Khon Kaen University Logo

Khon Kaen University

Bachelor of Science Program in Geotechnology

SDG Alignment for Bachelor of Science Program in Geotechnology

Overall SDG Alignment Evaluation:

The Bachelor of Science Program in Geotechnology is fundamentally aligned with the principles of sustainable development by applying earth sciences to solve critical environmental and resource management challenges. The curriculum's philosophy emphasizes the integration of geological knowledge with modern technology to foster innovation, ethical practice, and sustainable resource utilization. The program makes significant contributions to several SDGs, particularly those related to natural resources and infrastructure. It directly addresses the sustainable management of water resources (SDG 6) and the exploration of geothermal and mineral resources for clean energy and industry (SDG 7 and SDG 9). Through courses in engineering geology, hydrogeology, and environmental geology, the program is crucial for building resilient infrastructure and sustainable communities (SDG 11). Furthermore, it promotes the responsible use of earth resources (SDG 12), contributes to understanding and mitigating geohazards related to climate change (SDG 13), and supports the protection of both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems (SDG 15 and SDG 14). As an advanced science and technology program, it inherently delivers high-quality education (SDG 4) and prepares graduates for careers that are vital for building a sustainable and resilient future.

SDG Related Course(s)

SDG 4 Icon SDG 4: Quality Education

Alignment Summary: This program provides high-quality, specialized technical and scientific education in geotechnology. It equips students with the advanced skills necessary for employment in critical sectors like resource management, environmental protection, and infrastructure development, thereby fostering lifelong learning and contributing to a skilled workforce for sustainable development.

Course CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
GT498202Cooperative EducationDirectly supports Target 4.4 by providing students with extensive practical work experience, substantially increasing their technical and vocational skills for employment in the geotechnology sector.
GT498103SeminarEnhances quality education by requiring students to research, synthesize, and present on advanced topics, promoting critical thinking and lifelong learning skills (Target 4.7).
GT498101Special Topics in GeotechnologyProvides lifelong learning opportunities (Target 4.3) by allowing students to delve into current and emerging issues in the field, ensuring their knowledge remains relevant.

SDG 6 Icon SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

Alignment Summary: The curriculum directly addresses the sustainable management of water resources. It provides a deep understanding of groundwater systems, water quality, and the technologies used for water exploration and management, which are essential for ensuring the availability of clean water.

Course CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
GT404321HydrogeologyDirectly supports the integrated management of water resources (Target 6.5) by focusing on the study of groundwater, its movement, and its sustainable extraction.
GT404422Groundwater TechnologyAligns with ensuring sustainable withdrawals of freshwater (Target 6.4) by teaching the practical technologies and methods for exploring, developing, and managing groundwater resources.
GT404461Environmental GeologyContributes to improving water quality by studying how geological processes and human activities affect water pollution, providing knowledge to protect water-related ecosystems (Target 6.3 & 6.6).

SDG 7 Icon SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

Alignment Summary: This program contributes to affordable and clean energy by providing the geological expertise needed to explore and develop renewable energy sources, particularly geothermal energy, as well as the resources required for energy infrastructure.

Course CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
GT404432Energy Resources and Geothermal EnergyDirectly contributes to increasing the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix (Target 7.2) by focusing on the exploration and development of geothermal energy and other energy resources.
GT404313Economic GeologySupports the infrastructure for clean energy by teaching the principles of exploring for and extracting the minerals and materials necessary for renewable energy technologies (e.g., solar panels, batteries) (Target 7.A).

SDG 8 Icon SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

Alignment Summary: The program supports economic growth by training a skilled workforce for high-value industries such as mineral and energy exploration, civil engineering, and environmental management. This creates opportunities for decent work and contributes to a more productive economy.

Course CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
GT404313Economic GeologyContributes to economic growth by providing the skilled professionals needed for the resource extraction industry, which is a significant economic driver (Target 8.2).
GT404412GeotechnicsSupports decent work by training students in soil and rock mechanics, essential skills for safe and stable construction and infrastructure projects that create employment (Target 8.8).

