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Khon Kaen University

Higher Graduate Diploma Program in Veterinary Clinical Medicine

SDG Alignment for Higher Graduate Diploma Program in Veterinary Clinical Medicine

Overall SDG Alignment Evaluation:

The Higher Graduate Diploma Program in Veterinary Clinical Medicine is intrinsically linked to the Sustainable Development Goals by producing highly specialized veterinarians capable of addressing complex health challenges. The program's philosophy centers on creating experts with in-depth knowledge in clinical science, research capabilities, and a strong ethical foundation. This directly supports the 'One Health' concept, recognizing the interconnection between animal health, human health, and the environment. The curriculum's specialization tracks—particularly in Ruminant Medicine—make a significant contribution to SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) by enhancing the productivity and sustainability of livestock systems. A core focus across all specializations is the advanced diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of animal diseases, which is a fundamental contribution to SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being). As an advanced graduate program, it inherently promotes SDG 4 (Quality Education). Furthermore, its emphasis on research, professional ethics, and environmental law establishes a strong foundation for SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), SDG 15 (Life on Land), and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions).

SDG Related Course(s)

SDG 2 Icon SDG 2: Zero Hunger

Alignment Summary: The program's specialization in Ruminant Medicine directly supports food security and sustainable agriculture. Courses focusing on herd health management, clinical nutrition, and livestock production systems are designed to improve the health and productivity of food-producing animals, thereby increasing the availability of safe and nutritious food and supporting rural livelihoods.

Course CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
VM 078 201Ruminant Clinical Medicine IContributes to sustainable food production (Target 2.4) by training specialists in animal health economics and livestock production systems, which are essential for maintaining productive and resilient agricultural practices.
VM 078 202Ruminant Clinical Medicine IIDirectly addresses Target 2.3 by focusing on herd health management, clinical nutrition, and farm management, which are key to doubling the agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers.
VM 078 203Advanced Ruminant Clinical Medicine ISupports sustainable agriculture by providing advanced training in clinical nutrition, pasture management, and animal welfare, which helps ensure sustainable food production systems (Target 2.4).
VM 078 205Advanced Ruminant Clinical Medicine IIIEnhances food security by covering integrated herd health management and livestock production systems, which are crucial for increasing food production and ensuring the stability of food supplies (Target 2.1).

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

Alignment Summary: The entire curriculum is fundamentally aligned with promoting health and well-being. By training expert veterinarians in advanced diagnostics, surgery, internal medicine, and disease management, the program ensures the health of both companion and production animals. This work is crucial for the 'One Health' approach, preventing zoonotic diseases and ensuring the safety of the food supply.

Course CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
VM 008 004Veterinary Clinical MedicineThis foundational course on patient management and emergency care directly supports the well-being of animals, which is a core component of the broader goal of ensuring healthy lives.
VM 058 001-006Clinical Surgery I-IV & Advanced Clinical Surgery I-IVThese courses train specialists in surgical interventions, including oncology and emergency procedures, directly contributing to ensuring healthy lives and well-being for animals by providing advanced medical treatment.
VM 078 101-106Clinical Medicine in Companion Animal I-IV & AdvancedThis entire specialization focuses on diagnosing and treating a wide range of diseases (cardiology, neurology, oncology), directly contributing to the health and well-being of companion animals.
VM 078 204Advanced Ruminant Clinical Medicine IIAligns with Target 3.D by strengthening capacity for early warning and management of national and global health risks through the study of infectious diseases and zoonoses in livestock.
VM 078 206Advanced Ruminant Clinical Medicine IVDirectly promotes the 'One Health' concept by focusing on veterinary public health, which is essential for managing health risks at the human-animal-environment interface.

SDG 4 Icon SDG 4: Quality Education

Alignment Summary: As a Higher Graduate Diploma, this program exemplifies quality education by providing specialized, advanced training that builds upon a professional degree. It equips veterinarians with expert-level skills and knowledge for lifelong learning and high-level professional practice, thereby increasing the number of professionals with relevant technical and vocational skills.

