Khon Kaen University - SDG Alignment for Master of Science Program in Biology

SDG Alignment for Master of Science Program in Biology

Overall SDG Alignment Evaluation:

The Master of Science Program in Biology is fundamentally aligned with the principles of sustainable development, aiming to produce researchers who can create new knowledge for the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity. The program's core mission to generate internationally recognized research makes it a powerful contributor to SDG 15 (Life on Land) and SDG 14 (Life Below Water) through its deep focus on ecology, taxonomy, and conservation. By investigating biological resources and processes, the curriculum supports SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) through advancements in plant science and SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) via research in microbiology. The program's emphasis on environmental science directly addresses SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 13 (Climate Action). As a graduate-level program, it is a flagship for SDG 4 (Quality Education) and fosters the innovation and partnerships essential for SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

SDG Related Course(s)

SDG 2: Zero Hunger

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Alignment Summary: This program supports the goal of achieving zero hunger by advancing knowledge in plant science. Research in areas such as plant nutrition and molecular biology contributes to developing more resilient and productive crops, which is essential for ensuring sustainable food production systems and food security.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
**SC 157 135	Mineral Nutrients of Plants	Directly contributes to sustainable food production (Target 2.4) by studying the essential nutrients for plant growth, which is critical for improving crop yields and agricultural sustainability.
**SC 157 128	Plant Molecular Biology	Supports the goal of ending hunger by providing the molecular tools to develop genetically diverse and climate-resilient crops (Target 2.5).

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

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Alignment Summary: The curriculum contributes to good health and well-being by advancing the understanding of diseases and their environmental determinants. Research in microbiology and toxicology equips graduates to contribute to combating communicable diseases and reducing illnesses from environmental pollution.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
**SC 157 300	Aquatic Toxicology	Directly supports Target 3.9 by focusing on the effects of pollutants on living organisms, which is crucial for reducing deaths and illnesses from environmental pollution.

SDG 4: Quality Education

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Alignment Summary: As a master's program, this curriculum is the epitome of quality education. It is designed to cultivate expert researchers and academics by providing advanced training in research methodologies and fostering a culture of lifelong learning, thereby contributing to the creation of new knowledge for sustainable development.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
**SC 157 893	Research Method in Biology	Provides the core research skills that define high-quality graduate education, equipping students for high-level employment and lifelong learning in scientific research (Target 4.3 and 4.4).
**SC 157 898 / 899	Thesis	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 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

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Alignment Summary: The program is central to ensuring the availability and sustainable management of water by training experts in aquatic biology and toxicology. The curriculum equips graduates to assess water quality, understand the impacts of pollution on aquatic ecosystems, and contribute to the protection and restoration of water-related ecosystems.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
**SC 157 300	Aquatic Toxicology	Directly supports Target 6.3 by studying the effects of pollutants on aquatic organisms, which is crucial for improving water quality.
**SC 157 309	Freshwater Biology	Aligns with protecting and restoring water-related ecosystems (Target 6.6) by providing a deep understanding of freshwater biodiversity and ecological processes.

SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

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Alignment Summary: The curriculum drives innovation in biotechnology and environmental industries. By providing advanced training in molecular biology, bioinformatics, and biological resource management, it enhances scientific research and upgrades the technological capabilities of sectors focused on sustainable development.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
**SC 157 002	Bioinformatics and Information Technology	Supports scientific research (Target 9.5) by providing essential computational skills for analyzing large biological datasets, which is critical for innovation in the life sciences.
**SC 157 003	Biotechnology and Application	Drives innovation by training experts in the application of biotechnology for industrial and agricultural purposes (Target 9.5).

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

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Alignment Summary: The program contributes to creating sustainable communities by training experts who can assess and manage environmental impacts. Knowledge of pollution and biodiversity is crucial for urban planning that safeguards natural heritage and reduces the environmental footprint of cities.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
**SC 157 506	Management and Conservation of Biodiversity	Contributes to safeguarding cultural and natural heritage (Target 11.4) by providing the scientific foundation for urban biodiversity management.

SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

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Alignment Summary: The curriculum promotes responsible production patterns by fostering an understanding of the environmental impacts of human activities. Courses on toxicology and biodiversity management equip graduates to contribute to the environmentally sound management of resources and wastes.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
**SC 157 300	Aquatic Toxicology	Contributes to the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes (Target 12.4) by providing a deep understanding of the effects of pollution.
**SC 157 506	Management and Conservation of Biodiversity	Supports the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources (Target 12.2) by focusing on the principles of conservation and sustainable use.

SDG 13: Climate Action

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Alignment Summary: The program contributes to climate action by training experts who can study the impacts of climate change on biodiversity and ecosystems. This research is crucial for developing adaptation strategies and for improving education and awareness on climate-related issues.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
**SC 157 007	Advanced Population Biology	Supports Target 13.3 by improving education and awareness-raising on climate change adaptation and impact reduction, as population dynamics are heavily influenced by climate.

SDG 14: Life Below Water

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Alignment Summary: The program is fundamentally aligned with the conservation and sustainable use of aquatic ecosystems. Through specialized courses in aquatic toxicology, freshwater biology, and taxonomy, it provides the scientific foundation for protecting marine and freshwater biodiversity, managing aquatic resources sustainably, and mitigating the impacts of pollution.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
**SC 157 300	Aquatic Toxicology	Directly contributes to preventing and reducing marine pollution (Target 14.1) by studying the effects of pollutants on aquatic life.
**SC 157 309	Freshwater Biology	Supports the conservation and sustainable use of freshwater ecosystems, which are intrinsically linked to marine ecosystems (Target 14.2).
**SC 157 310	Aquatic Insects	Contributes to the conservation of aquatic biodiversity (Target 14.2) by focusing on a key component of freshwater food webs.
**SC 157 311	Freshwater Zooplankton	Provides skills for monitoring the health of aquatic ecosystems (Target 14.1), as zooplankton are important bioindicators.

SDG 15: Life On Land

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Alignment Summary: The program is at the core of efforts to protect, restore, and promote the sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems. The curriculum provides a deep understanding of biodiversity, ecology, and conservation, equipping graduates with the skills to combat desertification, halt biodiversity loss, and manage ecosystems sustainably.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
**SC 157 122	Taxonomy of Vascular Plants	Directly contributes to halting biodiversity loss (Target 15.5) by providing the essential skills for identifying and classifying plant species.
**SC 157 313	Zoogeography	Supports efforts to protect biodiversity (Target 15.5) by studying the distribution of animal species and the factors that influence it.
**SC 157 506	Management and Conservation of Biodiversity	Directly aligns with Target 15.9 by teaching methodologies to integrate ecosystem and biodiversity values into national and local planning processes.

SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

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Alignment Summary: The program's research-intensive nature fosters partnerships for sustainable development. Through seminars and research, students engage with the global scientific community, promoting the knowledge-sharing and multi-stakeholder collaborations essential for achieving global environmental and health goals.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
**SC 157 891	Seminar in Biology	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.
**SC 157 898 / 899	Thesis	Represents a significant contribution to global partnerships (Target 17.16) by creating new, publishable knowledge that is shared internationally to solve critical sustainability challenges.