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

SDG Alignment for Master of Science Program in Forensic Science

Overall SDG Alignment Evaluation:

The Master of Science Program in Forensic Science is fundamentally dedicated to upholding the principles of sustainable development by strengthening the pillars of justice and institutional integrity. The program's core philosophy is to produce highly skilled graduates with deep knowledge in forensic science, strong research capabilities, and unwavering ethical standards to support the justice system. This mission is in direct and powerful alignment with SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions), as every facet of the curriculum is designed to enhance the reliability and effectiveness of legal and enforcement processes. As a master's-level program, it is a key contributor to SDG 4 (Quality Education), fostering a new generation of experts equipped with advanced analytical skills. Through its specialized tracks in toxicology, forensic biology, and genetics, the program also makes significant contributions to SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being). Furthermore, by embracing modern techniques like digital forensics and wildlife crime investigation, the curriculum touches upon SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) and SDG 15 (Life on Land). The inherent requirement for collaboration in research and seminars also promotes the global partnerships essential 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 curriculum contributes to good health and well-being by providing the scientific foundation to investigate causes of death, the effects of toxins, and the impact of narcotic drugs on human health. Graduates are equipped with skills in toxicology and forensic biology that are crucial for public health and safety.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
SC 877 102	Forensic Biology	Contributes to health and well-being by providing the biological expertise needed to analyze evidence in cases related to public health and safety.
SC 877 103	Forensic Chemistry	Aligns with good health by applying chemical principles to toxicology and the analysis of substances, which is vital for understanding public health threats (Target 3.9).
SC 877 201	Forensic Genetics	Supports public health investigations by using genetic analysis to identify victims and understand disease-related evidence, contributing to community well-being.
SC 877 202	Forensic Toxicology	Directly supports good health by investigating the adverse effects of chemicals on living organisms, which is crucial for public health and safety (Target 3.9).
SC 877 402	Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances	Addresses a key public health issue by providing scientific methods for the analysis of narcotics, helping to combat substance abuse and its impact on well-being.

SDG 4: Quality Education

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Alignment Summary: As an advanced master's program, this curriculum is a prime example of quality education. It provides inclusive and specialized training, equipping graduates with the superior technical and research skills necessary for high-level careers in the justice system. The program's focus on research methodology, seminars, and thesis work ensures graduates are lifelong learners and creators of new knowledge.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
SC 877 701	Research Methods in Forensic Science	Directly supports Target 4.4 by equipping students with advanced technical and research skills that are highly relevant for employment and innovation in the justice sector.
SC 877 891	Seminar in Forensic Science 1	Promotes lifelong learning opportunities (Target 4.3) by requiring students to engage with, analyze, and present cutting-edge research in their field.
SC 877 892	Seminar in Forensic Science 2	Enhances lifelong learning (Target 4.3) and develops critical technical skills (Target 4.4) through sustained engagement with and presentation of advanced research topics.
SC 877 899 / SC 877 897	Thesis / Independent Study	Represents a capstone lifelong learning opportunity (Target 4.3), where students conduct original research, thereby acquiring superior technical skills for employment and innovation (Target 4.4).

SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

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Alignment Summary: The program supports innovation by incorporating modern technology into the field of forensic science. The Digital Forensics course, in particular, drives technological advancement by training experts to analyze digital evidence, which is crucial for building resilient infrastructure in the face of modern security challenges.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
SC 877 403	Digital Forensics	Promotes innovation by applying advanced technology to the justice system, enhancing technological capabilities and building resilient infrastructure against modern crime (Target 9.1).

SDG 15: Life on Land

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Alignment Summary: The curriculum contributes to the protection of terrestrial ecosystems by applying forensic techniques to wildlife crime. Courses in forensic biology and entomology provide the skills needed to investigate poaching and illegal wildlife trafficking, thereby helping to combat biodiversity loss and protect life on land.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
SC 877 102	Forensic Biology	Can be applied to wildlife forensics to combat poaching and the illegal wildlife trade, thus contributing to the protection of terrestrial ecosystems and halting biodiversity loss (Target 15.7).
SC 877 203	Forensic Entomology	Provides entomological expertise that can be used in wildlife crime investigations to determine time and location of death, aiding in the fight against poaching and protecting life on land (Target 15.7).

SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

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Alignment Summary: This program is at the very heart of SDG 16, as its primary purpose is to strengthen the justice system through science. Every course is designed to produce experts who can provide objective, reliable evidence for legal proceedings, thereby promoting the rule of law and ensuring equal access to justice for all. Graduates are key actors in building effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
SC 877 101	Advanced Forensic Science and Crime Scene Investigation	Directly strengthens justice institutions by training experts in the systematic collection and analysis of evidence, which is fundamental to the rule of law (Target 16.3).
SC 877 102	Forensic Biology	Supports strong institutions by providing the biological expertise needed to ensure evidence is analyzed accurately, promoting fair and just legal outcomes (Target 16.6).
SC 877 103	Forensic Chemistry	Promotes peace and justice by using chemical analysis to provide objective evidence, ensuring that legal decisions are based on sound science (Target 16.3).
SC 877 104	Forensic Physics	Strengthens justice institutions by applying physical principles to evidence analysis, enhancing the reliability and accountability of legal processes (Target 16.6).
SC 877 201	Forensic Genetics	Ensures equal access to justice by providing powerful genetic tools for identification, which helps to ensure that legal outcomes are fair and evidence-based (Target 16.3).
SC 877 301	Forensic Anthropology and Odontology	Contributes to justice by providing expertise in human identification from skeletal and dental remains, which is crucial for resolving legal cases and providing closure for families.
SC 877 302	Questioned Document Examination	Promotes justice by providing scientific methods to verify the authenticity of documents, which is essential for combating fraud and ensuring the integrity of legal evidence.
SC 877 303	Fingerprints and Impressions	Supports strong institutions by providing one of the most reliable forms of identification evidence, which is a cornerstone of effective and accountable law enforcement.
SC 877 401	Firearms, Tool Marks and Explosives Examination	Strengthens justice institutions by providing scientific analysis of ballistics and explosives, which is critical for investigating violent crime and ensuring public safety.

SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

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Alignment Summary: The program fosters partnerships for sustainable development through its focus on research and knowledge sharing. The seminar and thesis components require students to engage with the global scientific and legal communities, presenting their findings and contributing to the international body of forensic knowledge, which is essential for tackling transnational crime and achieving the SDGs.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
SC 877 891	Seminar in Forensic Science 1	Promotes partnerships (Target 17.16) by requiring students to engage with and present on the latest global research, fostering a culture of knowledge-sharing and collaboration.
SC 877 892	Seminar in Forensic Science 2	Enhances the global partnership for sustainable development by having candidates present and discuss cutting-edge research, contributing to the international body of scientific knowledge (Target 17.6).
SC 877 899 / SC 877 897	Thesis / Independent Study	Represents a significant contribution to global partnerships (Target 17.17) by creating new, publishable knowledge that is shared internationally to help solve critical challenges in justice and law enforcement.