Khon Kaen University Logo

Khon Kaen University

Bachelor of Science Program in Materials Science and Nanotechnology

SDG Alignment for Bachelor of Science Program in Materials Science and Nanotechnology

Overall SDG Alignment Evaluation:

The Bachelor of Science Program in Materials Science and Nanotechnology is holistically and fundamentally aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals by providing the scientific foundation for creating the next generation of sustainable technologies. The curriculum's philosophy, which emphasizes a deep understanding of the structure-property relationships of materials at all scales, is a powerful engine for innovation across numerous sectors. The program is a cornerstone of SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), as the development of new materials is critical for all technological advancements. It is a direct and powerful contributor to SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) through its focus on materials for energy applications and the development of sustainable, recyclable, and biodegradable materials. Furthermore, the curriculum addresses key environmental challenges related to SDG 6 (Clean Water) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities), supports human health through biomaterials (SDG 3), and prepares graduates for high-value careers that drive economic growth (SDG 8). As a cutting-edge science program, it is a flagship of SDG 4 (Quality Education).

SDG Related Course(s)

SDG 3 Icon SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

Alignment Summary: The curriculum directly supports good health and well-being through the study of biomaterials and nanotechnology. These fields are crucial for developing advanced medical devices, drug delivery systems, and diagnostic tools, contributing to the treatment of diseases and the improvement of human health.

Course CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
SC524621BiomaterialsDirectly supports good health by focusing on the design and application of materials for medical implants, tissue engineering, and other healthcare technologies (Target 3.4).
SC524626Nanomaterials in Biomedical ApplicationsContributes to health and well-being by exploring the use of nanomaterials for advanced drug delivery, medical imaging, and diagnostics, supporting the fight against non-communicable diseases (Target 3.4).

SDG 4 Icon SDG 4: Quality Education

Alignment Summary: As a cutting-edge science and technology program, the curriculum itself is a vehicle for high-quality education. It is designed to foster scientific literacy, critical thinking, and advanced research skills, equipping students with the knowledge and competencies for sustainable development and lifelong learning in a high-tech field.

Course CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
SC524891SeminarEnhances education for sustainable development by requiring students to research and present on advanced topics, fostering the skills for lifelong learning (Target 4.7).
SC524892Special ProjectProvides quality education by enabling students to conduct independent research, applying the scientific method to solve problems and create new knowledge (Target 4.7).
SC000213Co-operative Education in ScienceIncreases the number of youths and adults who have relevant skills for employment by providing extensive, hands-on work experience in a scientific or industrial setting (Target 4.4).

SDG 6 Icon SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

Alignment Summary: The program contributes to ensuring clean water through the development of advanced materials. Nanomaterials and specialized polymers can be used to create more efficient and effective filters and catalysts for water purification and wastewater treatment.

Course CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
SC524625Nanomaterials for Environmental ApplicationsDirectly supports the goal of clean water by exploring the use of nanomaterials for water remediation, pollution sensing, and advanced filtration technologies (Target 6.3).

SDG 7 Icon SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

Alignment Summary: This curriculum is central to the development of affordable and clean energy technologies. The design and synthesis of new materials are critical for improving the efficiency of solar cells, batteries, fuel cells, and lightweight materials for energy-efficient transportation.

Course CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
SC524622Materials for EnergyDirectly supports research and access to clean energy technology by focusing on the development of materials for solar cells, energy storage (batteries), and other renewable energy applications (Target 7.A).
SC523311Thermodynamics of MaterialsContributes to improving energy efficiency by teaching the fundamental principles of energy in materials, which is critical for designing more efficient systems (Target 7.3).

SDG 8 Icon SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

Alignment Summary: The program fuels economic growth by producing highly skilled scientists for high-tech industries. Expertise in materials science and nanotechnology is in high demand in sectors like electronics, automotive, aerospace, and biomedical engineering, promoting economic productivity and creating high-value jobs.