SDG 9 Icon SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

Alignment Summary: This program is central to building resilient infrastructure and fostering innovation. Geotechnical knowledge is fundamental to the design and construction of all major infrastructure projects, and the program's focus on resource exploration and modern geological technology drives industrial and scientific innovation.

Course CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
GT404212Engineering GeologyDirectly supports the development of quality, reliable, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure (Target 9.1) by teaching how to assess geological factors for safe construction.
GT404342Geographic Information Systems for GeotechnologyEnhances scientific research and technological capabilities (Target 9.5) by teaching the use of advanced GIS technology for geological mapping, resource management, and infrastructure planning.
GT404313Economic GeologySupports industrial development by providing the knowledge base for the exploration and sustainable extraction of mineral resources that are essential for industry (Target 9.2).

SDG 11 Icon SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

Alignment Summary: The curriculum is vital for making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable. It provides the essential skills for assessing geological risks, managing urban development, and ensuring that infrastructure is built on stable ground, thereby protecting communities from natural disasters.

Course CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
GT404212Engineering GeologyContributes to making human settlements safe and resilient by assessing geological conditions for urban planning and infrastructure development (Target 11.3).
GT404461Environmental GeologySupports the reduction of the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities by studying geological hazards and the environmental effects of urbanization (Target 11.6).
GT404462GeohazardsDirectly addresses the need to reduce the number of deaths and people affected by disasters by studying the causes and mitigation of geological hazards like earthquakes, landslides, and floods (Target 11.5).

SDG 12 Icon SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

Alignment Summary: The program promotes the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources. By teaching methods for responsible exploration and extraction of minerals, energy, and water, it contributes to a more sustainable pattern of consumption and production.

Course CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
GT404313Economic GeologyPromotes the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources by teaching the principles of identifying and assessing mineral deposits for responsible extraction (Target 12.2).
GT404461Environmental GeologyContributes to the environmentally sound management of wastes by studying how to manage and remediate contaminated sites, such as mines and industrial areas (Target 12.4).

SDG 13 Icon SDG 13: Climate Action

Alignment Summary: The program contributes to climate action by providing the knowledge base to understand and mitigate climate-related geohazards and to develop low-carbon energy sources. It strengthens resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related natural disasters.

Course CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
GT404462GeohazardsStrengthens resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters by studying their causes, effects, and mitigation strategies (Target 13.1).
GT404432Energy Resources and Geothermal EnergyContributes to climate change mitigation by promoting the use of geothermal energy, a low-carbon renewable resource, thereby integrating climate change measures into policies and planning (Target 13.2).

SDG 14 Icon SDG 14: Life Below Water

Alignment Summary: The program supports the conservation of marine and coastal ecosystems by addressing land-based sources of pollution. Understanding hydrogeology and environmental geology is crucial for preventing contaminants from reaching and harming aquatic environments.

Course CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
GT404461Environmental GeologyHelps to prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds, in particular from land-based activities, by studying how contaminants travel through soil and groundwater into marine ecosystems (Target 14.1).

SDG 15 Icon SDG 15: Life On Land

Alignment Summary: The curriculum contributes to the sustainable management of terrestrial ecosystems by providing expertise in soil mechanics, land use planning, and environmental geology. This knowledge is essential for preventing land degradation and making informed decisions about land use.

Course CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
GT404412GeotechnicsDirectly supports the goal to combat desertification and restore degraded land and soil by providing the engineering principles to ensure soil stability and prevent erosion and landslides (Target 15.3).
GT404461Environmental GeologyPromotes the integration of ecosystem and biodiversity values into national and local planning by providing the tools to assess the environmental impact of development on terrestrial ecosystems (Target 15.9).

SDG 17 Icon SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

Alignment Summary: The program fosters partnerships through its cooperative education component, which builds strong ties between the university and industry. This collaboration is essential for the transfer of technology and knowledge needed to achieve sustainable development in infrastructure and resource management.

Course CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
GT498202Cooperative EducationDirectly encourages and promotes effective public-private partnerships by immersing students in industry, building collaborative experience for sustainable development (Target 17.17).
GT498103SeminarEnhances the global partnership for sustainable development by encouraging the sharing of scientific knowledge and best practices in geotechnology (Target 17.6).