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Proceeding International Conference on Religion, Science and Education (2024) 3, 193-197
Copyright: © 2024 by the authors. This article is an open access article distributed under a CC BY license.
ISSN 2829-3355| EISSN 2828-8467
Curriculum of Chemistry for Biology Course: A Case Study
on the Perspectives of Biology Education Students
Siti Marfu’ah1, Ratna Farwati2, Ningsih Ariwati3, Ririn Lukviani4
1,2,3,4 Chemistry Education, Fakultas Ilmu Tarbiyah dan Keguruan, Universitas Islam Negeri Raden Fatah Palembang
Jl. Pangeran Ratu, 5 Ulu, Seberang Ulu 1, Palembang, South Sumatera 30252, Indonesia
Corresponding author
Abstract: This research explores the perceptions, beliefs, and experiences of Biology Education students regarding the
importance of the Chemistry for Biology course. In the context of higher education, a deep understanding of Chemistry and
the integration of Chemical concepts into Biology education are considered crucial. The study aims to understand how
Biology Education students perceive the relationship between Chemistry and Biology and to assess the significance of
integrating chemical concepts into Biology education. The research methodology employed in this study is a case study,
where data was obtained through questionnaires evaluating students' perspectives on this course. The case study was
conducted with 51 Biology Education students who had taken the Chemistry for Biology course. The research findings
indicate that the majority of the students strongly agree on the importance of understanding the relationship between
Chemistry and Biology. They are aware that biological processes, such as digestion, respiration, and metabolism, involve
chemical reactions that must be understood within the context of Biology. Biochemistry, as an interdisciplinary science
combining Chemistry and Biology, is recognized as a significant outcome of studying Chemistry. Chemical compounds,
enzymes, and protein hormones play vital roles in regulating various biological processes in the human body. These findings
provide students with a better understanding of the interconnection between these two disciplines. The study highlights the
importance of a strong Chemistry foundation for Biology Education students, suggesting future research to address specific
challenges or improvements in teaching. Additionally, it underscores the value of interdisciplinary approaches, suggesting
further research on innovative pedagogical methods. Educators can enhance the Chemistry for Biology course by leveraging
positive student perceptions, creating real-world connections, and fostering collaboration between Chemistry and Biology
departments. Overall, the research significantly contributes to improving higher education curricula, emphasizing student
perspectives and refining Chemistry integration into Biology education.
Keywords: Case Study, Chemistry for Biology, Biology Education, Integration of Chemistry into Biology, Student
Perspectives
Introduction
University play a crucial role in shaping students'
understanding and insights into the subjects they
study (Kahn, 2014; Holley, 2017; Kahu & Nelson,
2018; Lundin, Bergviken Rensfeldt, Hillman, Lantz-
Andersson, & Peterson, 2018; Tomlinson &
Jackson, 2019; Bearman, M., Ryan, J. & Ajjawi, R.,
2023). In the context of biology education,
chemistry holds a significant role as the foundation
for comprehending various biological processes
and phenomena within life (Kell, D.B., Samanta, S.,
& Swainston, N., 2020; Marfu’ah & Anwar, 2018;
Marfu'ah, Anwar, & Hendrawan, 2022). A course
that integrates the fields of chemistry and biology
is "Chemistry for Biology". This course is
specifically designed to impart the fundamental
principles of chemistry to Biology Education
students, enabling them to understand chemical
processes or complex interactions within living
organisms (Tim Dosen Pendidikan Biologi, 2023).
The Chemistry for Biology course has been
conducted in the even semester. However, a
reflection on this course is necessary to obtain
insights into the perspectives and understanding of
Biology Education students regarding the
194 Proceeding International Conference on Religion, Science and Education (2024) 3
importance of the Chemistry for Biology course.
Furthermore, there has been no research
considering the students' perspectives on this
course. Revealing the students' views, needs, and
challenges faced in comprehending and integrating
chemical concepts into the context of biology is
crucial for enhancing the quality of learning.
Therefore, this study aims to understand how
Biology Education students perceive the
relationship between Chemistry and Biology and
to assess the significance of integrating chemical
concepts into Biology education.
Materials and Methods
The research method in this study was a case
study. this study aims to understand how Biology
Education students perceive the relationship
between Chemistry and Biology and to assess the
significance of integrating chemical concepts into
Biology education.. The target participants for this
study were 51 Biology Education students who had
taken this course at one of the state universities in
South Sumatra.
