Khon Kaen University - SDG Alignment for Master of Pharmaceutical Sciences Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences

SDG Alignment for Master of Pharmaceutical Sciences Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences

Overall SDG Alignment Evaluation:

The Master of Pharmaceutical Sciences Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences is designed to be a catalyst for innovation and advancement in health and industry, aligning powerfully with the Sustainable Development Goals. The curriculum produces researchers and experts capable of discovering, developing, and manufacturing new medicines and health products. This makes the program a cornerstone for SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) by contributing directly to the development of new therapies and ensuring the quality of pharmaceutical products. The program is a strong driver for SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) through its focus on drug design, advanced pharmaceutics, and quality control, which enhances scientific research and upgrades the technological capabilities of the pharmaceutical industry. By emphasizing quality assurance and the development of safe and effective products, the program aligns with SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production). Its focus on creating 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 of drug discovery, development, and delivery. The curriculum equips graduates with the knowledge to create new medicines and health products, ensure their quality and safety, and develop advanced delivery systems, directly contributing 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 to combat 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 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.
PC 437 733	Advanced Pharmaceutics	Aligns with good health by developing advanced drug delivery systems that can improve the efficacy and safety of treatments for various diseases.

SDG 4: Quality Education

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Alignment Summary: As a Master of Science program, this curriculum provides high-quality, specialized education in the advanced field of pharmaceutical sciences. 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 the advanced technical and research skills required for relevant, high-level employment and entrepreneurship in the pharmaceutical sciences.
PC 437 891 / 892	Seminar in Pharmaceutical Sciences 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 health product industries. By focusing on research, development, and quality control, 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 quality assurance, 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 437 733	Advanced Pharmaceutics	Promotes innovation by focusing on the development of novel drug delivery systems, contributing to a more technologically advanced and sustainable pharmaceutical industry (Target 9.5).
PC 437 734	Pharmaceutical Product Development	Contributes to upgrading industrial infrastructure by teaching the process of developing new pharmaceutical products from concept to market, fostering sustainable industrialization (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. This ensures that products are safe, effective, and manufactured to the highest standards, minimizing risks to consumers and the environment.

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, which is a core principle of pharmaceutical quality assurance.

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 vital for addressing the complex challenges of drug development and global health.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
PC 437 891 / 892	Seminar in Pharmaceutical Sciences 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.