New course in the field of sustainable development at IUS

An increasing number of universities around the world are developing their formal curriculum in a way that focuses on sustainable development, i.e. implementation of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 

We can say with certainty that the International University of Sarajevo (IUS) does not lag behind the world trends. In this aspect, for several years now, the University has included sustainability topics in its course offer. Some of the subjects that offer topics on sustainability are: Global Environmental Issues and Energy Security, Gender Equality in International Relations, offered by the International Relations Program (Faculty of Business and Administration), and Ecology and Environmental Engineering, offered by the Genetics and Bioengineering program (Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences).

Doc. dr. Özge Büyükdağlı, an activist in the field of SDG and a respected Program Coordinator in Software Engineering and Computer Science programs at the IUS Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, recently initiated a new course in this field. It is a university course Understanding the Sustainable Development Agenda, which students will be able to attend from the next semester.

The aim of this course is to introduce students to the concept of sustainability and develop awareness of modern trends and developments in society. Each week, students will have the opportunity to hear new topics and sustainability goals, through presentations, or, if opportunities allow, through seminars by visiting lecturers. During the lectures, they will work on case studies which will equip students with practical knowledge in the target area. During the lectures, students will be expected to present project ideas and plans for its implementation. Students will be able to start their own projects or can join and support existing projects. Students will be able to implement the sustainability perspective into their future studies as well as their life projects, which will certainly increase their awareness of the development of sustainability in society. In addition to being more engaged in the field of SDG, the student will also improve their capacities in teamwork and develop project management skills.

In addition to raising awareness on this topic throughout the University, the process and learning outcomes of this course will support and strengthen the process of SDG implementation at IUS.

The introduction of a new subject in the field of SDG at IUS was supported and praised by Assist. Prof. Dr. Kristian L. Nielsen, Head of the SDG team at IUS.