Overall SDG Alignment Evaluation:
The Doctor of Philosophy Program in Biochemistry is fundamentally designed to produce high-caliber researchers who can create new knowledge and innovations at the molecular level, addressing critical challenges in health and industry. The program's core mission is to conduct internationally recognized, research-intensive studies, making it a powerful contributor to SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) through its deep focus on medical biochemistry, protein function, and metabolism. By training experts in enzymology and advanced molecular biology techniques, the curriculum is a key driver for SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), fostering advancements in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical sectors. The program's emphasis on natural products and plant biochemistry also aligns with SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and SDG 2 (Zero Hunger). As a doctoral program, it is a flagship for SDG 4 (Quality Education) and inherently promotes the global collaborations 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 plant biochemistry. Research into plant metabolism, stress responses, and genetic improvement contributes to the development of more resilient and nutritious crops, which is essential for ensuring sustainable food production and global food security.
| Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| SC 217 707 | Plant Biochemistry | Directly contributes to sustainable agriculture (Target 2.4) by providing an understanding of plant biochemical processes, which is crucial for improving crop productivity and resilience. |
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-beingAlignment Summary: The curriculum is fundamentally dedicated to improving health and well-being by elucidating the molecular basis of disease. Courses in medical biochemistry, protein function, and metabolism provide the foundational knowledge for developing new diagnostic methods, therapeutic interventions, and strategies for preventing non-communicable diseases.
| Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| SC 217 701 | Protein Structure and Function | Supports research and development for health (Target 3.B) by focusing on proteins, which are the targets for the vast majority of drugs. |
| SC 217 703 | Advanced Metabolism and Regulation | Directly contributes to combating non-communicable diseases (Target 3.4) by providing a deep understanding of metabolic pathways and their dysregulation in diseases like diabetes and obesity. |
| SC 217 706 | Natural Products | Aligns with Target 3.B by exploring natural sources for novel bioactive compounds that can be developed into new medicines. |
| SC 217 708 | Medical Biochemistry | Directly supports good health by focusing on the biochemical processes that are relevant to human diseases, their diagnosis, and treatment. |
| SC 217 709 | Bioinformatics | Contributes to health innovation by providing the computational skills needed to analyze large biological datasets for drug discovery and personalized medicine. |
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 219 901 | Research Methodology in Biochemistry | 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 219 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 9: Industry, Innovation and InfrastructureAlignment Summary: This program is a catalyst for innovation in the biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and food industries. By providing advanced training in molecular biology, enzymology, and modern biochemical techniques, it enhances scientific research and upgrades the technological capabilities of sectors focused on bio-based products and solutions.
| Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| SC 217 702 | Advanced Molecular Biology | Enhances scientific research (Target 9.5) by providing expertise in the core techniques that drive innovation in the biotechnology industry. |
| SC 217 704 | Techniques in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology | Directly supports industrial innovation by providing hands-on training in the advanced instrumentation and methodologies used in modern R&D labs (Target 9.5). |
| SC 217 705 | Enzymology | Contributes to upgrading the technological capabilities of industries (Target 9.4) by focusing on enzymes, which are used as biocatalysts for green and efficient manufacturing. |
| SC 217 709 | Bioinformatics | Fosters innovation by providing essential computational skills for analyzing large biological datasets, which is critical for R&D in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors (Target 9.5). |
SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and ProductionAlignment Summary: The program promotes responsible production patterns by training experts in the use of enzymes as biocatalysts. Enzymatic processes often require less energy and produce less waste than traditional chemical methods, contributing to the development of more sustainable and environmentally friendly industrial practices.
| Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| SC 217 705 | Enzymology | Contributes to the environmentally sound management of chemicals and wastes (Target 12.4) by promoting the use of enzymes as green catalysts in industrial production. |
| SC 217 706 | Natural Products | Supports the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources (Target 12.2) by exploring biological resources for high-value compounds. |
SDG 17: Partnerships for the GoalsAlignment Summary: As an international program, this curriculum inherently builds partnerships for sustainable development. Its focus on globally relevant scientific challenges and the requirement for research dissemination in international forums promote the knowledge-sharing and multi-stakeholder collaborations necessary to achieve global goals.
| Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| SC 219 991 | Seminar in Biochemistry 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 219 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. |