Course CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
SC523321Polymer Science and EngineeringContributes to higher levels of economic productivity through technological upgrading and innovation in the plastics and polymer industries (Target 8.2).
SC523322Ceramic Science and EngineeringSupports economic growth by providing the expertise needed for the advanced ceramics industry, which is vital for electronics, aerospace, and medical applications (Target 8.2).

SDG 9 Icon SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

Alignment Summary: This program is the very definition of fostering innovation for industry. The entire curriculum is focused on the design, synthesis, and characterization of new materials and nanotechnologies, which are the fundamental building blocks for all technological and industrial advancements, from electronics to construction.

Course CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
SC522101Introduction to Materials Science and NanotechnologyForms the foundation for upgrading the technological capabilities of all industrial sectors by introducing the principles of materials design and innovation (Target 9.5).
SC523323Metal Science and EngineeringSupports sustainable industrialization by providing knowledge on metals and alloys, which are the primary materials for all infrastructure and manufacturing (Target 9.4).
SC524892Special ProjectDirectly enhances scientific research and innovation by training students to conduct cutting-edge research to develop new materials and technologies (Target 9.5).

SDG 11 Icon SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

Alignment Summary: The program contributes to sustainable cities by providing the science for advanced construction materials. Developing stronger, lighter, and more durable materials can make infrastructure more resilient and energy-efficient. Furthermore, nanomaterials can be used for environmental remediation in urban areas.

Course CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
SC523323Metal Science and EngineeringContributes to making cities safer and more resilient through the development of advanced alloys for stronger and more durable construction (Target 11.3).
SC524625Nanomaterials for Environmental ApplicationsCan contribute to reducing the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities by developing nanomaterials for pollution control and remediation (Target 11.6).

SDG 12 Icon SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

Alignment Summary: The curriculum promotes responsible production patterns by focusing on the development of sustainable materials. This includes creating materials that are more durable, require less energy to produce, and are recyclable or biodegradable, all of which are key to a circular economy and responsible production.

Course CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
SC523321Polymer Science and EngineeringPromotes the sustainable management of resources by exploring bioplastics, polymer recycling, and the design of more durable plastic materials to reduce waste (Target 12.2 & 12.5).
SC524622Materials for EnergyContributes to responsible production by developing materials that make energy production and consumption more efficient, thereby reducing the overall use of natural resources (Target 12.2).

SDG 13 Icon SDG 13: Climate Action

Alignment Summary: The program provides the essential materials science for climate action. Developing lightweight materials for transportation, more efficient materials for energy generation and storage, and new materials for carbon capture are all critical strategies for mitigating climate change.

Course CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
SC524622Materials for EnergyContributes to climate change mitigation by enabling the development of more efficient renewable energy technologies, which is key to integrating climate change measures into national policies (Target 13.2).

SDG 14 Icon SDG 14: Life Below Water

Alignment Summary: The program can contribute to the conservation of aquatic ecosystems by developing materials to combat pollution. This includes creating advanced materials for oil spill cleanup, membranes for desalination, and sensors for detecting marine pollutants.

Course CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
SC524625Nanomaterials for Environmental ApplicationsCan help prevent marine pollution from land-based activities by developing nanomaterials that can remediate contaminated water before it reaches the ocean (Target 14.1).

SDG 17 Icon SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

Alignment Summary: The program fosters partnerships through its cooperative education and research projects, which create a vital bridge between the university, high-tech industries, and national research centers. This collaboration is essential for sharing knowledge and translating scientific discoveries into technologies that can achieve the SDGs.

Course CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
SC000213Co-operative Education in ScienceDirectly encourages and promotes effective public-private and civil society partnerships by immersing students in real-world industrial and research environments (Target 17.17).
SC524892Special ProjectEnhances the global partnership for sustainable development by contributing new, publicly accessible scientific knowledge and often involves collaboration with industrial partners (Target 17.6).