientific research and upgrades the technological capabilities of the healthcare industry by providing a framework for developing and applying new knowledge and technologies in parasitology.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
MD 647 704	Molecular Techniques in Parasitology	Supports Target 9.5 by enhancing scientific research and upgrading technological capabilities through the application of advanced molecular techniques for diagnostics and research in parasitology.

SDG 15: Life on Land

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Alignment Summary: The program is integral to the conservation and sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems through its One Health approach. It focuses on understanding the ecological factors that drive parasitic disease transmission, promoting a holistic view that integrates the health of humans, animals, and the environment to protect biodiversity and ecosystem health.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
MD 647 702	Advanced Parasitology	Supports the conservation and sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems (Target 15.1) by providing an advanced understanding of parasite ecology and the impact of environmental changes on disease transmission.

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 engage with the global scientific and public health communities, promoting the knowledge-sharing and multi-stakeholder collaborations vital for addressing the complex, interconnected challenges of parasitic diseases under the One Health framework.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
MD 647 891 / 892	Seminar in Parasitology and One Health 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).
MD 647 898 / 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 challenges in parasitology and public health.