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Khon Kaen University

Bachelor of Science Program in Biotechnology

SDG Alignment for Bachelor of Science Program in Biotechnology

Overall SDG Alignment Evaluation:

The Bachelor of Science Program in Biotechnology is fundamentally aligned with the principles of sustainable development, leveraging biological systems to create innovative solutions for global challenges. The curriculum's philosophy emphasizes a strong foundation in science, coupled with practical skills in research, industrial applications, and entrepreneurship, directly contributing to several key Sustainable Development Goals. The program's core focus on applying biotechnology to agriculture, food, and health makes it a powerful contributor to SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being). By teaching advanced techniques in genetic engineering, fermentation, and bioprocessing, it drives the kind of innovation essential for SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure). Furthermore, its emphasis on environmental biotechnology, waste utilization, and bioenergy aligns with SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 14 (Life Below Water), and SDG 15 (Life on Land). As an advanced science program, it inherently promotes SDG 4 (Quality Education) and fosters the global partnerships necessary for achieving all goals (SDG 17).

SDG Related Course(s)

SDG 2 Icon SDG 2: Zero Hunger

Alignment Summary: This program directly addresses food security and sustainable agriculture by applying biotechnological tools to improve crop and animal production. Courses focus on genetic improvement, biofertilizers, and food processing to enhance food quality, quantity, and safety.

Course CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
BT023301Agricultural BiotechnologySupports sustainable food production by teaching how to apply biotechnology for the improvement of crops and livestock, leading to increased productivity and resilience (Target 2.4).
BT024403Food BiotechnologyContributes to ending hunger by focusing on the use of biotechnology in food processing and preservation, which helps to reduce food loss and improve food safety and nutrition (Target 2.1 & 2.2).
BT024401Plant BiotechnologyAligns with Target 2.3 by teaching genetic engineering techniques to develop crops with higher yields, better nutritional value, and resistance to pests and diseases, thereby boosting agricultural productivity.

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

Alignment Summary: The curriculum contributes to good health by focusing on the development of new medicines, diagnostics, and health-promoting foods. Courses in medical and pharmaceutical biotechnology provide the foundational knowledge for creating innovative healthcare solutions.

Course CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
BT024404Medical BiotechnologyDirectly supports the development of new medicines and vaccines by teaching the application of biotechnology in diagnostics, disease treatment, and public health (Target 3.B).
BT024405Pharmaceutical BiotechnologyAligns with promoting health by focusing on the production of biopharmaceuticals, such as therapeutic proteins and vaccines, which are essential for treating a wide range of diseases (Target 3.B).

SDG 4 Icon SDG 4: Quality Education

Alignment Summary: As a Bachelor of Science program in an advanced field, this curriculum provides high-quality technical and scientific education. It is designed to create experts and researchers who can generate new knowledge and provides students with specialized skills for high-level employment and lifelong learning in biotechnology.

Course CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
BT024901Seminar in BiotechnologyDirectly supports Target 4.4 by requiring students to research, synthesize, and present on advanced topics, enhancing their technical and communication skills for employment.
BT024902Special Problems in BiotechnologyEnhances lifelong learning opportunities (Target 4.3) by allowing students to engage in hands-on research projects, fostering independent learning and the creation of new knowledge.
BT024903Co-operative Education in BiotechnologyRepresents a capstone lifelong learning opportunity (Target 4.3), where students gain extensive practical experience, acquiring superior technical skills for employment and innovation (Target 4.4).

SDG 6 Icon SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

Alignment Summary: The program addresses clean water and sanitation by applying biotechnological solutions to environmental challenges. The course in environmental biotechnology specifically focuses on wastewater treatment and bioremediation, directly contributing to the protection of water-related ecosystems.

Course CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
BT023303Environmental BiotechnologyDirectly addresses the need to improve water quality by teaching biotechnological methods for wastewater treatment and the bioremediation of polluted water sources (Target 6.3).

SDG 7 Icon SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

Alignment Summary: The program contributes to affordable and clean energy by exploring the production of biofuels and bioenergy from renewable resources. The course in industrial biotechnology covers the processes for converting biomass into energy, supporting the transition to a sustainable energy future.

