Overall SDG Alignment Evaluation:
The Master of Science Program in Entomology is critically aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals, addressing global challenges through the scientific study of insects. The curriculum is designed to produce experts capable of protecting agricultural resources, public health, and biodiversity. The program makes a foundational contribution to SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 15 (Life on Land) by teaching sustainable insect pest management and promoting the use of beneficial insects for biological control, thereby enhancing food security while protecting ecosystems. It directly supports SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) through its focus on medical and veterinary entomology, which is crucial for controlling insect-borne diseases. Furthermore, by exploring insects as a sustainable food source and developing innovative bio-products, the curriculum aligns with SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure). As a master's-level research program, it is a cornerstone of SDG 4 (Quality Education) and fosters the global collaborations necessary for SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
SDG 2: Zero HungerAlignment Summary: This program directly addresses food security by training experts in the management of insect pests that cause significant crop losses. It emphasizes sustainable and integrated approaches, such as biological control and host plant resistance, to ensure stable and productive agricultural systems. Furthermore, it explores innovative solutions like edible insects as an alternative and sustainable source of nutrition.
| Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| AG 107 202 | Edible Insects for Food and Feed | Directly contributes to improving nutrition and ensuring food security (Target 2.1, 2.2) by developing knowledge on insects as a sustainable alternative protein source. |
| AG 107 601 | Insect Pest Management Technology | Aligns with Target 2.4 by teaching sustainable and intensive pest management practices to increase agricultural productivity and ensure stable food production. |
| AG 107 602 | Insect Vector of Plant Diseases | Supports the goal of ending hunger by focusing on the control of insect vectors that transmit plant diseases, thereby preventing major crop losses. |
| AG 107 603 | Host Plant Resistance to Insects | Promotes sustainable agriculture (Target 2.4) by teaching methods to develop pest-resistant crops, which reduces the need for chemical inputs and secures yields. |
| AG 107 605 | Entomopathogenic Nematodes | Contributes to sustainable food production by focusing on biological control methods to manage insect pests, reducing reliance on chemical pesticides and ensuring resilient agricultural practices. |
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-beingAlignment Summary: The curriculum directly contributes to public health by focusing on the study and management of insects and arthropods that act as vectors for human and animal diseases. It also addresses the health impacts of chemical insecticides, promoting safer alternatives and responsible management to reduce illnesses caused by hazardous chemicals.
| Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| AG 107 401 | Toxicology and Management of Insecticides | Supports Target 3.9 by teaching the safe management of insecticides to substantially reduce illnesses and deaths from hazardous chemicals and pollution. |
| AG 107 501 | Acarology and Araneology | Contributes to disease control (Target 3.3) by studying ticks and mites, which are significant vectors of diseases affecting humans and animals. |
| AG 107 604 | Medical and Veterinary Entomology | Directly aligns with Target 3.3 by focusing on ending the epidemics of communicable diseases through the study and control of insect vectors that affect human and animal health. |
SDG 4: Quality EducationAlignment Summary: As a Master of Science program, this curriculum is a pillar of quality education, providing advanced and specialized training in entomology. It is designed to equip students with the necessary technical and scientific skills for high-level employment and research, fostering a culture of lifelong learning and scientific inquiry to address complex global challenges.
| Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| AG 107 701 | Entomology Research Methodology | Directly supports Target 4.4 by providing students with advanced technical and research skills for relevant employment and innovation in the field of entomology. |
| AG 107 891 / 892 | Seminar in Entomology I / II | Enhances lifelong learning opportunities (Target 4.3) by providing graduate-level training in scientific discourse, critical analysis, and effective communication. |
| AG 107 898 / 899 | Thesis | Represents a capstone lifelong learning opportunity (Target 4.3), where students conduct original research, thereby acquiring superior technical skills for employment and contributing new knowledge (Target 4.4). |
SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic GrowthAlignment Summary: The program fosters economic growth by preparing graduates for careers in emerging and high-value sectors such as the edible insect industry and bioproduct development. By teaching entrepreneurship and innovation, it supports the creation of new businesses and contributes to economic diversification and productivity.
| Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| AG 107 202 | Edible Insects for Food and Feed | Promotes entrepreneurship and economic productivity (Target 8.2) by focusing on the development of a high-value, sustainable industry based on edible insects. |
SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and InfrastructureAlignment Summary: This research-focused program drives innovation in agriculture and biotechnology. It centers on developing novel and sustainable solutions, such as biopesticides and pest-resistant plants, which enhances scientific research and upgrades the technological capabilities of related industries.
| Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| AG 107 603 | Host Plant Resistance to Insects | Enhances scientific research and innovation (Target 9.5) by developing pest-resistant crop varieties, a key technological upgrade for the agricultural industry. |
| AG 107 606 | Innovative Bio-Product | Directly supports sustainable industrialization (Target 9.4) and innovation by focusing on the research and development of new, environmentally sound biological products. |
SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and ProductionAlignment Summary: The curriculum strongly promotes sustainable production patterns by advocating for alternatives to chemical pesticides and developing sustainable resource-based industries. Courses on insecticide management, biological control, and edible insects are designed to reduce chemical release into the environment and create more efficient, circular food systems.
| Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| AG 107 202 | Edible Insects for Food and Feed | Promotes sustainable production patterns through the development of edible insects, which require significantly fewer natural resources than traditional livestock (Target 12.2). |
| AG 107 401 | Toxicology and Management of Insecticides | Directly aligns with Target 12.4 by teaching the environmentally sound management of chemicals to minimize their adverse impacts on human health and the environment. |
| AG 107 601 | Insect Pest Management Technology | Contributes to the reduction of food losses along production and supply chains (Target 12.3) through effective and sustainable pest management. |
SDG 15: Life on LandAlignment Summary: The program is integral to the conservation and sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems. It focuses on understanding insect biodiversity, promoting biological control over chemical methods, and managing pest populations in a way that minimizes harm to non-target species and the broader environment.
| Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| AG 107 101 | Systematic Entomology | Supports the conservation of terrestrial ecosystems (Target 15.5) by providing foundational knowledge in insect identification and classification, which is essential for biodiversity monitoring. |
| AG 107 401 | Toxicology and Management of Insecticides | Contributes to halting biodiversity loss by educating on the responsible management of insecticides to minimize their impact on non-target organisms and ecosystems. |
| AG 107 605 | Entomopathogenic Nematodes | Promotes the sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems by focusing on biological control methods that reduce the need for chemical pesticides, thereby protecting biodiversity (Target 15.1). |
SDG 17: Partnerships for the GoalsAlignment 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 challenges of the SDGs.
| Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| AG 107 891 / 892 | Seminar in Entomology 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 107 898 / 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 related to entomology. |