Course CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
VM 008 001/002Clinical Seminar I / IIFosters lifelong learning skills (Target 4.7) by training students in literature review, academic writing, and presentation, which are essential for continuous professional development.
VM 008 003Biostatistics for Clinical ResearchContributes to Target 4.4 by providing students with advanced technical and vocational skills in research methodology and data analysis, making them highly qualified for specialized employment.
VM 008 006-009Research in Veterinary Clinic I-IVRepresents a core component of quality education by providing comprehensive training in the research process, from proposal to thesis, equipping graduates with skills for innovation and lifelong learning (Target 4.3, 4.4).

SDG 8 Icon SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

Alignment Summary: The program contributes to sustained and inclusive economic growth by producing highly skilled veterinary specialists, particularly for the agricultural sector. The Ruminant Medicine specialization enhances the productivity and economic viability of livestock farming, a crucial part of the rural economy, thereby supporting decent work for farmers and related professionals.

Course CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
VM 078 201Ruminant Clinical Medicine ISupports productive employment and decent work (Target 8.5) by addressing animal health economics and improving livestock production systems, which are central to agricultural economic growth.
VM 078 203Advanced Ruminant Clinical Medicine IContributes to economic productivity (Target 8.2) through specialization in livestock production systems and animal health economics, leading to more efficient and profitable farming.
VM 078 205Advanced Ruminant Clinical Medicine IIIFosters economic growth by training experts in integrated herd health management and animal health economics, which directly improves the efficiency and sustainability of the livestock industry (Target 8.2).

SDG 12 Icon SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

Alignment Summary: The program promotes responsible production patterns, especially within the livestock sector. By teaching efficient herd health management, clinical nutrition, and disease prevention, the curriculum helps to reduce waste and loss in the food production chain, contributing to the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources.

Course CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
VM 078 202Ruminant Clinical Medicine IIPromotes sustainable production (Target 12.2) through education on farm management, including housing and environment, which leads to more efficient use of resources in livestock farming.
VM 078 203Advanced Ruminant Clinical Medicine IContributes to responsible production by focusing on clinical nutrition and herd health, which helps minimize losses and improve the overall efficiency of food production systems (Target 12.2).

SDG 15 Icon SDG 15: Life on Land

Alignment Summary: The curriculum supports the protection of terrestrial ecosystems through its focus on responsible veterinary practice. By addressing environmental law, ethics related to animal use in research, and managing the health of livestock that utilize pastureland, the program fosters a respect for and sustainable interaction with land-based ecosystems.

Course CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
VM 008 005Law and Ethics in Veterinary Clinical MedicineThis course aligns with SDG 15 by covering laws related to the environment and the ethics of using animals for research, promoting the sustainable and ethical use of terrestrial animals (Target 15.7).
VM 078 203Advanced Ruminant Clinical Medicine IContributes to the sustainable management of terrestrial ecosystems by teaching best practices for pasture management, which is essential for preventing land degradation from livestock grazing (Target 15.3).

SDG 16 Icon SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

Alignment Summary: The program helps build effective and accountable institutions by training veterinarians to operate within a strong ethical and legal framework. A dedicated course on law and ethics ensures that graduates understand their professional responsibilities and the regulations governing veterinary medicine, public health, and animal welfare, contributing to a just and well-regulated society.

Course CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
VM 008 005Law and Ethics in Veterinary Clinical MedicineDirectly supports the development of effective, accountable, and transparent institutions (Target 16.6) by educating professionals on the laws, regulations, and ethical codes that govern the veterinary profession.

SDG 17 Icon SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

Alignment Summary: The program fosters partnerships for sustainable development through its emphasis on research and advanced seminar courses. These activities require students to engage with the global scientific community, review international literature, and present research findings, thereby participating in the global partnership for science, technology, and innovation.

Course CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
VM 008 001/002Clinical Seminar I / IIPromotes partnerships (Target 17.16) by requiring students to engage with and synthesize global scientific literature, fostering knowledge-sharing and connection to the international academic community.
VM 008 006-009Research in Veterinary Clinic I-IVEnhances the global partnership for sustainable development (Target 17.6) as the research conducted is intended to create new knowledge that is shared with the international scientific community to address health challenges.