Khon Kaen University - SDG Alignment for Master of Science Program in Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Natural Products

SDG Alignment for Master of Science Program in Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Natural Products

Overall SDG Alignment Evaluation:

The Master of Science Program in Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Natural Products is strategically designed to be a hub of innovation for health and sustainable industry, aligning powerfully with the Sustainable Development Goals. The curriculum produces researchers and experts who can discover, analyze, and develop new drugs and health products, particularly from natural sources. This makes the program a cornerstone for SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) by contributing directly to drug discovery and the quality assurance of medicines. It is a strong driver for SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) through its focus on advanced analytical techniques, drug design, and the development of new pharmaceutical technologies, which enhances scientific research and upgrades the technological capabilities of the pharmaceutical industry. By emphasizing quality control, standardization, and the sustainable use of natural resources, the program aligns with SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production). Its focus on developing high-value health products also supports SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth). As an advanced research-based degree, the program is a pillar of SDG 4 (Quality Education) and embodies the collaborative spirit required 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 central to promoting good health by advancing the science behind drug discovery, analysis, and development from both synthetic and natural sources. The curriculum equips graduates with the knowledge to create and validate new medicines and health products, ensuring their quality, safety, and efficacy, which directly contributes to the fight against diseases and the promotion of well-being for all.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
PC 437 721	Drug Discovery and Development	Directly supports Target 3.b by focusing on the research and development of new medicines and vaccines for both communicable and non-communicable diseases.
PC 437 722	Medicinal Chemistry	Contributes to health and well-being by providing the foundational science for designing and synthesizing new therapeutic agents to treat a wide range of diseases.
PC 437 732	Quality Control and Validation of Drugs and Health Products	Ensures access to quality essential medicines (Target 3.8) by teaching the principles and practices of quality assurance for pharmaceuticals and health products.
PC 437 736	Natural Products for Health	Aligns with good health by exploring natural sources for new therapeutic agents and health-promoting compounds.

SDG 4: Quality Education

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Alignment Summary: As a Master of Science program, this curriculum is a pillar of quality education, offering advanced and specialized training in pharmaceutical chemistry and natural products. It is designed to equip students with the research, technical, and analytical skills necessary for high-level employment in academia and the pharmaceutical industry, fostering lifelong learning and scientific innovation.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
PC 437 706	Research Methodology in Pharmaceutical Sciences	Directly supports Target 4.4 by providing students with advanced technical and research skills for relevant, high-level employment and entrepreneurship in the pharmaceutical sciences.
PC 437 891 / 892	Seminar in Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Natural Products I / II	Enhances lifelong learning opportunities (Target 4.3) by training students in critical analysis, scientific discourse, and the communication of complex research findings.
PC 437 898 / 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 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

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Alignment Summary: The program supports sustained economic growth by producing highly skilled graduates who can drive innovation and productivity in the high-value pharmaceutical and natural product industries. By focusing on research, development, and advanced analytical techniques, the curriculum contributes to economic diversification and the creation of high-skilled jobs.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
PC 437 721	Drug Discovery and Development	Promotes sustained and inclusive economic growth (Target 8.1) by fostering innovation and R&D in the pharmaceutical sector, a key high-value industry.

SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

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Alignment Summary: This program is a nexus of innovation for the pharmaceutical industry. It focuses on the entire drug development pipeline, from discovery to advanced analysis, enhancing scientific research and upgrading the technological capabilities of the sector to foster a more resilient and innovative industry.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
PC 437 721	Drug Discovery and Development	Supports Target 9.5 by enhancing scientific research and upgrading the technological capabilities of the pharmaceutical industry through advanced R&D methodologies.
PC 437 723	Advanced Pharmaceutical Analysis	Promotes innovation by focusing on advanced analytical techniques, which are crucial for research, development, and quality control in the pharmaceutical industry (Target 9.5).
PC 437 735	Spectroscopic Methods in Pharmaceutical Analysis	Contributes to upgrading industrial infrastructure by teaching advanced spectroscopic techniques, which are essential for modern, high-quality pharmaceutical manufacturing and R&D (Target 9.4).

SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

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Alignment Summary: The curriculum strongly promotes responsible production patterns by emphasizing the rigorous quality control and validation of pharmaceuticals and health products. It also promotes the sustainable use of natural resources in the discovery of new medicines, ensuring that production processes are safe, effective, and environmentally conscious.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
PC 437 732	Quality Control and Validation of Drugs and Health Products	Directly aligns with Target 12.4 by teaching the environmentally sound management of chemicals and wastes throughout their life cycle, a core principle of pharmaceutical quality assurance.
PC 437 736	Natural Products for Health	Supports the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources (Target 12.2) by exploring biodiversity for new health products in a responsible manner.

SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

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Alignment Summary: The research-intensive nature of this program inherently fosters partnerships for sustainable development. Through seminar and thesis work, students engage with the global scientific and industrial communities, promoting the knowledge-sharing and multi-stakeholder collaborations that are vital for addressing the complex challenges of drug discovery and global health.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
PC 437 891 / 892	Seminar in Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Natural Products I / II	Enhances the global partnership for sustainable development by having students engage with and present on the latest global research, fostering a culture of knowledge-sharing (Target 17.6).
PC 437 898 / 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.