Data collection is carried out through analysis of
questionnaires given to students. The data
collection instrument used was a questionnaire
distributed via Google Forms at the end of the
semester. This technique was chosen to allow
wider participation from respondents and make it
easier to collect data in a structured form.
The data analysis process will be carried out
carefully to ensure the accuracy and reliability of
the research findings. This method provides a solid
basis for evaluating the reliability and validity of
research results. By combining student views from
various aspects, it is hoped that this research can
provide in-depth insight into the extent to which
the "Chemistry for Biology" course is considered
important by Biology Education students.
Results and Discussion
Perception involves a series of processes to acquire
and interpret sensory information from the
environment in a meaningful way (Ling & Calting ,
2012; Meristin, Sunyono, & Marfu’ah, 2022;
Rehman & Perveen, 2021; Niemi & Kousa, 2020;
Mohanta, Sen, Adhikari, & Pal, 2023). Students'
perception of the importance of the Chemistry for
Biology course can provide valuable information to
enhance the quality of teaching the Chemistry for
Biology course and contribute constructively to
curriculum development at the university level. In
this regard, students' perception data were
obtained through statements categorized as
"strongly agree," "agree," "disagree," and "strongly
disagree." The use of Likert scales with these
categories enables researchers to gather detailed
information about students' views and opinions
regarding the Chemistry for Biology course
material. Such Likert scales provide respondents
with the opportunity to express their levels of
agreement or disagreement in a graded manner
(Pranatawijaya, Widiatry, Priskila, & Putra, 2019;
Setyawan & Atapukan, 2018), thereby yielding a
more comprehensive understanding of students'
perspectives. Here are the research findings
regarding students' perceptions of the importance
of the Chemistry for Biology course.
Result
Table 1. Questionnaire Results: Students' Perspectives on the
Importance of "Chemistry for Biology" Course.
No.
Statement
Students’ Perspective
1
Chemistry for Biology is crucial.
Chemistry's Role in the Field of Biology.
Biological objects consist of chemical
elements and compounds. Learning
about enzymes and hormones provides
examples of chemistry's role in biology.
Chemistry is valuable for understanding
the mechanisms of metabolism in living
cells and studying the roles of var ious
compounds.
2
One example of lessons learned from
studying chemistry is Biochemistry.
Biochemistry, or biological chemistry, is
the science that studies the chemical
processes that occur wi thin the body
and their relationship with living
organisms. It is an interdisciplinary field
combining Chemistry and Biology.
3
Some benefits of chemistry in the field of
biology:
a. Studying the Composition of
Organisms The body of organisms
is c omposed of biomolecules such
as carbohydrates, lipids, proteins,
and water. The structure and
properties of these biomolecules
are studied in biochemistry.
b. Studying Metabolism in Organisms
The respiratory mechanisms in the
human and animal bodies, a s well
as photosynthesis in plants, can be
studied, including the biomolecules
involved and the amount of energy
produced.
1
Marfu’ah et el. – Curriculum of Chemistry for Biology Course: A Case Study…. 195
Discussion
Survey results based on statement 1, out of 50
respondents, indicate that 60% strongly agree and
40% agree that the Chemistry for Biology course is
very important. The majority of students strongly
agree with the statement that Chemistry plays a
crucial role in Biology courses. They are aware that
biological processes such as digestion, respiration,
metabolism, and photosynthesis involve chemical
reactions that must be understood in the context of
Biology.
Survey results based on statement 2, out of 51
respondents, 54.9% strongly agree and 45.1% agree
that studying biochemistry is one of the outcomes
of studying chemistry. Biochemistry is a science
that examines chemical processes within the body
and their relationship with living organisms
(Mougios, 2019; Britton, 2020; Minchin & Lodge,
2019; Lopez & Mohiuddin, 2020; Hargreaves,
Heaton, & Mantle, 2020). It is an interdisciplinary
field that combines chemistry and biology
(Gumerova & Rompel, 2021; Lang & Bodner, 2020;
Gronenborn, 2019; Busta & Russo, 2020). This
study shows that understanding Biochemistry,
which is a combination of Chemistry and Biology,
is highly necessary. Biochemistry enables a deep
understanding of chemical processes within living
organisms and is directly related to the field of
Biology.
