Overall SDG Alignment Evaluation:
The Doctor of Philosophy Program in Applied Mathematics is designed to produce researchers with deep theoretical knowledge and the ability to create new mathematical knowledge that is internationally recognized. The curriculum's rigorous focus on advanced mathematics and research provides the fundamental language and tools for technological and scientific innovation, making it a critical enabler for SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure). By training a new generation of mathematicians and educators, the program is a flagship for SDG 4 (Quality Education), ensuring the high-level skills necessary for a knowledge-based society. Furthermore, the program's international scope and its emphasis on collaborative, globally relevant research foster the partnerships essential for SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
Best Practices
Doctor of Philosophy Program in Applied Mathematics of Khon Kaen University (KKU) has established a significant role in strengthening the economy and agricultural supply chain in the region, focusing on applying advanced mathematical theory and computational statistics to solve problems of inefficiency and risk in the logistics system for agricultural products.
Doctoral students integrated knowledge from courses such as SC 231 701 Advanced Optimization Theory and SC 231 703 Time Series and Forecasting to create Intelligent Logistics Algorithms for optimal decision-making in resource allocation, transportation route planning, and inventory management within the smallholder farmer supply chain.
The evident result from the research is the creation of a software tool or mathematical model that helps local farmer groups and entrepreneurs significantly reduce operating costs and reduce product damage. This operation led to the widespread sustainable impact of elevating the competitiveness of smallholder farmers in the region, creating quality and secure jobs through efficiency gains in the supply chain, and tangibly reducing food loss in the transport system.
This activity is therefore aligned with SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth (by increasing productivity and creating quality jobs in the agricultural sector), SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure (by creating innovation in logistics and data infrastructure), and SDG 2: Zero Hunger (by reducing post-harvest food loss and building a sustainable food system).
SDG 4: Quality EducationAlignment Summary: As a doctoral program, this curriculum represents the highest level of quality education. It is designed to cultivate expert researchers and academics by providing advanced training in mathematical research and fostering a culture of lifelong learning, thereby contributing to the creation of new knowledge for sustainable development.
| Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| SC467 903 | Research Seminar | Enhances lifelong learning opportunities (Target 4.3) by providing a platform for critical analysis and discussion of current research, fostering the skills to create new knowledge. |
| **SC469 998 / 999 | Dissertation | Represents a capstone lifelong learning opportunity (Target 4.3), where students conduct original research, thereby acquiring superior technical and professional skills for employment and innovation (Target 4.4). |
SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and InfrastructureAlignment Summary: The curriculum drives innovation by providing the fundamental mathematical tools required for advancements in science, technology, and engineering. The deep theoretical knowledge in areas such as numerical analysis, optimization, and mathematical modeling enhances the scientific research and technological capabilities of a wide range of industries.
| Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| SC467 601 | Numerical Analysis and Applications | This core discipline is essential for developing the computational tools that drive innovation in engineering, data science, and technology, thereby supporting scientific research (Target 9.5). |
| SC467 608 | Optimization Methods | Contributes to industrial innovation by teaching the mathematical techniques used to optimize processes, improve efficiency, and develop new technologies (Target 9.4). |
| SC467 803 | Financial Mathematics | Supports innovation in the financial services industry by providing the advanced mathematical models used for risk management and asset pricing (Target 9.5). |
| **SC469 601 | Mathematical Theory of Finite Element Methods | Enhances scientific research (Target 9.5) by providing the theoretical foundation for advanced simulation and modeling used in engineering and industrial design. |
SDG 17: Partnerships for the GoalsAlignment Summary: The program's international scope and research-intensive nature foster partnerships for sustainable development. Through seminars and the dissertation process, students engage with the global mathematical community, promoting the knowledge-sharing and collaborations needed to achieve global scientific and technological goals.
| Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| SC467 901 | Seminar in Applied Mathematics I | Promotes the global partnership for sustainable development (Target 17.6) by requiring students to engage with and present on international research, fostering a culture of global knowledge-sharing. |
| **SC469 998 / 999 | Dissertation | Represents a significant contribution to global partnerships (Target 17.16) by creating new, publishable knowledge that is shared internationally to solve critical challenges in science and technology. |