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Khon Kaen University

Master of Science Program in Microbiology

SDG Alignment for Master of Science Program in Microbiology

Overall SDG Alignment Evaluation:

The Master of Science Program in Microbiology is fundamentally aligned with sustainable development principles by training experts to harness microbial processes for societal benefit. The curriculum's philosophy emphasizes creating in-depth knowledge and applying it to solve real-world challenges in agriculture, food safety, industry, energy, and environmental management. This applied-science focus directly contributes to multiple Sustainable Development Goals. The program's strong emphasis on agricultural microbiology, plant pathology, and soil health makes it a key contributor to SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 15 (Life on Land). Through courses on food safety, virology, and immunology, it directly supports SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being). Its focus on microbial solutions for environmental issues and biofuel production aligns with SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production). As an advanced research degree, the program inherently promotes SDG 4 (Quality Education), fosters industrial advancement through biotechnology under SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), and encourages the global knowledge exchange vital for SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

SDG Related Course(s)

SDG 2 Icon SDG 2: Zero Hunger

Alignment Summary: This program directly addresses food security and sustainable agriculture by exploring the critical role of microorganisms in crop production, plant health, and food safety. Courses equip students with the knowledge to develop bio-fertilizers, manage plant diseases, and ensure food is safe for consumption, thereby contributing to increased agricultural productivity and ending hunger.

Course CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
AG 117 101Plant Pathogenesis and EpidemiologyAddresses food security (Target 2.1) by teaching the principles of plant disease, which is crucial for developing strategies to protect crops, reduce pre-harvest losses, and ensure stable food production.
AG 117 601Microbiology in Crop ProductionDirectly supports sustainable agriculture (Target 2.4) by focusing on the use of beneficial microorganisms to enhance crop growth and control diseases, increasing agricultural productivity.
AG 127 761Advanced Soil MicrobiologyContributes to ending hunger by advancing knowledge on soil microbiology, which is key to improving soil fertility and promoting sustainable agricultural practices for increased food production (Target 2.4).
**SC 757 303Microbiology in Food SafetyDirectly supports the goal of ending hunger by addressing food safety (Target 2.1), which is essential for ensuring access to safe and nutritious food and reducing foodborne illnesses.
**SC 757 401Mycorrhizal FungiSupports sustainable agriculture (Target 2.4) by focusing on the role of mycorrhizal fungi in enhancing plant nutrient uptake, improving soil health, and increasing crop resilience.

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

Alignment Summary: The curriculum contributes significantly to good health by focusing on the microbial aspects of food safety, virology, and immunology. By training experts who can detect and control pathogenic microorganisms in food and understand viral diseases and immune responses, the program helps reduce the incidence of illness and supports public health.

Course CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
**SC 757 105Advanced Virology and ImmunologySupports the fight against communicable diseases (Target 3.3) by providing in-depth knowledge of viruses, immune responses, and vaccine design.
**SC 757 303Microbiology in Food SafetyContributes to good health by focusing on the prevention of foodborne diseases, which reduces the incidence of illness from contaminated food and water (Target 3.9).

SDG 4 Icon SDG 4: Quality Education

Alignment Summary: As a research-focused master's program, this curriculum embodies quality education by providing students with advanced technical skills and specialized knowledge. Through rigorous coursework, practical laboratory training, and a mandatory research thesis, the program prepares graduates for high-level careers in science and fosters the creation of new knowledge, aligning with the principles of inclusive and lifelong learning.

Course CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
**SC 757 702Research Methods in MicrobiologyDirectly supports Target 4.4 by equipping students with the advanced technical and research skills required for high-level employment and innovation in the scientific sector.
**SC 757 891Seminar in Microbiology IPromotes lifelong learning opportunities (Target 4.3) by requiring students to engage with, critically analyze, and present cutting-edge research in their field.
**SC 757 892Seminar in Microbiology IIEnhances lifelong learning (Target 4.3) and develops superior technical skills (Target 4.4) through sustained engagement with and presentation of advanced research topics related to their thesis.
**SC 757 898 / **SC 757 899ThesisRepresents a capstone lifelong learning opportunity (Target 4.3), where students conduct original research, develop advanced problem-solving skills, and create new knowledge.

SDG 6 Icon SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

Alignment Summary: The program addresses the need for clean water by focusing on environmental microbiology. Students learn about the microbial processes involved in wastewater treatment and the bioremediation of pollutants, providing them with the expertise to help improve water quality and protect aquatic ecosystems from pollution.

Course CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
**SC 757 501Advanced Environmental MicrobiologyDirectly supports clean water and sanitation by exploring the role of microorganisms in wastewater treatment and the bioremediation of pollutants, thus improving water quality and protecting water-related ecosystems (Target 6.3).

SDG 7 Icon SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

Alignment Summary: The curriculum contributes to the development of clean energy by focusing on microbial and biomass technologies. Courses dedicated to biofuels provide students with the knowledge to research and develop renewable energy sources, supporting the global transition away from fossil fuels.

