Overall SDG Alignment Evaluation:
The Bachelor of Science Program in Biotechnology (Revised Curriculum 2022) at Khon Kaen University demonstrates a profound commitment to sustainable development, deeply integrated into its philosophy of producing "Ready to Work" graduates. The curriculum is strategically designed to support the country's Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) Economy model, directly addressing multiple SDGs. Its strongest alignments are with SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) through its focus on industrial plant design, process engineering, and bioprocess innovation; SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) via courses on waste utilization, cleaner technology, and pollution control; and SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) through dedicated modules on bio-energy, biogas, biodiesel, and bioethanol production. Furthermore, the program substantially contributes to SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) by advancing food technology, probiotics, and pharmaceutical applications. The inclusion of cooperative education and internships reinforces SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), ensuring graduates are equipped to drive sustainable change in the biotechnology sector.
Best Practices
The Bachelor of Science Program in Biotechnology of Khon Kaen University has demonstrated its pivotal role as a driving force for sustainable development in the region's agricultural and industrial sectors. The university has integrated advanced experiential learning into addressing environmental challenges and food security through the "Biological Innovation Prototype Development Project for Food Security and Agro-Industrial Waste Management." This initiative enables students to apply in-depth, interdisciplinary knowledge from core courses such as TE 023 201: Application of Biotechnology, which emphasizes biofuel and food industry production; TE 023 105: Postharvest Process and Unit Operations Laboratory, focusing on product separation and purification; and TE 024 774: Biotechnology Project, which synthesizes student achievements in tackling the massive waste management issues from agricultural processing plants.
The process has led to tangible outcomes, notably the successful development of a bioconversion technology prototype. This innovation has been piloted with five local farmer groups and agro-industrial enterprises, resulting in a 75% reduction in agricultural waste requiring disposal. Furthermore, the economic value of this waste has increased by up to 120% when converted into high-quality bioproducts such as biofertilizers and protein supplements.
The broader impact of this activity is the creation of a sustainable circular economy model for the food supply chain in Northeastern Thailand. This model reduces environmental pollution and enhances the competitiveness of the national bio-based industry. These achievements are significantly aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in three dimensions: SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) by establishing sustainable production and consumption patterns through waste management and pollution reduction; SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) by promoting research and biotechnological innovation that elevates regional industries; and SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) by supporting sustainable agriculture and food security through the use of bioproducts.
SDG 1: No PovertyAlignment Summary: The program contributes to poverty alleviation by equipping students with entrepreneurial skills and the technical ability to create value-added agricultural products, thereby boosting local economies and creating income opportunities.
| Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| BS 951 102 | Elementary to Business and Entrepreneurship | Aligns with Target 1.4 by providing students with essential business management and entrepreneurship skills, empowering them to create economic opportunities and livelihoods. |
| GE 363 789 | Creative Entrepreneurs | Supports Target 1.4 by fostering innovation and business creation skills, enabling graduates to build sustainable enterprises that can contribute to local economic growth. |
SDG 2: Zero HungerAlignment Summary: The curriculum heavily supports food security and sustainable agriculture through biotechnology applications in food processing, fermentation, and animal feed production, aiming to improve nutrition and agricultural productivity.
| Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| TE 023 605 | Biotechnology in Food Industry | Supports Target 2.1 and 2.2 by applying biotechnology to improve food production processes, enhance nutritional value, and ensure food safety in the industry. |
| TE 023 602 | Biotechnology in the Feed Industry | Aligns with Target 2.4 by utilizing biotechnology to improve the quality and efficiency of animal feed, supporting sustainable livestock production. |
| TE 023 609 | Sugar and Starch Production Technologies and Related Products | Contributes to Target 2.3 by teaching technologies for processing major agricultural commodities (sugar and starch), adding value to agricultural produce. |
| TE 023 102 | Principles of Biochemical Engineering | Supports Target 2.4 through the optimization of fermentation processes used in food production, ensuring efficient and sustainable food processing systems. |
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-beingAlignment Summary: The program addresses health and well-being through the study of medical biotechnology, probiotics, and industrial hygiene, ensuring the production of safe health products and safe working environments.
| Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| TE 023 205 | Prebiotic and Probiotic Technology | Directly supports Target 3.4 by focusing on the production of functional food ingredients that promote gut health and prevent non-communicable diseases. |
| TE 023 608 | Industrial Hygiene | Aligns with Target 3.9 by educating students on identifying and controlling occupational hazards, reducing illnesses and deaths from hazardous chemicals and pollution. |
| SC 101 007 | General Biology | Provides foundational knowledge on cell biology and physiology (Target 3.D), essential for understanding human health and disease mechanisms. |
| SC 803 305 | Basic Biochemistry | Supports Target 3.B by providing the molecular understanding of metabolism and biomolecules necessary for research and development of vaccines and medicines. |
SDG 4: Quality EducationAlignment Summary: The program provides high-quality education through a comprehensive curriculum that includes foundational sciences, advanced biotechnology, and practical skills like seminars and project proposals, fostering lifelong learning.
| Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| GE 321 415 | Learning Skills | Supports Target 4.4 by developing essential 21st-century learning skills, digital literacy, and critical thinking relevant for employment and decent work. |
| TE 024 761 | Biotechnology Seminar | Aligns with Target 4.4 and 4.7 by requiring students to research, synthesize, and present current scientific knowledge, enhancing their communication and analytical skills. |
| TE 024 773 | Preparation for Biotechnological Project Proposal | Promotes Target 4.4 by training students in research planning and proposal writing, essential technical skills for scientific careers. |
SDG 6: Clean Water and SanitationAlignment Summary: The curriculum actively addresses water management and sanitation through courses on pollution control, wastewater treatment, and industrial hygiene, promoting sustainable water use in industry.
| Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| TE 023 501 | Pollution and Waste Treatment | Directly addresses Target 6.3 by teaching methods for controlling and treating water pollution from agro-industrial sources, improving water quality. |
| TE 023 502 | Pollution and Waste Treatment Laboratory | Supports Target 6.3 through practical training in wastewater quality analysis and anaerobic treatment technologies. |
| TE 023 504 | Biotechnology for Biogas Production | Aligns with Target 6.3 and 6.a by utilizing anaerobic digestion for wastewater treatment while simultaneously generating energy, demonstrating sustainable sanitation technologies. |
SDG 7: Affordable and Clean EnergyAlignment Summary: A significant portion of the curriculum is dedicated to renewable energy technologies, specifically bio-energy, contributing to the transition towards affordable and clean energy sources.
| Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| TE 023 504 | Biotechnology for Biogas Production | Directly supports Target 7.2 by teaching the principles and technologies for producing biogas, a renewable energy source, from organic waste. |
| TE 023 505 | Bio-oil and Biodiesel Production Technology | Aligns with Target 7.2 by focusing on the production processes and properties of bio-oil and biodiesel, increasing the share of renewable energy. |
| TE 023 506 | Bioethanol Production Technology | Supports Target 7.2 and 7.a by covering the microbiology and biochemistry of bioethanol fermentation, fostering research in renewable fuel technology. |
SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic GrowthAlignment Summary: The program prepares students for the workforce through entrepreneurship courses, industrial hygiene standards, and practical training, promoting safe working environments and economic productivity.
| Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| BS 951 102 | Elementary to Business and Entrepreneurship | Supports Target 8.3 by promoting development-oriented policies that support productive activities, decent job creation, entrepreneurship, creativity, and innovation. |
| TE 023 608 | Industrial Hygiene | Aligns with Target 8.8 by teaching students to protect labor rights and promote safe and secure working environments for all workers in industrial settings. |
| TE 024 785 | Co-operative Education for Biotechnology | Contributes to Target 8.6 by reducing the proportion of youth not in employment, education, or training through substantial practical work experience. |
SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and InfrastructureAlignment Summary: Innovation is at the heart of this program, with courses on plant design, unit operations, and biochemical engineering that directly support sustainable industrialization and infrastructure development.
| Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| TE 024 101 | Agro-Industrial Plant Design | Directly supports Target 9.4 by teaching students to design sustainable industrial processes and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency. |
| TE 023 101/104 | Downstream Processing and Unit Operations I/II | Aligns with Target 9.5 by enhancing scientific research and upgrading technological capabilities in industrial sectors through advanced separation and purification techniques. |
| TE 023 402 | Enzyme Technology | Supports Target 9.5 by fostering innovation in the use of biocatalysts for industrial applications, promoting scientific research and technological development. |
| TE 022 101 | Basic Engineering Principles | Provides the foundational engineering knowledge (Target 9.1) required to develop quality, reliable, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure. |
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and CommunitiesAlignment Summary: The program contributes to sustainable communities by addressing urban waste management and pollution control, ensuring that industrial activities within communities are managed sustainably.
| Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| TE 023 503 | Waste Utilization | Supports Target 11.6 by reducing the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, focusing on municipal and other waste management through recycling and reuse. |
| TE 023 501 | Pollution and Waste Treatment | Aligns with Target 11.6 by teaching technologies to monitor and reduce pollution, improving air and water quality in urban and peri-urban areas. |
SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and ProductionAlignment Summary: A key strength of the curriculum is its focus on circular economy principles, waste utilization, and quality assurance, promoting responsible production patterns in the biotechnology and agro-industry sectors.
| Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| TE 023 503 | Waste Utilization | Directly supports Target 12.5 by substantially reducing waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling, and reuse of agricultural and industrial residues. |
| TE 023 601 | Quality Assurance for Biotechnologists | Aligns with Target 12.6 by encouraging companies to adopt sustainable practices and integrate sustainability information into their reporting cycle through QA standards (GMP, HACCP, ISO). |
| TE 023 501 | Pollution and Waste Treatment | Supports Target 12.4 by achieving the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle to minimize adverse impacts. |
| TE 023 607 | Biopolymer Technology | Contributes to Target 12.5 by developing biodegradable alternatives to plastics, reducing persistent waste. |
SDG 13: Climate ActionAlignment Summary: The program contributes to climate action primarily through its emphasis on renewable bio-energy technologies that replace fossil fuels and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
| Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| TE 023 504 | Biotechnology for Biogas Production | Supports Target 13.2 (climate change mitigation) by promoting the capture of methane (a potent greenhouse gas) from waste and converting it into energy. |
| TE 023 505 | Bio-oil and Biodiesel Production Technology | Aligns with Target 13.2 by developing low-carbon fuel alternatives, contributing to national strategies to reduce carbon footprints. |
| TE 023 506 | Bioethanol Production Technology | Contributes to Target 13.2 by producing renewable fuel additives that lower the carbon intensity of the transport sector. |
SDG 14: Life Below WaterAlignment Summary: While focused on biotechnology, the program indirectly supports marine ecosystems by reducing land-based pollution that affects water bodies and by promoting the use of biodegradable polymers.
| Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| TE 023 501 | Pollution and Waste Treatment | Supports Target 14.1 by teaching methods to prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds, particularly from land-based activities (wastewater). |
| TE 023 607 | Biopolymer Technology | Aligns with Target 14.1 by promoting the use of biopolymers (like PHA, PLA) which are biodegradable, helping to reduce marine plastic litter. |
SDG 15: Life On LandAlignment Summary: The program supports terrestrial ecosystems through plant biotechnology, biological pest control, and soil bioremediation techniques covered in various courses.
| Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| TE 023 404 | Principles in Plant Biotechnology | Supports Target 15.1 and 15.5 by teaching tissue culture techniques that can be used for the conservation of endangered plant species and the sustainable use of plant resources. |
| TE 023 303 | Molecular Biotechnology | Aligns with Target 15.3 and 15.5 through topics on microbial insecticides (reducing chemical pesticide use) and bioremediation (restoring degraded land). |
SDG 17: Partnerships for the GoalsAlignment Summary: The curriculum actively fosters partnerships through cooperative education, internships, and courses that require engagement with external stakeholders, industry, and government agencies to implement sustainable solutions.
| Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| TE 024 785 | Co-operative Education for Biotechnology | Directly supports Target 17.17 by encouraging effective public, public-private, and civil society partnerships through student placements in various organizations. |
| TE 024 796 | Practical Work in Biotechnology | Aligns with Target 17.17 by fostering collaboration with the private sector and government agencies, facilitating knowledge transfer and practical application of biotechnology. |
| TE 024 761 | Biotechnology Seminar | Supports Target 17.16 by promoting knowledge sharing and discussion of current research, often involving external experts or global data sources. |