Integrating the Chemical Technology Course Based on Sustainable Development Goals

In the contemporary educational process, it is essential to integrate the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into courses aimed at training specialists in chemical engineering to prepare students for addressing global environmental and social challenges. This study examines the integration of SDGs into chemical engineering education and their impact on students. The objective of this research is to assess the influence of incorporating SDGs into the chemical engineering curriculum on the educational process, identify changes in students’ awareness and understanding, and determine the extent to which this approach fosters sustainable thinking among future professionals. The study involved 117 Kazakhstani students enrolled in a Chemistry program, with an average age of 21 years. Among the participants, 67% were male and 33% were female, all in their fourth year of study. Data collection was conducted through a questionnaire comprising both closed and open-ended questions. The findings indicate that 50% of respondents assessed their knowledge of SDGs as moderate, while 24% rated their knowledge as good. Most students (88.2%) were familiar with the concept of SDGs, highlighting the significance of this topic. Participants identified SDG 12, Responsible Consumption and Production (48%), and SDG 6, Clean Water and Sanitation (71%), as the most important SDGs in the context of chemical engineering. Furthermore, 42% of respondents reported a significant improvement in their understanding of SDGs after completing the course. The survey also revealed that the curriculum requires more practical examples and an interdisciplinary approach.