Overall SDG Alignment Evaluation:
The Doctor of Philosophy Program in Science Education is fundamentally designed to cultivate leaders who can advance scientific literacy and foster a deeper understanding of the natural world, making it a crucial enabler for multiple Sustainable Development Goals. The program's core mission is to enhance SDG 4 (Quality Education) by producing expert researchers and educators who can create innovative and effective science curricula. By empowering the next generation with scientific knowledge, the curriculum provides the foundational understanding necessary to tackle complex environmental challenges, thereby supporting SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 13 (Climate Action). The program's focus on developing new educational technologies and pedagogical innovations aligns with SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure). As a doctoral program, it fosters the international collaboration essential for SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
SDG 4: Quality EducationAlignment Summary: This program is the embodiment of quality education, designed to produce expert educators and researchers who can lead and transform science education. The curriculum provides a deep theoretical and practical foundation in designing, implementing, and evaluating effective and inclusive science learning experiences, directly contributing to lifelong learning and education for sustainable development.
| Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| ED 513 701 | Philosophy and Theory in Science Education | Provides the deep theoretical foundation for understanding and improving science education, which is essential for ensuring effective and high-quality learning outcomes (Target 4.7). |
| ED 513 711 | Science Curriculum Development | Directly enhances the quality of education by focusing on the systematic design of effective and relevant science curricula that promote scientific literacy and skills for sustainable development (Target 4.7). |
| ED 513 732 | Science Communication | Develops skills to make scientific knowledge accessible to the public and policymakers, which is crucial for promoting lifelong learning and public awareness of sustainability issues (Target 4.7). |
| ED 513 998 / 999 | Dissertation | Represents a capstone lifelong learning opportunity (Target 4.3), where students conduct original research to advance the field of science education, acquiring superior skills for employment and innovation (Target 4.4). |
SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and InfrastructureAlignment Summary: The program drives innovation within the education sector by training experts to research, develop, and implement new educational technologies and pedagogical models. This enhances the scientific and technological capacity of educational institutions, fostering a more innovative and effective learning infrastructure for science.
| Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| ED 513 702 | Research and Development of Innovations in Science Education | Directly enhances scientific research and innovation (Target 9.5) by training experts to develop and validate new, effective pedagogical methods and technologies for science teaching. |
| ED 513 721 | Technology and Innovation in Science Education | Fosters innovation in the education sector (Target 9.5) by exploring the design and application of digital technologies to create more effective and accessible learning environments for science. |
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and CommunitiesAlignment Summary: The curriculum contributes to building sustainable communities by fostering an understanding of the relationship between science, technology, and society. This knowledge is crucial for educating citizens who can make informed decisions about urban development, resource management, and environmental protection in their communities.
| Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| ED 513 731 | Science, Technology, and Society | Supports Target 11.A by building a knowledgeable citizenry capable of participating in and supporting positive national and regional development planning for sustainable communities. |
SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and ProductionAlignment Summary: This program promotes responsible consumption and production by educating future leaders and the public about the societal and environmental impacts of science and technology. This awareness is a key step in fostering lifestyles that are in harmony with nature and promoting sustainable practices.
| Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| ED 513 731 | Science, Technology, and Society | Directly aligns with Target 12.8 by ensuring that people everywhere have the relevant information and awareness for sustainable development and lifestyles in harmony with nature. |
SDG 13: Climate ActionAlignment Summary: The program contributes to climate action by fostering the scientific literacy necessary to understand and address climate change. Through courses that link science, technology, and society, graduates are prepared to educate the public and future generations about climate impacts, mitigation, and adaptation, strengthening institutional and human capacity.
| Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| ED 513 731 | Science, Technology, and Society | Directly supports Target 13.3 by improving education, awareness-raising and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction and early warning. |
SDG 17: Partnerships for the GoalsAlignment Summary: The program's research-intensive nature fosters partnerships for sustainable development. Through seminars and the dissertation process, students engage with the global academic community, promoting the knowledge-sharing and collaborations needed to achieve global educational goals in science and sustainability.
| Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| ED 513 703 | Seminar in Science Education | Promotes the global partnership for sustainable development (Target 17.6) by requiring students to engage with and present on international research, fostering a culture of global knowledge-sharing. |
| ED 513 998 / 999 | Dissertation | Represents a significant contribution to global partnerships (Target 17.16) by creating new, publishable knowledge that is shared internationally to help solve critical educational challenges. |