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Khon Kaen University

Bachelor of Science Program in Environmental Science

SDG Alignment for Bachelor of Science Program in Environmental Science

Overall SDG Alignment Evaluation:

The Bachelor of Science Program in Environmental Science is holistically and explicitly designed to produce graduates who are equipped to understand, analyze, and solve complex environmental challenges, making it profoundly aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals. The curriculum's philosophy, which emphasizes a scientific, interdisciplinary approach to environmental management and problem-solving, provides a robust framework for advancing the environmental and social dimensions of sustainability. The program is a powerful and direct engine for achieving a wide array of environmental goals, including SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 14 (Life Below Water), and SDG 15 (Life on Land). Through its strong focus on pollution control, waste management, and sustainable resource use, it is a cornerstone of SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production). Furthermore, the curriculum addresses key intersections with human well-being, including environmental health (SDG 3) and the legal frameworks for environmental protection (SDG 16). As a fundamental 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 program contributes to good health by addressing the environmental determinants of human health. By studying pollution, toxicology, and environmental health, graduates are equipped to identify and mitigate environmental hazards that cause illness and death.

Course CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
EN413311Environmental Health and ToxicologyDirectly supports good health by focusing on how environmental pollutants and toxins affect human health, contributing to the substantial reduction of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and pollution (Target 3.9).

SDG 4 Icon SDG 4: Quality Education

Alignment Summary: As a fundamental science program, the curriculum itself is a vehicle for high-quality education in sustainable development. It is designed to foster scientific literacy, critical thinking, and the research skills needed to address complex environmental problems and promote a sustainable lifestyle.

Course CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
EN414891SeminarEnhances education for sustainable development by requiring students to research and present on advanced environmental topics, fostering the skills for lifelong learning (Target 4.7).
EN414892Special ProjectProvides quality education by enabling students to conduct independent research, applying the scientific method to solve environmental problems and create new knowledge (Target 4.7).
EN000213Co-operative Education in ScienceIncreases the number of youths and adults who have relevant skills for employment by providing extensive, hands-on work experience in the environmental sector (Target 4.4).

SDG 6 Icon SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

Alignment Summary: This program is central to ensuring the availability and sustainable management of water. The curriculum provides the core scientific knowledge for understanding water pollution, developing treatment technologies, managing water resources, and protecting vital water-related ecosystems.

Course CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
EN412101Environmental PollutionDirectly addresses the need to improve water quality by identifying the sources, transport, and effects of water pollutants (Target 6.3).
EN413212Water Pollution and ManagementFocuses on the scientific principles and technologies for water quality management and wastewater treatment, directly supporting the goal of clean water and sanitation (Target 6.3).
EN413111Ecology and ConservationSupports the protection and restoration of water-related ecosystems, including rivers, lakes, wetlands, and groundwater (Target 6.6).

SDG 7 Icon SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

Alignment Summary: The curriculum contributes to clean energy by exploring the environmental impacts of energy production and the potential of renewable energy. Understanding the environmental consequences of different energy sources is crucial for transitioning to a more sustainable energy system.

Course CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
EN414432Energy and EnvironmentContributes to increasing the share of renewable energy by analyzing the environmental impacts of conventional energy sources and exploring cleaner, renewable alternatives (Target 7.2).

SDG 8 Icon SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

Alignment Summary: The program supports economic growth by training professionals for the growing green economy. Graduates are equipped for careers in environmental consulting, pollution control, resource management, and ecotourism, all of which are key sectors for sustainable economic development.

Course CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
EN414431EcotourismDirectly contributes to sustainable tourism that creates jobs and promotes local culture and products, a key aspect of decent work and economic growth (Target 8.9).

SDG 9 Icon SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

Alignment Summary: The program fosters innovation by providing the scientific foundation to develop cleaner technologies and more sustainable industrial processes. The study of pollution control and environmental management is essential for upgrading infrastructure and industries to be more environmentally sound.

