17.4.2 Education for SDGs: Specific Courses on Sustainability
Common and Compulsory University Courses
IGU promotes a sustainability-based educational approach across the university in line with the Sustainable Development Goals. In 2025, the course EKF218 – Sürdürülebilirliğe Giriş was offered as a compulsory course in 26 undergraduate programmes, while its English equivalent, ECF218 – Introduction to Sustainability, was offered as a compulsory course in 14 undergraduate programmes. Thus, sustainability education became part of the curriculum in a total of 40 undergraduate programmes taught in Turkish and English. The course covers fundamental concepts of sustainability, its environmental, economic, and social dimensions, and key approaches to sustainable development, supporting students in evaluating sustainability from a multidimensional perspective.
At the university, sustainability education is integrated into different areas of specialization to encompass economic and social dimensions alongside the environmental dimension. Through courses such as Digital Transformation and Sustainability, Urban Identity and Cultural Sustainability, Sustainable Concrete Materials, and Sustainability Management in Aviation, students are encouraged to evaluate sustainable development within the context of their respective professional fields. This approach reflects IGU’s aim to integrate sustainability awareness into educational processes and support students in relating the principles of sustainable development to their professional knowledge and practices.
Elective Courses
In addition to compulsory courses on sustainability, IGU aims to provide students with an interdisciplinary perspective through elective courses offered by various academic units. In 2025, sustainability-themed elective courses offered in undergraduate, associate degree, and postgraduate programmes supported students in developing knowledge and awareness of environmental, economic, and social sustainability within the context of their respective fields of specialization.
The main elective courses offered by different academic units in this context are as follows:
These courses contribute to integrating sustainability approaches into educational processes across various disciplines, including engineering and architecture, healthcare management, gastronomy, economics and finance, international trade, aviation, and other applied fields. In addition to courses offered at undergraduate and associate degree levels, courses included in master’s and doctoral programmes also support the integration of sustainability into advanced areas of specialization.
This elective course structure reflects IGU’s approach to incorporating the principles of sustainable development into different levels of education and fields of specialization. It thereby supports students in relating sustainability issues to their academic and professional fields and developing a holistic perspective on environmental, social, and economic challenges.
Other SDG-Related CoursesSDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
IGU offers a wide range of courses in its curriculum that focus on health and quality of life. Courses addressing physical health, nutrition, sports, mental health, and public health are directly related to this SDG. Some of the courses within the scope of this SDG include:
SDG 5: Gender Equality
Gender equality is addressed comprehensively in IGU’s curriculum through various courses in the fields of social sciences, media, and communication. These courses contribute to raising awareness of gender roles and discrimination and promoting the development of equality-based approaches. Some of the courses within the scope of this SDG include:
SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
IGU has integrated the themes of economic development, employment, and sustainable growth into its curriculum. Courses focusing particularly on labour markets, economic systems, international trade, and the social economy are directly related to this SDG. Some of the courses within the scope of this SDG include:
SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
IGU has integrated topics such as renewable energy, energy economics, and energy storage technologies into its curriculum to raise awareness of sustainable energy sources and help students develop expertise in this field. Some of the courses within the scope of this SDG include:
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
IGU aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to build more livable, resilient, and inclusive cities through courses covering urban development, urban planning, and sustainable urban development. Some of the courses within the scope of this SDG include:
SDG 13: Climate Action
IGU offers courses across various disciplines to raise awareness among students and academics about combating climate change and promoting environmental sustainability. These courses highlight the multidimensional nature of environmental problems while aiming to equip students with the skills to develop solutions. Some of the courses within the scope of this SDG include:
Throughout 2024, the Student Dean’s Office at IGU organized SDG-based workshops, seminars, and talks to enhance students’ awareness and knowledge on sustainability-related topics. Focusing on areas such as environment, health, gender equality, energy, and digital transformation, these activities reflect the university’s meaningful and inclusive educational commitment to the SDGs.
Meaningful SDG-Focused Educational Activities with the Dean of Students’ Office
Throughout 2025, IGU’s Dean of Students’ Office organized SDG-focused workshops, seminars, and discussion events to increase students’ awareness and knowledge of sustainability issues. These activities, focusing on areas such as the environment, health, gender equality, energy, and digital transformation, demonstrate the university’s commitment to meaningful and inclusive education on the SDGs.