Overall SDG Alignment Evaluation:
The Doctor of Philosophy Program in Biomedical Sciences is profoundly aligned with the core tenets of sustainable development, with a primary and intensive focus on global health. The program's philosophy is centered on producing high-caliber researchers capable of creating new knowledge and innovations to solve critical health problems. This makes the curriculum a powerhouse for advancing SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), as nearly every course is dedicated to understanding the molecular basis of diseases, drug discovery, and improving human health. As an advanced doctoral program, it inherently champions SDG 4 (Quality Education) by cultivating the next generation of scientists and academics. Furthermore, its emphasis on cutting-edge research in areas like genomics, bioinformatics, and stem cell technology drives progress in SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) by fostering innovation in the healthcare and biotechnology sectors. The international nature of the program and the requirement for globally recognized research publications directly support SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), promoting the collaboration and knowledge exchange necessary to tackle global health challenges.
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-beingAlignment Summary: This program is fundamentally dedicated to improving global health. The curriculum provides an in-depth, research-intensive education on the mechanisms of human diseases, including cancer, infectious diseases, and neurological disorders. It directly contributes to the research and development of new medicines and treatments through courses in pharmacology, drug discovery, and advanced pathobiology, aligning with the core mission of ensuring healthy lives for all.
| Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| SCID 511 703 | Advanced Pathobiology | Directly supports research into major diseases by providing an advanced understanding of disease mechanisms at the molecular and cellular levels, contributing to Target 3.B. |
| SCID 511 704 | Advanced Pharmacology and Toxicology | Aligns with Target 3.B by focusing on the research and development of medicines and understanding the effects of toxins, which is crucial for developing safe and effective therapies. |
| SCID 511 705 | Advanced Immunology | Contributes to fighting communicable diseases by deepening the understanding of the immune system, which is essential for developing vaccines and immunotherapies (Target 3.3). |
| SCID 511 710 | Advanced Cancer Biology | Focuses on research to combat a major non-communicable disease, directly contributing to Target 3.4 by training experts who can develop new strategies for cancer prevention and treatment. |
| SCID 511 712 | Advanced Microbiology and Infectious Diseases | Directly addresses the need to end epidemics of communicable diseases by providing advanced knowledge on pathogens and the mechanisms of infection (Target 3.3). |
| SCID 511 713 | Advanced Natural Products and Drug Discovery | Promotes research and development of new medicines (Target 3.B) by exploring natural sources for novel therapeutic compounds. |
SDG 4: Quality EducationAlignment Summary: As a doctoral program, this curriculum represents the highest level of quality education. It is designed to create a new generation of highly skilled researchers and academics equipped with advanced scientific knowledge and research methodologies, fostering lifelong learning and contributing to the global knowledge economy.
| Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| SCID 511 702 | Research Methodology and Biostatistics | Provides essential doctoral-level skills in research design and data analysis, which is a cornerstone of quality tertiary education and prepares graduates for careers in research and academia (Target 4.3 and 4.4). |
| SCID 511 998 / 999 | Dissertation | The dissertation is a capstone educational experience where students conduct original, in-depth research. This process fosters advanced technical and professional skills for sustainable development and promotes a culture of lifelong learning (Target 4.7). |
SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and InfrastructureAlignment Summary: The program is a catalyst for innovation in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries. By providing advanced training in cutting-edge fields like genomics, bioinformatics, and stem cell technology, it enhances scientific research and upgrades the technological capabilities of the healthcare sector, driving the development of new health-related industries.
| Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| SCID 511 707 | Advanced Medical Genetics and Genomics | Enhances scientific research and innovation (Target 9.5) by applying cutting-edge genomic technologies to understand and combat disease, fostering development in the biotech industry. |
| SCID 511 709 | Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine | Supports technological upgrading and innovation by training experts in a frontier area of biomedical science with vast potential for developing new industries and therapeutic applications (Target 9.5). |
| SCID 511 711 | Bioinformatics and Computational Biology | Promotes innovation by integrating computer science with biology, providing essential skills for modern research and development in the pharmaceutical and biotech industries (Target 9.5). |
SDG 17: Partnerships for the GoalsAlignment Summary: The international nature of this program and its focus on globally relevant health issues inherently foster partnerships. The curriculum requires engagement with the international scientific community through seminars and the dissemination of research, promoting the knowledge-sharing and multi-stakeholder collaborations vital for achieving global health goals.
| Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| SCID 511 891 / 892 / 893 | Seminar in Biomedical Sciences I / II / III | Promotes the global partnership for sustainable development (Target 17.6) by requiring students to engage with, analyze, and present on current international research, fostering a culture of global knowledge-sharing. |
| SCID 511 998 / 999 | Dissertation | The dissertation process contributes significantly to partnerships (Target 17.16) as it requires the creation of new scientific knowledge that must be disseminated and validated through international peer-reviewed publications, strengthening global collaboration in science. |