Overall SDG Alignment Evaluation:
The Master of Science Program in Veterinary Science is fundamentally aligned with the 'One Health' principle, recognizing the intricate link between animal, human, and environmental health. Its most significant contribution is to SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) by training experts to control zoonotic diseases, ensure food safety, and conduct biomedical research. The program is also a cornerstone for achieving SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) through research that enhances the health and productivity of livestock, ensuring a sustainable food supply. Furthermore, it directly supports SDG 15 (Life on Land) through its focus on wildlife health and the conservation of terrestrial ecosystems. As a research-intensive master's program, it embodies the principles of SDG 4 (Quality Education), drives health-related innovation under SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), and fosters the global collaboration essential for SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
SDG 2: Zero HungerAlignment Summary: The program plays a crucial role in achieving zero hunger by advancing the science of animal health and production. The curriculum equips researchers with the knowledge to improve livestock health and enhance reproductive efficiency, thereby ensuring a safe, stable, and sustainable supply of animal-based food sources.
| Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| VM 805 701 | Advances in Reproductive Biology | Supports the goal of ending hunger by researching methods to improve livestock productivity and reproductive efficiency, a key factor in sustainable agriculture (Target 2.3). |
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-beingAlignment Summary: This program is fundamentally dedicated to the 'One Health' concept, directly contributing to human health by advancing animal health. The curriculum provides an in-depth, research-intensive education on infectious and zoonotic diseases, diagnostics, and environmental toxicology, which are critical for preventing epidemics and ensuring public health and safety.
| Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| VM 801 702 | Veterinary Epidemiology | Directly supports efforts to combat communicable diseases (Target 3.3) by studying the distribution and control of diseases in animal populations, many of which can affect humans (zoonoses). |
| VM 801 703 | Molecular Biology of Infectious Diseases | Strengthens capacity for managing global health risks (Target 3.D) by providing an advanced understanding of pathogens, which is crucial for developing vaccines and diagnostics. |
| VM 801 704 | Pathology of Emerging and Re-emerging Diseases | Directly addresses Target 3.D by focusing on diseases that can cross the species barrier and cause epidemics, enhancing early warning and response capabilities. |
| VM 803 701 | Environmental Pharmacology and Toxicology | Contributes to reducing illnesses from environmental pollution (Target 3.9) by studying the effects of chemicals on animal health, which serves as a sentinel for human and ecosystem health. |
SDG 4: Quality EducationAlignment Summary: As a master's program, this curriculum represents a high level of quality education. It is designed to cultivate expert researchers and professionals who can generate and disseminate new knowledge in veterinary science, fostering lifelong learning and contributing to the global scientific community.
| Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| VM 009 001 | Statistics for Veterinary Research | Provides the core research skills that define high-quality graduate education, equipping students for high-level employment and lifelong learning in scientific research (Target 4.3 and 4.4). |
| VM 009 002 | Experimental Design in Veterinary Science | Supports quality education by training students in rigorous scientific design, a necessary skill for producing reliable and impactful research (Target 4.4). |
| VM 009 99X | Thesis/Independent Study | These courses are capstone lifelong learning opportunities (Target 4.3), where students conduct original research or in-depth study, acquiring superior skills for employment and innovation (Target 4.4). |
SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and InfrastructureAlignment Summary: The program drives innovation in the veterinary, pharmaceutical, and biotechnology industries. By providing advanced training in cutting-edge diagnostic techniques and molecular biology, it enhances scientific research and upgrades the technological capabilities of sectors focused on animal and human health.
| Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| VM 801 701 | Advanced Laboratory Diagnostic Techniques | Drives innovation (Target 9.5) in health by teaching advanced diagnostic technologies, which are critical for the development of new tools for disease control in both veterinary and human medicine. |
| VM 009 99X | Thesis/Independent Study | Fosters innovation by generating new knowledge that can be translated into novel vaccines, drugs, diagnostics, and health management strategies, thereby enhancing scientific research (Target 9.5). |
SDG 15: Life on LandAlignment Summary: The program contributes significantly to the conservation and sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems. Through the study of wildlife health, environmental toxicology, and reproductive biology, it provides the scientific foundation for protecting biodiversity, monitoring ecosystem health, and implementing conservation strategies for threatened species.
| Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| VM 803 701 | Environmental Pharmacology and Toxicology | Supports the protection of terrestrial ecosystems by studying the impact of pollutants on wildlife, providing crucial data for monitoring biodiversity and ecosystem health (Target 15.5). |
| VM 805 701 | Advances in Reproductive Biology | Directly contributes to halting biodiversity loss by developing and applying advanced reproductive technologies for the conservation and breeding of threatened and endangered species (Target 15.5). |
SDG 17: Partnerships for the GoalsAlignment Summary: The program's international scope and focus on globally relevant "One Health" issues inherently foster partnerships. The curriculum requires engagement with the international scientific community through seminars and research dissemination, promoting the knowledge-sharing and collaborations essential for achieving global health and environmental goals.
| Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| VM 009 891 | Seminar in Veterinary Science and One Health 1 | Promotes the global partnership for sustainable development (Target 17.6) by requiring students to engage with and present on the latest international research, fostering a culture of global knowledge-sharing. |
| VM 009 99X | Thesis/Independent Study | Represents a significant contribution to global partnerships (Target 17.16) by creating new, publishable knowledge that is shared internationally to help solve critical sustainability challenges at the intersection of human, animal, and environmental health. |