Course CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
EN413214Air Pollution and ControlPromotes the adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies and industrial processes through the study of air pollution control technologies (Target 9.4).
EN414892Special ProjectEnhances scientific research by training students to develop innovative solutions to environmental problems, which can lead to new, cleaner technologies (Target 9.5).

SDG 11 Icon SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

Alignment Summary: This program is essential for making cities and communities sustainable. It directly addresses the management of urban environmental issues, including air and water pollution, waste management, and the protection of cultural and natural heritage, all of which are critical for creating safe, resilient, and sustainable human settlements.

Course CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
EN413213Waste and Industrial Waste ManagementDirectly contributes to reducing the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities by focusing on the scientific principles of municipal and industrial waste management (Target 11.6).
EN413214Air Pollution and ControlAims to reduce the environmental impact of cities by addressing urban air quality issues (Target 11.6).
EN414322Environmental Impact AssessmentSupports inclusive and sustainable urbanization by teaching the systematic process of evaluating the environmental consequences of a proposed development project (Target 11.3).

SDG 12 Icon SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

Alignment Summary: The curriculum is fundamentally aligned with responsible production patterns. It provides the core scientific knowledge for the environmentally sound management of chemicals and wastes, the efficient use of natural resources, and the adoption of cleaner production technologies.

Course CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
EN413213Waste and Industrial Waste ManagementDirectly focuses on achieving the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle to minimize their adverse impacts (Target 12.4), and substantially reducing waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling and reuse (Target 12.5).
EN414322Environmental Impact AssessmentEncourages companies to adopt sustainable practices by requiring a thorough evaluation of environmental impacts before development, promoting responsible production (Target 12.6).

SDG 13 Icon SDG 13: Climate Action

Alignment Summary: The program provides the essential scientific knowledge to take action on climate change. It addresses the causes and consequences of climate change, methods for monitoring greenhouse gases, and strategies for both mitigation and adaptation.

Course CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
EN413214Air Pollution and ControlImproves education and awareness-raising on climate change mitigation by studying the sources and control of greenhouse gases and other air pollutants (Target 13.3).
EN414322Environmental Impact AssessmentContributes to integrating climate change measures into national policies and planning by requiring that climate impacts be considered in the assessment of new projects (Target 13.2).

SDG 14 Icon SDG 14: Life Below Water

Alignment Summary: The program is central to the conservation and sustainable use of aquatic ecosystems. It provides the scientific tools to monitor, manage, and prevent water pollution from land-based activities, which is the primary threat to marine and coastal environments.

Course CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
EN413212Water Pollution and ManagementDirectly helps to prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds, in particular from land-based activities, by teaching how to manage and treat wastewater and runoff (Target 14.1).
EN413111Ecology and ConservationContributes to the sustainable management and protection of marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts (Target 14.2).

SDG 15 Icon SDG 15: Life On Land

Alignment Summary: The curriculum is fundamentally aligned with protecting, restoring, and promoting the sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems. It provides the core scientific knowledge through courses in ecology, conservation, and pollution management, which are all essential for halting biodiversity loss and land degradation.

Course CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
EN413111Ecology and ConservationIs fundamental to the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services (Target 15.1).
EN414322Environmental Impact AssessmentPromotes the integration of ecosystem and biodiversity values into national and local planning and development processes (Target 15.9).

SDG 16 Icon SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

Alignment Summary: The program contributes to building strong and just institutions by providing the legal and policy framework for environmental protection. Understanding environmental law is crucial for ensuring that environmental regulations are enforced and that there is equal access to justice in environmental matters.

Course CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
EN414321Environmental Law and PolicyPromotes the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all by teaching the legal frameworks that govern environmental protection (Target 16.3).

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, government environmental agencies, and private industry. This collaboration is essential for sharing knowledge and technology to solve environmental problems.

Course CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
EN000213Co-operative Education in ScienceDirectly encourages and promotes effective public-private and civil society partnerships by immersing students in real-world environmental organizations and industries (Target 17.17).