Common and Compulsory University Courses
In line with the SDGs, IGU has adopted a holistic and systematic educational approach across the institution. The course EKF218 – Introduction to Sustainability is designated as a “compulsory course” in 31 undergraduate programs and, as of 2024, has reached a large number of students, creating strong university-wide awareness. The course covers key topics such as the historical and theoretical foundations of sustainability, environmental externalities, green economy, industrial ecology, and the relationship between welfare and justice. It aims to equip students with the ability to critically evaluate sustainable development from environmental, social, and economic perspectives.
In addition, compulsory courses such as “Sustainable Finance and Risk Management”, “Sustainable Insurance Applications”, “Sustainable Development and Growth”, and “Sustainability Management in Aviation” offered in various undergraduate and graduate programs, further strengthen the sustainability perspective within professional specialization areas. These practices reflect IGU’s sustainability-oriented educational vision and contribute to equipping students with the awareness to act with a sustainability mindset in both their personal and professional lives.
Elective Courses
IGU aims to provide students with an interdisciplinary perspective on sustainability not only through compulsory courses but also through a wide range of elective courses offered across various departments. The sustainability-themed electives available in undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs contribute to students’ development of knowledge, awareness, and responsibility toward the SDGs within their respective fields of specialization.
Within this scope, the main elective courses offered by different academic units include:
These courses are offered across a wide range of disciplines, including Economics and Administrative Sciences, Engineering, Health Sciences, Applied Sciences, Gastronomy, Political Science, Aviation Management, and Public Relations—enabling the sectoral and thematic internalization of sustainability.
This elective course structure demonstrates that the university enriches its curriculum in alignment with the SDGs and continues its mission to educate students as well-equipped individuals capable of addressing global environmental, social, and economic challenges.
Other Courses Related to the SDGs
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being
A wide range of courses at IGU focus on health and quality of life, aligning directly with SDG 3. These courses emphasize topics such as physical health, nutrition, sports, mental health, and public health. Some of the key courses under this goal include:
SDG 5: Gender Equality
The theme of gender equality is comprehensively addressed in IGU’s curriculum through various courses in the fields of social sciences as well as media and communication. These courses contribute to understanding gender roles, raising awareness against discrimination, and promoting equality-based approaches. Some of the key courses under this SDG include:
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 to support student specialization in this field. Some of the key courses under this SDG inclNew and Renewable Energy Systems
Themes such as economic development, employment, and sustainable growth are integrated into IGU’s curriculum. Courses focusing on labor markets, economic systems, international trade, and social economy are directly aligned with this SDG. Some of the key courses under this goal include:
IGU aims to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to build more livable, resilient, and inclusive cities through courses focused on urbanization, city planning, and sustainable urban development. Some of the key courses under this SDG include:
IGU offers courses across various disciplines to raise awareness among students and academics about climate change and environmental sustainability. These courses highlight the multidimensional nature of environmental issues and aim to equip students with the skills to develop practical solutions. Some of the key courses under 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.
