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Khon Kaen University

Master of Science Program in Biotechnology

SDG Alignment for Master of Science Program in Biotechnology

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).

SDG Related Course(s)

SDG 2 Icon SDG 2: Zero Hunger

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 CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
AG 027 103Microbial TechnologySupports Target 2.4 by teaching the use of microorganisms in fermentation and food production, contributing to sustainable and resilient food systems.
AG 027 211Agricultural BiotechnologyDirectly aligns with Target 2.4 by applying genetic engineering and tissue culture to improve crop yields and develop resilient agricultural practices.
AG 027 221Animal BiotechnologyContributes to ending hunger by improving livestock productivity, health, and genetics, which increases the availability of animal-sourced food (Target 2.3).
AG 027 241Food BiotechnologyEnhances food security by applying biotechnology to improve food safety, quality, and production efficiency, supporting the goal of ending hunger.

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

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 CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
AG 027 104Enzyme TechnologySupports 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 241Food BiotechnologyAligns with good health by improving food safety and developing functional foods with enhanced nutritional and health benefits.
AG 027 251Medical BiotechnologyDirectly supports Target 3.b by focusing on research and development of vaccines and medicines through advanced biotechnological approaches.

SDG 4 Icon SDG 4: Quality Education

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 CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
AG 027 701Research Methodology in BiotechnologyDirectly 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 / 892Seminar in Biotechnology I / IIEnhances lifelong learning opportunities (Target 4.3) by training students in critical analysis, scientific discourse, and the communication of complex research findings.
AG 027 898 / 899ThesisRepresents 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).

SDG 6 Icon SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

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 CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
AG 027 231Environmental BiotechnologyDirectly 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).

SDG 7 Icon SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

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 CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
AG 027 103Microbial TechnologySupports 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.

SDG 9 Icon SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

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 CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
AG 027 103Microbial TechnologyDrives innovation by teaching the application of microorganisms in industrial processes, fostering sustainable industrialization (Target 9.4).
AG 027 104Enzyme TechnologyEnhances 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 261Bioprocess TechnologyDirectly supports sustainable industrialization by teaching the principles of designing and operating large-scale biological production systems (Target 9.4).

SDG 11 Icon SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

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 CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
AG 027 231Environmental BiotechnologyContributes to reducing the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities (Target 11.6) by applying biotechnology for waste management and pollution remediation.

SDG 12 Icon SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

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 CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
AG 027 104Enzyme TechnologyPromotes sustainable production by developing enzymatic processes that are cleaner and more resource-efficient than traditional chemical methods (Target 12.2).
AG 027 231Environmental BiotechnologyDirectly 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 261Bioprocess TechnologySupports 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.

SDG 14 Icon SDG 14: Life Below Water

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 CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
AG 027 231Environmental BiotechnologyAims 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.

SDG 15 Icon SDG 15: Life on Land

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 CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
AG 027 211Agricultural BiotechnologySupports 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 231Environmental BiotechnologyDirectly contributes to restoring degraded land and soil (Target 15.3) through the application of bioremediation techniques.

SDG 17 Icon SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

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 CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
AG 027 891 / 892Seminar in Biotechnology I / IIEnhances 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 / 899ThesisRepresents 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.