Department of Biophysics of IPB Update Curriculum Towards IPB 4.0
Biophysics Master Program (S2) Bogor Agricultural Institute (IPB) refers to competencies in the statutes formulating the 2019 curriculum by using three key words namely molecular biophysics, biobased advanced materials, and complexity and sustainability. Based on these three keywords, the S2 Biophysics curriculum of IPB has a characteristic that is in line with the vision and mission of IPB with a profile of graduates who are adaptive in anticipating scientific developments that lead to interdisciplinary science.
This was stated by Professor of the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMIPA) IPB, Prof. Husin Alatas in the Workshop for Updating the Curriculum of the Biophysics Study Program, Department of Physics, FMIPA IPB at Bumi Katulampa Hotel Bogor, (27/8). This activity was held in the context of re-orientation of the IPB curriculum towards the era of 4.0.
The speakers who attended this event were the Head of the Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI), Dr. Laksana Tri Handoko, Chief Expert of BPPT & Indonesian Ministry of Health Expert Team for Postharvest Medicinal Plants, Dr. Lamhot Parulian Manulu, Head of the Masters Program in Materials Science, Department of Physics, FMIPA Universitas Indonesia, Dr. Vivi Fauzia.
According to Dr. Laksana, biophysics is the spirit of physics at IPB. One of the successes of the Department of Physics FMIPA IPB is the ability to differentiate. The selection of biophysics as a study program is managed, making the Department of Physics FMIPA IPB has its own characteristics compared to the Department of Physics which is managed by several other universities.
"The new regulation that requires researchers to have at least a master's or master's degree education is a special opportunity for master education providers. This is due to the fact that only one-third of LIPI researchers have at least a master's degree. Therefore, the similarity of the curriculum offered by the Master of Biophysics Study Program, Department of Physics, FMIPA IPB with the activities of several LIPI research centers became an opportunity for the Biophysics Master Program of the Department of Physics, FMIPA IPB to get prospective new students from LIPI. Opportunities are increasingly open if offered by a S2 program by research," he said.
Meanwhile, according to Dr. Lamhot P. Manalu, so far there are no S2 Biophysics alumni from the Department of Physics, FMIPA IPB who work as engineers or researchers at the Agency for the Assessment and Application of Technology (BPPT). Whereas, when viewed from several research centers under BPPT, many are very related.
"For example, the Center for Natural Resource Agricultural Technology, the Center for Agroindustry and Biotechnology, the Center for Information, Energy and Materials Technology, and the Design and Technology Industry Center. Furthermore, when viewed from Peka LIPI No. 1 In 2016, biophysics is already included in the cluster of physics. This means, with the intensive socialization of stakeholders, it is hoped that the absorption of S2 Biophysics alumni from the Department of Physics, FMIPA IPB will be higher. The proposed curriculum draft has described a curriculum that can meet the needs of stakeholders," he explained.
In line with Dr. Lamhot, Dr. Vivi said that the draft curriculum compiled by the Biophysics Masters Program of the Department of Physics, FMIPA IPB had already led to meeting the needs of stakeholders. However, Dr. Vivi suggested that they still consider the diversity of educational backgrounds of prospective students. (RYS)