Survey results based on statement 3, out of 51
respondents, 56.9% strongly agree, 41.2% agree,
and 1.9% disagree with the statement that
chemistry is very important in understanding the
composition of organisms' bodies and metabolism.
Chemical compounds such as carbohydrates,
lipids, and proteins form the structure of the body
and are involved in vital processes such as
respiration and photosynthesis (Alamgir, 2018;
Bratosin, Darjan, & Vodnar, 2021).
Survey results based on statement 4, out of 51
respondents, 49% strongly agree, 49% agree, and
2% disagree with the concept of applying basic
chemistry principles to biology. This application
aids in developing small-molecule-based
techniques crucial for understanding and
engineering biological systems. This study also
reveals the remarkable biological complexity
through an understanding of small chemical
reactions occurring within cells. Chemical
synthesis allows scientists to comprehend and
engineer biological systems more effectively (Tang,
et al., 2021; Vecchio, Dy, & Qian, 2016; Lee, et al.,
2019).
Survey results based on statement 5, out of 51
respondents, 56.9% strongly agree, and 43.1%
agree with the importance of enzymes in
organisms' lives. Enzymes, chemical products in
the body, play a crucial role in various biological
processes such as growth, digestion, and hormone
regulation in the human body. Students highly
recognize the importance of enzyme and hormone
functions in the body (Frayn, 2009; Soetan, Olaiya,
& Oyewole, 2010; Copeland, 2000; Heaton, Heales,
Rahman, Sexton, & Hargreaves, 2020; Martelli,
Testai, Colletti, Cicero, 2020).
Survey results based on statement 6, out of 51
respondents, 51% strongly agree, 47.1% agree, and
1.9% strongly disagree with the statement that
protein hormones are very important. Protein
hormones play a role in regulating target cells in
the body (Kelley, Weigent, & Kooijman, 2007;
Montesinos & Pellizas, 2019), enabling vital
chemical communication in processes such as
metabolism, fluid balance, and reproduction. From
the research findings, it is clear that Biology
Education students are aware of the importance of
Chemistry in their understanding of Biology.
4
The application of basic chemistry
principles in the field of biology
can develop small molecule-based
techniques through chemical
synthesis to study and engineer
biological systems.
5
Enzymes build and break down
molecules. They are crucial for
growth, digestion, and various
other processes within cells.
Without enzymes, chemical
reactions would occur too slowly
to support life. Enzymes facilitate
thousands of chemical reactions
inside cells, aiding in the
formation of new molecules by
reading genetic information
stored in DNA. One example is
the enzyme lactase, which assists
infants in digesting lactose found
in mother's milk.
6
Hormone proteins play a crucial
role, serving as the building
blocks of hormones. Messages are
conveyed through the
bloodstream, and hormones act as
chemical messengers. Hormones
influence target cells, specific cells
within the body. For instance, the
pancreas produces the hor mone
insulin in response to blood sugar
levels.
1
196 Proceeding International Conference on Religion, Science and Education (2024) 3
Conclusions
Biology Education students really need chemistry,
especially concepts about chemical reactions and
molecular structure. This study provides a strong
foundation for the development of a curriculum
that integrates Chemistry and Biology, giving
students a better understanding of the relationship
between these two disciplines. Implications for
future research and practice are evident. Firstly, the
study emphasizes the need for a strong foundation
in Chemistry for Biology Education students.
Future research could delve deeper into specific
aspects of the Chemistry for Biology curriculum
that students find most challenging or rewarding.
This could inform targeted improvements in
teaching methods or content. Secondly, the
findings underscore the relevance of
interdisciplinary approaches in higher education.
Integrating Chemistry and Biology in the
curriculum enhances students' understanding of
the interconnectedness of these disciplines. Future
research could explore innovative pedagogical
methods or collaborative teaching strategies that
further promote interdisciplinary learning. In
terms of practice, educators can leverage the
positive perceptions revealed in the study to
enhance the delivery of the Chemistry for Biology
course. Creating real-world connections between
chemical concepts and biological processes,
incorporating practical applications, and fostering
collaborative projects between Chemistry and
Biology departments could enrich the learning
experience. Overall, this research contributes
significantly to the ongoing efforts to improve the
quality of higher education curricula, particularly
in the field of Biology Education. It underscores the
importance of considering students' perspectives as
key stakeholders in curriculum development and
highlights avenues for refining the integration of
Chemistry into Biology education.
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