Course CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
BT024402Industrial BiotechnologyAligns with increasing the share of renewable energy (Target 7.2) by teaching processes for producing biofuels and other forms of bioenergy from biological materials.

SDG 9 Icon SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

Alignment Summary: This research-intensive program is a driver of innovation across multiple industries. Through advanced courses in genetic engineering, bioprocess engineering, and industrial biotechnology, it fosters the development of new technologies and sustainable practices that enhance industrial productivity and reduce environmental impact.

Course CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
BT023104Genetic EngineeringSupports Target 9.5 by enhancing scientific research and upgrading technological capabilities through the teaching of advanced genetic modification techniques.
BT023201Bioprocess Engineering IPromotes innovation by teaching the principles of designing and scaling up biotechnological processes for industrial applications (Target 9.4).
BT024402Industrial BiotechnologyContributes to upgrading industrial infrastructure by teaching the use of biotechnology to produce chemicals, materials, and energy in a cleaner and more sustainable way (Target 9.4).

SDG 12 Icon SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

Alignment Summary: The curriculum strongly promotes sustainable consumption and production patterns by focusing on the efficient use of biological resources and the reduction of waste. It includes courses on industrial and environmental biotechnology, which are aimed at creating a more circular and sustainable bio-based economy.

Course CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
BT024402Industrial BiotechnologyPromotes the efficient use of natural resources (Target 12.2) by using microorganisms and enzymes to convert renewable raw materials into valuable products with less waste.
BT023303Environmental BiotechnologyDirectly aligns with Target 12.5 by teaching biotechnological methods for waste treatment and the conversion of waste materials into useful products, substantially reducing waste generation.
BT024501Quality Control and Good Manufacturing Practice in BiotechnologyEncourages companies to adopt sustainable practices (Target 12.6) by instilling principles of quality control and GMP, which are essential for resource efficiency and waste minimization in production.

SDG 13 Icon SDG 13: Climate Action

Alignment Summary: The program addresses climate action by developing biotechnological solutions for mitigation and adaptation. Courses in environmental and industrial biotechnology cover topics like bioremediation, carbon capture, and the production of bio-based materials and energy, all of which contribute to combating climate change.

Course CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
BT023303Environmental BiotechnologyContributes to climate change mitigation by teaching about processes such as biological carbon capture and the use of microorganisms to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (Target 13.2).

SDG 14 Icon SDG 14: Life Below Water

Alignment Summary: The program contributes to the conservation of aquatic ecosystems through environmental biotechnology. By teaching methods for treating industrial and agricultural wastewater and remediating polluted sites, it helps to reduce land-based pollution of marine and freshwater environments.

Course CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
BT023303Environmental BiotechnologyHelps to prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds, in particular from land-based activities, by teaching biotechnological methods for waste treatment and bioremediation (Target 14.1).

SDG 15 Icon SDG 15: Life On Land

Alignment Summary: The curriculum supports the sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems by providing biotechnological tools for agriculture and environmental remediation. Courses in plant and agricultural biotechnology contribute to developing sustainable farming practices that conserve biodiversity and soil health.

Course CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
BT023303Environmental BiotechnologyContributes to the restoration of degraded land (Target 15.3) by teaching bioremediation techniques to clean up contaminated soils and restore ecosystem function.
BT023301Agricultural BiotechnologySupports the conservation of biodiversity by developing biotechnological tools for germplasm conservation and breeding crops that require fewer chemical inputs (Target 15.5).

SDG 17 Icon SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

Alignment Summary: The program inherently fosters partnerships through its cooperative education program and its focus on applied research. These elements create strong links between academia, industry, and government, promoting the multi-stakeholder collaborations that are essential for achieving the SDGs.

Course CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
BT024901Seminar in BiotechnologyPromotes partnerships (Target 17.16) by requiring students to engage with the latest global research and scientific community, fostering a culture of knowledge-sharing.
BT024903Co-operative Education in BiotechnologyEnhances multi-stakeholder partnerships (Target 17.17) by building practical collaborations between the university and industry, which is vital for technology transfer and achieving sustainable development.