Suan Dusit University (SDU) demonstrates a strong and tangible commitment to advancing Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) through the design and implementation of dedicated academic programmes directly aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). One of the most distinctive examples of this institutional commitment is the Bachelor of Science in Environmental Health and Disasters, offered under the Faculty of Science and Technology. This programme aims to develop graduates equipped with the knowledge, skills, and ethical awareness necessary to maintain a balance between human health and the environment, while also fostering competencies in disaster management and climate change adaptation for a sustainable future.
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This programme serves as one of the university’s Dedicated Sustainability Programmes, structured under a Whole Institution Approach to Sustainability. It integrates environmental, economic, and social sustainability dimensions (SDG Integration) into every aspect of teaching, learning, and student development. The curriculum design encourages learners to apply scientific knowledge to address real-world societal and environmental challenges effectively.
Within the academic structure, the programme offers a range of specialized courses on sustainability that embody the principles of Sustainability Education. Key courses include:
- Principle of Environmental Health, providing foundational understanding of the interconnection between environmental factors and human health.
- Environmental Toxicology, which focuses on identifying and managing toxic substances and pollutants to protect public and environmental health.
- Green Economy for Sustainability, emphasizing Circular Economy and Green Innovation to promote responsible production and consumption.
- Urban Sustainability, which explores the management and development of sustainable cities and communities (SDG 11).
In addition, the programme includes courses related to Disaster Management and Climate Resilience, such as Environmental Sanitation and Disaster Management and Urban Adaptation for Disasters and Climate Changes. These courses enhance student understanding of preparedness, mitigation, and recovery in the face of natural disasters. They also integrate scientific data, geographic information systems (GIS), and risk assessment tools to develop sustainable disaster management strategies and evidence-based policies.
The programme’s teaching approach emphasizes Integrated Learning, using Project-based Learning, Service Learning, and Community-based Research to connect academic knowledge with real-world applications. Through experiential learning, students engage directly with environmental and community challenges, developing critical competencies in Systems Thinking, Sustainability Problem Solving, and Responsible Global Citizenship.
The Bachelor of Science in Environmental Health and Disasters programme directly contributes to multiple SDGs, including:
- SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being): Enhancing health and quality of life through environmental health knowledge.
- SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation): Promoting sanitation and water quality management.
- SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth): Strengthening workforce capacity in environmental health and disaster management.
- SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities): Advancing sustainable urban and community development.
- SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production): Encouraging efficient resource use through the Circular Economy model.
- SDG 13 (Climate Action): Building capacity for adaptation and mitigation against climate change impacts.
- SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals): Strengthening collaboration between academia, government agencies, and communities.
Through this programme, Suan Dusit University demonstrates how higher education can translate sustainability principles into practice. The university not only produces graduates with expertise in Environmental Health and Disaster Risk Reduction, but also fosters future leaders capable of applying interdisciplinary knowledge to global sustainability challenges. These graduates embody the university’s vision of creating Responsible Global Citizens who drive transformation toward a Sustainable Future.
This programme stands as concrete evidence of the university’s alignment with Education for Sustainable Development (ESD), fulfilling all three criteria under the THE Sustainability Impact Ratings for this indicator:
- Existence of dedicated courses on sustainability,
- Evidence provided through formal curriculum documentation, and
- Public availability of information through official university channels.
Aligned with the university’s overarching sustainability policy, this programme exemplifies the Whole Institution Approach to Sustainability, integrating education, research, and community engagement to generate transformative learning experiences. It represents Suan Dusit University’s holistic and proactive role in embedding sustainability into higher education to foster a resilient, equitable, and environmentally responsible society.
🔗 Publicly Available Evidence
Faculty of Science and Technology, Suan Dusit University. (2024).
Bachelor of Science in Environmental Health and Disasters (B.Sc. Programme Structure).
Public Document: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xFBHHyPuopzFURPNMn3AVKF01NI5k3jL/view?pli=1