Khon Kaen University Logo

Khon Kaen University

Doctor of Philosophy Program in Biotechnology (International Program)

SDG Alignment for Doctor of Philosophy Program in Biotechnology (International Program)

Overall SDG Alignment Evaluation:

The Doctor of Philosophy Program in Biotechnology is intrinsically designed to address global sustainability challenges through scientific innovation. Its philosophy focuses on producing high-caliber researchers and innovators equipped with deep knowledge and advanced skills to create high-value, sustainable solutions in line with the Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) economic model. This positions the program as a significant contributor to a wide array of Sustainable Development Goals. The curriculum's strong emphasis on agricultural, food, and health biotechnology directly supports SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being). Its focus on industrial and environmental applications aligns powerfully with SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), and goals related to environmental protection like SDG 6, 11, 14, and 15. As a premier international doctoral program, it is a cornerstone of SDG 4 (Quality Education) and inherently fosters the global collaborations necessary 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 training scientists to innovate in food and agricultural biotechnology. Courses focus on improving crop and animal genetics, developing sustainable food production processes, and enhancing food quality, all of which are critical for building resilient agricultural systems and ending hunger.

Course CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
BT81 704Advanced Agricultural BiotechnologyContributes to sustainable agriculture (Target 2.4) by applying biotechnology to improve crop and animal production, enhancing productivity and resilience to ensure food security.
BT81 705Advanced Food BiotechnologySupports the goal of ending hunger by focusing on improving food quality, safety, and production efficiency through biotechnological applications in food processing and fermentation (Target 2.1, 2.2).
BT81 701Advanced Molecular BiotechnologyProvides foundational techniques in gene technology applicable to creating genetically diverse and resilient crops, which is crucial for sustainable food production and ending hunger (Target 2.5).

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

Alignment Summary: The program significantly contributes to good health by focusing on the application of biotechnology to solve medical and health-related problems. The curriculum provides in-depth knowledge and skills for developing new diagnostics, vaccines, therapeutics, and safer food products, directly addressing the global need for advanced healthcare solutions.

Course CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
BT81 706Advanced Health and Medical BiotechnologyThis course is centrally focused on promoting health by applying biotechnology to develop diagnostics, vaccines, and therapeutic agents for treating and preventing diseases (Targets 3.3, 3.b).
BT81 705Advanced Food BiotechnologyContributes to good health by improving food safety and developing functional foods with enhanced nutritional properties, which can help prevent non-communicable diseases (Target 3.4).
BT81 701Advanced Molecular BiotechnologySupports health and well-being by providing the molecular tools (e.g., genetic engineering, proteomics) necessary for research and development of new medicines and diagnostic techniques (Target 3.b).

SDG 4 Icon SDG 4: Quality Education

Alignment Summary: As an international doctoral program, this curriculum represents the pinnacle of quality education. It is designed to cultivate elite researchers and innovators, providing them with the highest level of scientific knowledge and technical skills. The program fosters a culture of lifelong learning and prepares graduates for leadership roles in academia, research, and industry, thereby increasing the number of adults with relevant skills for high-level employment.

Course CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
BT81 791Research Methodology in BiotechnologyDirectly supports Target 4.4 by equipping doctoral students with advanced technical and vocational skills in research design, data analysis, and scientific inquiry.
BT81 897Seminar in BiotechnologyEnhances lifelong learning opportunities (Target 4.3) by providing a platform for students to engage with, critically evaluate, and present cutting-edge research, fostering continuous professional development.
BT81 998/999DissertationRepresents the ultimate capstone of quality education (Target 4.3, 4.4), where students conduct original research to generate new knowledge, thereby acquiring superior skills for innovation and leadership.

SDG 6 Icon SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

Alignment Summary: The program contributes to ensuring the availability and sustainable management of water through its focus on environmental biotechnology. It provides the scientific foundation and technical skills for developing biological solutions for wastewater treatment and the bioremediation of contaminated water sources, directly supporting the improvement of water quality.

Course CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
BT81 703Advanced Environmental BiotechnologyDirectly addresses Target 6.3 by teaching advanced biological processes for wastewater treatment and bioremediation, which are crucial for improving water quality by reducing pollution.

SDG 7 Icon SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

Alignment Summary: The curriculum supports the transition to affordable and clean energy by providing knowledge and research skills in industrial biotechnology. This includes the development of biofuels and other bio-based energy sources from renewable biomass, which helps to increase the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.

