Indonesia is rich in natural resources, necessitating a strong foundation in biological sciences related to living systems. Biology plays a crucial role in supporting the advancement and development of these sciences.
The Faculty of Biology at UGM envisions itself as an excellent institution internationally, serving as an educational, research, and community service center in biology, mainly tropical biology, oriented towards national interests and based on Pancasila principles.
The Faculty of Biology at UGM was established on Sep. 19, 1955. It offers a Bachelor’s Program in Biology for Regular and International Undergraduate Program (IUP) classes, a Master’s Program in Biology, and a Doctoral Program in Biology.
The Biology program curriculum at UGM consists of three study interests: functional and developmental biology, environmental biology and biodiversity, and molecular biology and biotechnology.
Eva Yuniar Reza Permana Putri, a student in the undergraduate Biology program and the Faculty-level winner of the Outstanding Student Awards at UGM in 2024, confessed that she discovered her interest in biology while preparing for the university entrance test.
“After enrolling, I realized biology is vast and closely related to my life. As I progress, my orientation is about innovation based on biological sciences to address challenges and issues in the environment and society, and eventually contribute to research and the industry with valuable products,” Eva Putri said on Wednesday (Apr. 15).
Eva Putri mentioned that her favorite courses uncover the potential and development of natural resources. This includes biomaterials for producing materials in medical, industrial, and energy fields for commercial purposes.
“Another thing, I love biotechnology courses that integrate innovation and technology in their application to plant, animal, microbial biotechnology, and the environment, including molecular docking and transgenic plant technology,” she added.
Regarding how the programs and facilities at the Faculty of Biology support her achievements, Eva Putri noted that student organizations and study groups provide communication and collaboration space for her.
She participated in programs like guest lectures, international summer courses, and student exchange programs, which helped enrich her insights and perspectives and establish new connections with external parties.
Even today, she maintains good relationships with her friends from Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Japan, whom she met at these events.
Furthermore, collaborations between the Faculty of Biology and various research institutions such as BRIN (National Research and Innovation Agency) through internships and work programs helped her prepare for her career path and gain direct field experience.
“The Biology faculty’s cooperative and open-minded lecturers are very helpful in exploring ideas and providing guidance for various events like competitions, seminar forums, and delegations,” she added.
Calvin Muliawan, a recipient of the IISMA at The University of Western Australia (UWA), echoed similar sentiments. Studying at the Faculty of Biology through the IUP, Muliawan mentioned that he enjoys interactive lectures and discussion-filled classes, especially when there are field practicums like animal systematics, ecology, and evolution classes.
Having been interested in biology since high school, Muliawan chose classes related to environmental science during his student exchange in Perth, Australia. He took courses like discovering earth, disaster, environmental history, and active leadership.
“Specifically in the Biology department, my IISMA experience was very helpful in equipping me with interdisciplinary knowledge like geology to understand biology holistically, especially in environmental aspects,” he explained.
In addition to formal academic activities or classes, Muliawan gained various experiences and new insights into wildlife and ecosystem management in Australia, such as visits to National Parks.
He believes that this program allowed him to learn from Australia’s proactive approach, prioritizing environmental and biological health.
The Dean of the Faculty of Biology, Professor Budi Daryono, stated that the faculty is committed to improving academic quality, research, and cooperation by collaborating with foreign universities for double-degree programs.
“Recently, the Faculty of Biology collaborated with the Faculty of Science at Dundee University, United Kingdom, to enhance students’ education, research, and international learning opportunities. This aligns with Sustainable Development Goals 4 and 17 regarding education improvement and expanding cooperation,” he concluded.
Author: Dita
Editor: Gusti Grehenson