Preliminary assessment of sustainable development goals by freshmen students of a life science degree

Abstract

[EN] Sustainable development goals (SDGs) are the main instrument of the 2030 agenda for sustainable development of United Nations (UN) adopted in 2015. The 17 SDGs seek a whole approach in different thematic issues including poverty, water, energy education, climate, or peace. They are a supremely ambitious and transformational vision according the statement signed by Heads of State and Government and High Representatives meet at 70th anniversary meeting of UN. One of the main points to get the success of the SDGs is to spread their existence and engage all the population in meet their goals. University is one of the main places than can contribute to their knowledge and education is one of the SDGs. Universities can support students to develop knowledge and skills to solving the complex sustainable development challenges our world/society faces. Biotechnology can help to achieve SDGs by enabling a more sustainable development in different areas like health, biodiversity, desertification, food security and production or industrial processes. In the present study a test was carried out in first year students of Biotechnology degree to assess the preliminary knowledge of SDGs. The participation was very high, and the students showed a high basic knowledge. Activities during the term will be carried out to improve and deepen their knowledge. Further and more complex assessment will be done to get more insight of the SDG understanding of the students.