Overall SDG Alignment Evaluation:
The Doctor of Philosophy Program in Microbiology is fundamentally aligned with promoting sustainable development through the advanced study of microorganisms. The program's core mission is to produce high-level researchers who can apply microbiological knowledge to solve critical challenges in health, agriculture, and the environment. This makes the curriculum a powerful contributor to SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) through its focus on medical and veterinary microbiology, and to SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) via research in agricultural microbiology. The program's emphasis on microbial diversity and ecology is central to SDG 15 (Life on Land) and SDG 14 (Life Below Water). Furthermore, by training experts in industrial microbiology and bioremediation, the curriculum drives progress in SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production). As a doctoral program, it is a flagship for SDG 4 (Quality Education) and fosters the international partnerships essential for SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
SDG 2: Zero HungerAlignment Summary: This program supports the goal of achieving zero hunger by advancing knowledge in agricultural microbiology. Research in this area contributes to developing biofertilizers, improving soil health, and controlling plant pathogens, all of which are essential for enhancing agricultural productivity and ensuring sustainable food production systems.
| Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| SC 757 713 | Agricultural Microbiology | Directly contributes to sustainable food production (Target 2.4) by studying the role of microorganisms in soil fertility, plant growth, and disease control, which is critical for improving agricultural sustainability. |
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-beingAlignment Summary: The curriculum contributes to good health and well-being by advancing the understanding of infectious diseases. Courses in medical and veterinary microbiology equip graduates to conduct research that is vital for combating communicable diseases in both humans and animals, supporting the 'One Health' approach to global health.
| Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| SC 757 711 | Medical Microbiology | Directly supports efforts to end epidemics of communicable diseases (Target 3.3) by studying the microorganisms that cause disease in humans. |
| SC 757 712 | Veterinary Microbiology | Contributes to combating communicable diseases (Target 3.3) by focusing on zoonotic diseases that can be transmitted from animals to humans, thereby strengthening public health. |
SDG 4: Quality EducationAlignment Summary: As a doctoral program, this curriculum is the epitome of quality education. It is designed to cultivate expert researchers and academics by providing advanced training in research methodologies and fostering a culture of lifelong learning, thereby contributing to the creation of new knowledge for sustainable development.
| Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| SC 759 901 | Research Methodology in Microbiology | Provides the core research skills that define high-quality doctoral education, equipping students for high-level employment and lifelong learning in scientific research (Target 4.3 and 4.4). |
| SC 759 99X | Seminar / Dissertation | These courses are capstone lifelong learning opportunities (Target 4.3) where students engage with the scientific community and conduct original research, acquiring superior technical and professional skills (Target 4.4). |
SDG 6: Clean Water and SanitationAlignment Summary: The program is central to ensuring the availability and sustainable management of water by training experts in aquatic microbiology. The curriculum equips graduates to assess water quality, understand the role of microorganisms in water purification and pollution, and contribute to the protection of water-related ecosystems.
| Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| SC 757 714 | Aquatic Microbiology | Directly supports Target 6.3 by studying the microorganisms that serve as indicators of water quality and play a role in bioremediation, which is crucial for improving water quality. |
SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and InfrastructureAlignment Summary: This program is a catalyst for innovation in the biotechnology and food industries. By providing advanced training in industrial and food microbiology, it enhances scientific research and upgrades the technological capabilities of sectors focused on sustainable production and bioprocessing.
| Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| SC 757 715 | Industrial Microbiology | Drives innovation by training experts in the use of microorganisms for industrial processes, which is key to developing sustainable and efficient manufacturing technologies (Target 9.4, 9.5). |
| SC 757 716 | Food Microbiology | Supports innovation in the food industry (Target 9.5) by focusing on the role of microorganisms in food production, safety, and preservation. |
SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and ProductionAlignment Summary: The program promotes responsible production patterns by training experts in the use of microorganisms for industrial processes and waste management. This knowledge contributes to the development of more sustainable production methods, the reduction of chemical waste, and the creation of a more circular economy.
| Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| SC 757 715 | Industrial Microbiology | Contributes to responsible production (Target 12.4) by developing microbial-based processes that can replace chemical-intensive methods, reducing pollution and waste. |
SDG 14: Life Below WaterAlignment Summary: The program is fundamentally aligned with the conservation and sustainable use of aquatic ecosystems. Through specialized courses in aquatic microbiology, it provides the scientific foundation for protecting marine and freshwater biodiversity, managing aquatic resources sustainably, and mitigating the impacts of pollution.
| Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| SC 757 714 | Aquatic Microbiology | Directly contributes to preventing and reducing marine pollution (Target 14.1) by studying the microorganisms involved in nutrient cycling and bioremediation in aquatic environments. |
SDG 15: Life On LandAlignment Summary: The program is at the core of efforts to protect, restore, and promote the sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems. The curriculum provides a deep understanding of microbial diversity and ecology, which is essential for combating desertification, restoring degraded land, and halting biodiversity loss.
| Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| SC 757 701 | Microbial Diversity | Directly contributes to halting biodiversity loss (Target 15.5) by providing the essential skills for identifying, classifying, and conserving microbial species. |
| SC 757 703 | Microbial Ecology | Provides the foundational knowledge for the conservation and sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems (Target 15.1) by studying the interactions of microorganisms with their environment. |
| SC 757 713 | Agricultural Microbiology | Supports efforts to combat desertification and restore degraded land (Target 15.3) by studying the role of soil microorganisms in maintaining ecosystem health. |
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 scientific community, promoting the knowledge-sharing and multi-stakeholder collaborations essential for achieving global health and environmental goals.
| Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| SC 759 902 | Seminar in Microbiology 1 | 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. |
| SC 759 99X | Dissertation | Represents a significant contribution to global partnerships (Target 17.16) by creating new, publishable knowledge that is shared internationally to solve critical sustainability challenges. |