Course CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
BT81 702Advanced Industrial BiotechnologyContributes to clean energy (Target 7.2) by covering the production of biofuels and bioenergy from biomass, which increases the proportion of renewable energy sources.

SDG 9 Icon SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

Alignment Summary: This research-intensive program is designed to drive innovation and promote sustainable industrialization. It provides advanced training in industrial and environmental biotechnology, fostering the development of clean and environmentally sound technologies and industrial processes. Graduates are equipped to enhance scientific research and upgrade the technological capabilities of various industrial sectors.

Course CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
BT81 702Advanced Industrial BiotechnologyDirectly supports sustainable industrialization (Target 9.4) by focusing on clean technologies, such as the use of microorganisms and enzymes for producing chemicals, biomaterials, and biofuels.
BT81 791Research Methodology in BiotechnologyEnhances scientific research and innovation (Target 9.5) by providing doctoral candidates with the core skills needed to conduct high-level R&D and upgrade the technological capabilities of industrial sectors.
BT81 701Advanced Molecular BiotechnologyFosters innovation by teaching the fundamental tools of genetic engineering and systems biology, which are essential for developing novel products and processes across all industrial biotechnology sectors.

SDG 11 Icon SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

Alignment Summary: The program contributes to making cities and communities more sustainable by addressing waste management and pollution. The focus on environmental biotechnology provides solutions for the biological treatment of solid waste and wastewater, which helps to reduce the adverse environmental impact of urban and rural settlements.

Course CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
BT81 703Advanced Environmental BiotechnologyAligns with Target 11.6 by reducing the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities through the application of biotechnology for solid waste and wastewater management.

SDG 12 Icon SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

Alignment Summary: The program strongly promotes responsible production patterns by focusing on sustainable industrial processes and waste management. It provides the knowledge to develop biotechnologies that use resources more efficiently and manage waste in an environmentally sound manner, contributing to a more circular and sustainable economy.

Course CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
BT81 702Advanced Industrial BiotechnologyPromotes the efficient use of natural resources (Target 12.2) by developing bio-based production processes that are often more sustainable than conventional chemical methods.
BT81 703Advanced Environmental BiotechnologyDirectly supports the environmentally sound management of wastes (Target 12.4) and the reduction of waste generation (Target 12.5) through bioremediation and biological waste treatment technologies.

SDG 14 Icon SDG 14: Life Below Water

Alignment Summary: The program contributes to the conservation of marine and aquatic ecosystems by addressing land-based sources of pollution. The knowledge gained in environmental biotechnology is critical for developing strategies to remediate contaminated water bodies and prevent pollution from industrial and agricultural runoff from reaching the oceans.

Course CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
BT81 703Advanced Environmental BiotechnologyDirectly aligns with Target 14.1 by providing the scientific knowledge to prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds, particularly from land-based activities, through bioremediation and waste treatment.

SDG 15 Icon SDG 15: Life on Land

Alignment Summary: The curriculum supports the protection and sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems. The focus on agricultural biotechnology helps develop more resilient crops and sustainable farming practices, while environmental biotechnology provides tools for bioremediation of contaminated soils, helping to halt and reverse land degradation.

Course CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
BT81 704Advanced Agricultural BiotechnologyPromotes the sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems (Target 15.2) by developing biotechnologies that can lead to more efficient land use and reduced environmental impact from farming.
BT81 703Advanced Environmental BiotechnologyDirectly contributes to Target 15.3 by providing technologies for the bioremediation of contaminated soil, helping to halt and reverse land degradation and restore terrestrial ecosystems.

SDG 17 Icon SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

Alignment Summary: As an international doctoral program, it inherently fosters partnerships for sustainable development. The research, seminar, and scientific writing components require students to engage with the global scientific community, promoting the North-South, South-South, and triangular cooperation on and access to science, technology, and innovation that is essential for addressing the complex challenges of the SDGs.

Course CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
BT81 791Research Methodology in BiotechnologyEnhances the global partnership for sustainable development by training researchers who can contribute to and collaborate on science, technology, and innovation on a global scale (Target 17.6).
BT81 897Seminar in BiotechnologyPromotes multi-stakeholder partnerships (Target 17.16) by providing a platform for students to engage with and present on the latest global research, fostering a culture of international knowledge-sharing and collaboration.
BT81 998/999DissertationRepresents a significant contribution to global partnerships (Target 17.17) by creating new, publishable knowledge that is shared internationally to help solve critical sustainability challenges.