Course CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
**SC 757 305Advanced Microbial Biofuel TechnologyDirectly contributes to affordable and clean energy by focusing on advanced technologies for producing biofuels from microbial sources, supporting research and the transition to renewable energy (Target 7.A).
TE 027 773Biomass and Bioenergy TechnologyDirectly supports the transition to clean energy (Target 7.2) by teaching technologies for converting biomass into biofuels and bioenergy, a key component of a sustainable energy mix.

SDG 9 Icon SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

Alignment Summary: This program is a catalyst for industrial innovation, focusing on the application of microbiology and biotechnology. Courses on enzyme technology, fermentation, and protein engineering provide the foundation for developing cleaner, more efficient industrial processes and creating novel bio-based products, thereby enhancing scientific research and upgrading technological capabilities.

Course CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
**SC 757 301Advanced Microbial EnzymeSupports industrial innovation (Target 9.5) by focusing on the application of microbial enzymes, which are key biocatalysts for developing greener and more efficient industrial processes.
**SC 757 302Protein EngineeringContributes to upgrading the technological capabilities of industries (Target 9.5) by teaching advanced methods for designing and modifying proteins for novel industrial and medical applications.
**SC 757 304Microbial Fermentation TechnologySupports the development of sustainable industries (Target 9.4) by teaching the principles of microbial fermentation, a core technology for producing a wide range of industrial products.
TE 027 742Biological Product InnovationDirectly promotes innovation (Target 9.5) by focusing on the entire lifecycle of developing new bio-based products, from research and development to market evaluation.

SDG 11 Icon SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

Alignment Summary: The program contributes to creating sustainable human settlements through its focus on environmental microbiology. By studying microbial processes in waste treatment, composting, and bioremediation, students gain the expertise needed to develop and implement effective waste management systems and reduce the environmental impact of cities.

Course CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
**SC 757 501Advanced Environmental MicrobiologyContributes to sustainable cities by providing the scientific basis for microbial processes in waste management, composting, and bioremediation of urban pollutants, helping to reduce the adverse environmental impact of cities (Target 11.6).

SDG 12 Icon SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

Alignment Summary: The curriculum fosters responsible production by teaching technologies that convert waste into valuable resources. Courses on fermentation and bioenergy focus on using agricultural and industrial by-products as feedstocks, directly aligning with the goal of reducing waste generation and promoting a circular economy.

Course CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
**SC 757 304Microbial Fermentation TechnologyAligns with responsible production (Target 12.5) by providing knowledge on fermentation technology, which can be used to convert waste and by-products into value-added goods, reducing overall waste generation.
TE 027 773Biomass and Bioenergy TechnologyPromotes responsible production (Target 12.2) by focusing on the valorization of biomass, often from agricultural and industrial waste, into energy, thereby contributing to a circular economy.

SDG 13 Icon SDG 13: Climate Action

Alignment Summary: This curriculum supports climate action by focusing on the development of biofuels as a renewable alternative to fossil fuels. By educating students in microbial biofuel and bioenergy technologies, the program contributes to research and innovation aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating climate change.

Course CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
**SC 757 305Advanced Microbial Biofuel TechnologySupports climate action by advancing the technology for biofuels, which are a key renewable energy source for mitigating greenhouse gas emissions from the transport and energy sectors (Target 13.2).

SDG 15 Icon SDG 15: Life On Land

Alignment Summary: The program actively supports the protection and restoration of terrestrial ecosystems through its focus on agricultural and soil microbiology. Courses provide knowledge on using beneficial microorganisms to enhance soil fertility, reduce the need for chemical inputs, and promote sustainable land management practices, thus helping to halt land degradation and biodiversity loss.

Course CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
AG 117 601Microbiology in Crop ProductionThis course promotes practices that protect terrestrial ecosystems (Target 15.1) by exploring the use of microorganisms as a biological alternative to chemical pesticides and fertilizers.
AG 127 761Advanced Soil MicrobiologyThe course supports the protection and restoration of terrestrial ecosystems by focusing on the role of microorganisms in maintaining soil health and fertility (Target 15.3).
**SC 757 401Mycorrhizal FungiThis course supports the protection of terrestrial ecosystems (Target 15.5) by focusing on the role of mycorrhizal fungi in enhancing plant health and improving soil structure.

SDG 17 Icon SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

Alignment Summary: This program fosters partnerships for sustainable development through its intrinsic focus on advanced research and knowledge dissemination. The seminar and thesis components require students to engage with the global scientific community, building upon international research and sharing their findings. This collaborative process is essential for creating the knowledge-based partnerships needed to achieve all SDGs.

Course CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
**SC 757 898 / **SC 757 899ThesisConducting thesis research requires engagement with the global scientific community, fostering knowledge-sharing and contributing to the global partnership for sustainable development (Target 17.6).