In this section:ESD
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Education for Sustainable DevelopmentDo we need sustainability literate graduates?The Biosciences Benchmark Statement states bioscience graduates should have: “Awareness of the contribution of biosciences to debate and controversies, and how this knowledge and understanding forms the basis for informed concern about the quality and sustainability of life” Sustainability can also help put a real world context to the biosciences, for example:
These and many other topics can be related to the concept of sustainability. Increasing numbers of employers, businesses and organisations are interested in the sustainability awareness and skills of their employees and are looking for graduates to have an awareness of sustainability issues. Many businesses now produce sustainability reports, detailing environmental and sustainability changes and achievements over the past year. Universities are developing their “Green Credentials” and improving sustainability on campus and in their everyday activities as well as long term building and estates projects. There are obviously specific organisations and positions where an understanding of sustainability is a must , for example Defra and the Environment Agency, and CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) is also fast becoming an integral part of some businesses. Sustainability is a growing area of activity and concern for many, graduates are the business leaders of the future, and it is important they have a grounding in sustainability. The Centre’s discussions with employers have revealed some bioscience employers are very keen for their employees to have sustainability related knowledge and skills. The employers contacted felt that having sustainably literate employees would improve the standing or competitiveness of their business. ESD also gives students an opportunity to develop valuable skills, such as the ability to convert theory into practice, the skills to work creatively and holistically and knowledge of pressing contemporary issues. Of possible further interest:Values and Corporate Social Responsibility, a report from the Philosophical and Religious Studies and Geography Earth and Environmental Sciences Subject Centres. Employable graduates for responsible employers – report which may be of interest to anyone wishing to make an employability case for the inclusion of ESD in HE curricula Scientists for Global Responsibility (SGR) has produced several documents that may be of interest to undergraduates when considering their future career options, including:
These documents are available in printed format (free to students) and electronically as downloadable pdf files from the Scientists for Global Responsibility website. |
