Overall SDG Alignment Evaluation:
The Doctor of Philosophy Program in Materials Science and Nanotechnology is intrinsically designed to be at the forefront of sustainable development. Its core mission is to produce high-level researchers and innovators who can create new materials and technologies to solve global challenges. The curriculum is a powerful engine for SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) by driving the creation of advanced materials that are fundamental to resilient infrastructure and sustainable industrialization. Through a deep focus on materials for energy applications, such as thermoelectrics and advanced batteries, the program is a cornerstone for achieving SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy). Furthermore, by emphasizing the development of biomaterials and sensors, it directly supports SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and has significant relevance to SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation). The program's focus on sustainable materials aligns with SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production). As a doctoral-level program, it is a flagship for SDG 4 (Quality Education) and fosters the global collaborations essential for SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-beingAlignment Summary: The program contributes to good health and well-being by advancing the development of materials for biomedical applications. Research into biosensors, biomaterials, and advanced ceramics can lead to new diagnostic tools, medical implants, and drug delivery systems, directly supporting the research and development of new healthcare solutions.
| Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| SC 527 751 | Biosensors | Supports health innovation (Target 3.B) by training experts to develop advanced sensors for rapid and accurate medical diagnostics. |
| SC 527 752 | Biomaterials | Directly contributes to health and well-being by focusing on the development of new materials for medical devices, tissue engineering, and drug delivery systems (Target 3.B). |
| SC 527 753 | Advanced Ceramics for Medical Applications | Aligns with ensuring healthy lives by focusing on the development of biocompatible and durable ceramic materials for dental and orthopedic implants (Target 3.4). |
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 innovators 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 529 901 | Research Methodology in Materials Science and Nanotechnology | 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 529 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 contributes to clean water and sanitation by training experts to develop advanced materials for water purification and sensing. Research into nanomaterials and biosensors can lead to more effective filtration membranes and sensors for detecting waterborne contaminants, thereby improving water quality.
| Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| SC 527 751 | Biosensors | Supports Target 6.3 by developing sensor technologies that can be used for real-time monitoring of water quality to detect pollutants and pathogens. |
SDG 7: Affordable and Clean EnergyAlignment Summary: The program is a major driver for the transition to affordable and clean energy. It offers deep expertise in the development of advanced materials for energy generation, storage, and conversion, including thermoelectric materials and materials for advanced batteries, directly contributing to clean energy research and technology.
| Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| SC 527 757 | Thermoelectric Materials | Directly supports clean energy research and technology (Target 7.A) by focusing on materials that can convert waste heat into useful electricity. |
| SC 527 763 | Advanced Battery Materials | Contributes to ensuring access to affordable and reliable energy (Target 7.1) by focusing on the development of next-generation materials for energy storage. |
SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and InfrastructureAlignment Summary: This program is a catalyst for innovation across a wide range of industries. By providing advanced training in materials science, nanotechnology, and characterization techniques, it enhances scientific research and upgrades the technological capabilities of sectors focused on electronics, energy, healthcare, and advanced manufacturing.
| Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| SC 527 703 | Advanced Materials Science and Engineering | Drives innovation by providing a deep understanding of the structure-property relationships of materials, which is fundamental to developing new industrial technologies (Target 9.5). |
| SC 527 755 | Molecular Simulations and Applications | Enhances scientific research (Target 9.5) by applying computational methods to design and discover new materials with industrial applications. |
| SC 527 758 | Computational Materials Science | Supports industrial innovation by training experts in the computational techniques used to accelerate the development of new materials (Target 9.5). |
| SC 527 762 | Selected Topics in Materials Science and Nanotechnology | Fosters innovation in high-tech industries by providing expertise in cutting-edge areas of materials science and nanotechnology (Target 9.5). |
| Dissertation (All Codes) | Dissertation | Represents a significant contribution to enhancing scientific research and fostering innovation across all areas of materials science (Target 9.5). |
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and CommunitiesAlignment Summary: The program contributes to creating sustainable cities by developing advanced materials for construction and environmental applications. Research into smart materials and sensors can be applied to create more resilient infrastructure and monitor urban environmental quality, making communities safer and more sustainable.
| Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| SC 527 751 | Biosensors | Supports Target 11.6 by developing sensor technologies that can be used for real-time monitoring of air and water quality in urban environments. |
SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and ProductionAlignment Summary: The program promotes responsible consumption and production patterns by focusing on the development of sustainable materials. Graduates are trained to design materials that are more durable, require less energy to produce, and can be recycled, contributing to a more circular and resource-efficient economy.
| Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| SC 527 703 | Advanced Materials Science and Engineering | Contributes to the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources (Target 12.2) by developing materials with improved performance and longer lifespans, reducing the need for replacement. |
| SC 527 752 | Biomaterials | Promotes responsible production by focusing on the development of renewable and biodegradable materials, reducing reliance on fossil-based resources (Target 12.2). |
SDG 17: Partnerships for the GoalsAlignment Summary: The program's international scope and research-intensive nature foster 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 scientific and technological goals.
| Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| SC 529 99X | Seminar / Dissertation | Represents a significant contribution to the global partnership for sustainable development (Target 17.6) by creating new, publishable knowledge that is shared internationally to solve critical sustainability challenges. |