Overall SDG Alignment Evaluation:
The Master of Science Program in Biotechnology is a cornerstone of Khon Kaen University's commitment to sustainable development, leveraging cutting-edge science to address critical global challenges. The curriculum is designed to produce innovators capable of developing sustainable solutions in agriculture, health, and environmental management. The program makes a powerful and direct contribution to SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) through its focus on agricultural, animal, food, and medical biotechnology. It drives progress towards SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) by fostering the development of novel bioprocesses and technologies. Through its emphasis on environmental biotechnology, including bioremediation and waste valorization, the program strongly supports SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), SDG 14 (Life Below Water), and SDG 15 (Life on Land). As an advanced research-based degree, it is a pillar of SDG 4 (Quality Education) and embodies the collaborative, multi-stakeholder approach required for SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
Alignment Summary: This program directly addresses food security by applying advanced biological techniques to improve agricultural productivity and food quality. Courses focus on genetic improvement of crops and livestock, developing sustainable food production processes, and creating resilient agricultural systems to ensure a stable and nutritious food supply.
Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
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AG 027 103 | Microbial Technology | Supports Target 2.4 by teaching the use of microorganisms in fermentation and food production, contributing to sustainable and resilient food systems. |
AG 027 211 | Agricultural Biotechnology | Directly aligns with Target 2.4 by applying genetic engineering and tissue culture to improve crop yields and develop resilient agricultural practices. |
AG 027 221 | Animal Biotechnology | Contributes to ending hunger by improving livestock productivity, health, and genetics, which increases the availability of animal-sourced food (Target 2.3). |
AG 027 241 | Food Biotechnology | Enhances food security by applying biotechnology to improve food safety, quality, and production efficiency, supporting the goal of ending hunger. |
Alignment Summary: The curriculum contributes to good health and well-being by advancing knowledge in medical biotechnology. It covers the production of pharmaceuticals, vaccines, and diagnostic tools, and explores the development of functional foods that promote health and prevent disease.
Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
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AG 027 104 | Enzyme Technology | Supports health by enabling the production of pharmaceuticals and diagnostics, contributing to the fight against communicable and non-communicable diseases (Target 3.3, 3.4). |
AG 027 241 | Food Biotechnology | Aligns with good health by improving food safety and developing functional foods with enhanced nutritional and health benefits. |
AG 027 251 | Medical Biotechnology | Directly supports Target 3.b by focusing on research and development of vaccines and medicines through advanced biotechnological approaches. |
Alignment Summary: As a master's program, this curriculum embodies quality education by providing advanced, specialized training in the cutting-edge field of biotechnology. It is designed to equip students with the research and technical skills necessary for high-level employment and innovation, fostering a culture of lifelong learning and scientific advancement.
Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
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AG 027 701 | Research Methodology in Biotechnology | Directly supports Target 4.4 by providing students with the advanced technical and research skills required for relevant, high-level employment and entrepreneurship in the biotechnology sector. |
AG 027 891 / 892 | Seminar in Biotechnology I / II | Enhances lifelong learning opportunities (Target 4.3) by training students in critical analysis, scientific discourse, and the communication of complex research findings. |
AG 027 898 / 899 | Thesis | Represents a capstone lifelong learning opportunity where students conduct original research, thereby acquiring superior technical skills for employment and contributing new knowledge to the field (Target 4.4). |
Alignment Summary: The program places a strong emphasis on using biotechnology to address water pollution. The course in environmental biotechnology is dedicated to developing and applying biological solutions for wastewater treatment and the bioremediation of contaminated water, directly contributing to the protection of water-related ecosystems.
Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
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AG 027 231 | Environmental Biotechnology | Directly addresses the need to improve water quality (Target 6.3) by teaching methods for bioremediation and wastewater treatment, thus protecting water-related ecosystems (Target 6.6). |
Alignment Summary: The curriculum contributes to the development of clean energy by exploring biotechnological approaches to biofuel production. By training experts in microbial and enzyme technologies, the program supports research and development in renewable energy sources.
Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
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AG 027 103 | Microbial Technology | Supports the expansion of infrastructure and technology for modern and sustainable energy services (Target 7.a, 7.b) through its focus on microbial processes for biofuel production. |
Alignment Summary: This program is a catalyst for industrial innovation, focusing on the development and application of biotechnologies to create sustainable products and processes. Courses in microbial, enzyme, and bioprocess technology are designed to enhance scientific research and upgrade the technological capabilities of a wide range of industries.
Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
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AG 027 103 | Microbial Technology | Drives innovation by teaching the application of microorganisms in industrial processes, fostering sustainable industrialization (Target 9.4). |
AG 027 104 | Enzyme Technology | Enhances scientific research and upgrades technological capabilities (Target 9.5) by focusing on the industrial application of enzymes, which are key to cleaner and more efficient technologies. |
AG 027 261 | Bioprocess Technology | Directly supports sustainable industrialization by teaching the principles of designing and operating large-scale biological production systems (Target 9.4). |
Alignment Summary: The program contributes to creating sustainable cities and communities by providing biotechnological solutions for waste management and pollution control. The focus on environmental biotechnology helps reduce the adverse environmental impact of urban areas and industrial activities.
Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
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AG 027 231 | Environmental Biotechnology | Contributes to reducing the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities (Target 11.6) by applying biotechnology for waste management and pollution remediation. |
Alignment Summary: The curriculum strongly promotes responsible production patterns by developing biotechnologies that enable the efficient use of resources and the reduction of waste. It focuses on creating cleaner technologies, valorizing waste streams, and managing chemicals responsibly to minimize environmental impact.
Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
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AG 027 104 | Enzyme Technology | Promotes sustainable production by developing enzymatic processes that are cleaner and more resource-efficient than traditional chemical methods (Target 12.2). |
AG 027 231 | Environmental Biotechnology | Directly aligns with Target 12.5 by teaching methods for waste valorization and bioremediation, substantially reducing waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling and reuse. |
AG 027 261 | Bioprocess Technology | Supports the environmentally sound management of chemicals and wastes (Target 12.4) by designing efficient and contained bioprocesses that minimize release to air, water, and soil. |
Alignment Summary: The program contributes to the conservation of marine and freshwater ecosystems by providing biotechnological tools for pollution control. Through environmental biotechnology, it addresses the challenge of land-based pollution that impacts aquatic life, helping to protect and restore these vital ecosystems.
Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
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AG 027 231 | Environmental Biotechnology | Aims to prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds, in particular from land-based activities (Target 14.1), through bioremediation and sustainable waste management. |
Alignment Summary: This program is integral to the conservation and sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems. It provides biotechnological solutions for soil and land remediation, promotes sustainable agricultural practices that protect biodiversity, and develops biological alternatives to chemical inputs that can harm life on land.
Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
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AG 027 211 | Agricultural Biotechnology | Supports the conservation and sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems (Target 15.1) by developing crops and practices that reduce pressure on land and conserve biodiversity. |
AG 027 231 | Environmental Biotechnology | Directly contributes to restoring degraded land and soil (Target 15.3) through the application of bioremediation techniques. |
Alignment Summary: The program's advanced, research-oriented nature fosters partnerships for sustainable development. Through seminar courses and the thesis requirement, students engage with the global scientific community, promoting the knowledge-sharing and multi-stakeholder collaborations that are vital for addressing the complex, interconnected challenges of the SDGs.
Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
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AG 027 891 / 892 | Seminar in Biotechnology I / II | Enhances the global partnership for sustainable development by having students present and discuss cutting-edge research, contributing to the international body of scientific knowledge (Target 17.6). |
AG 027 898 / 899 | Thesis | Represents a significant contribution to global partnerships (Target 17.17) by creating new, publishable knowledge that is shared internationally to help solve critical sustainability challenges through biotechnology. |