SDGs in the Physics Courses

The field of physics plays a vital role in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations (UN). In fact, physics underpins nearly all aspects of sustainability, from developing clean energy sources and mitigating climate change to ensuring access to clean water and improving healthcare. The Physics curriculum at Lebanese American University is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to address these global challenges. The program emphasizes a hands-on, problem-solving approach that encourages students to apply their theoretical knowledge to real-world problems.

SDGs	LAU PHY Courses	Brief Explanation
SDG3 Good Health and Wellbeing	PHY201, PHY201B, PHY301, PHY302, PHY305, PHY306, PHY405	The pre-medical physics program, comprising introductory and advanced courses in addition to laboratory work, equips students with a comprehensive understanding of fundamental physics principles and their critical applications in the medical field. This explores the theoretical foundation behind essential medical imaging technologies, including X-rays, MRIs, PET scans, CT scans and ultrasounds, alongside the essential role of medical cyclotrons and nuclear isotope production in both diagnosis and treatment. Moreover, these courses equip students with the knowledge and skills to work on innovative medical devices and cutting-edge treatments, such as radiation therapy for cancer.
SDG6 Clean Water and Sanitation	PHY307, PHY404, PHY402, PHY424	Courses in fluid mechanics equip students with the knowledge and tools to model water flow and distribution—a critical skill for designing efficient water infrastructure. Additionally, courses like material science explore the development of innovative materials and technologies for water filtration, wastewater treatment, desalination and more.
SDG7 Affordable and Clean Energy	PHY111, PHY202, PHY203, PHY201, PHY201B, PHY307, PHY308, PHY411, PHY413, PHY402, PHY424	These courses cover a spectrum of energy concepts, spanning foundational principles, such as energy definition, units, energy conservation, electricity and magnetism, circuits, generators and induction, to advanced topics like nuclear energy and various energy storage solutions (supercapacitors, among others).
SDG9 Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure	PHY402, PHY499, PHY308, PHY424	Courses in quantum mechanics, materials science and nanotechnology pave the way for groundbreaking innovations across multiple fields, including quantum computing, energy production and storage, superconductors and more.
SDG13 Climate Action	PHY307, PHY405, PHY402, PHY424	Thermodynamics and statistical mechanics courses provide valuable tools for modeling and understanding climate change. Additionally, courses such as materials science and introduction to nanotechnology cover materials to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, such as carbon capture and storage.