FMIPA IPB University Transforms Toward Becoming the Faculty of Science, Strengthening Bioinformatics and Biodiversity Research
The Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMIPA) at IPB University continues to implement institutional, academic, and research reforms as part of its strategy to strengthen adaptive and interdisciplinary basic sciences. This was conveyed by the Dean, Dr Berry Juliandi, while presenting the latest developments of FMIPA IPB University.
He explained that a significant change occurred after three departments, Statistics, Mathematics, and Computer Science, were transformed into the School of Science, Data, Mathematics, and Informatics.
“That is why the name FMIPA can no longer retain the ‘M.’ Therefore, we are currently in the process of proposing a name change from FMIPA to the Faculty of Science,” he said.
With the number of departments now reduced to five (Applied Meteorology, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Biochemistry) he noted that scientific development can now be more focused and flexible. Most recently, since two years ago, FMIPA has also opened an undergraduate program in Bioinformatics, which has already admitted students for two cohorts.
Looking ahead, FMIPA plans to design new programs such as omics science (genomics, proteomics, metabolomics) for postgraduate studies, as well as halal science and biotechnology for the undergraduate level.
From the academic perspective, Dr Berry emphasized that all undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral programs have implemented the 2025 Curriculum. This is because the learning approach is now based on student centered learning.
“More than 50 percent of the assessment is based on student assignments and projects. In general, the combined midterm and final examination scores do not even reach 50 percent,” he explained.
Students are also given the flexibility to arrange courses of up to 21 credits. In their final semester, they may even participate in enrichment programs outside IPB University, including opportunities abroad.
Nevertheless, he stressed that within FMIPA, the undergraduate thesis remains mandatory as a foundation for basic science research.
In the field of research, biodiversity has become a leading focus. Research includes the development of standardized herbal medicines, new materials based on biological resources, such as innovations utilizing empty fruit bunches of oil palm (TKKS) for helmet materials, and the use of mycorrhiza for the rehabilitation of post mining land.
In addition, bioinformatics and omics research continue to be strengthened to process both molecular and non molecular biological data.
Dr Berry reported that FMIPA has consistently been the faculty with the largest research funding and research schemes at IPB University for many years. Although it may not produce as many patents as applied faculties, FMIPA excels in reputable scientific publications.
Strategic collaborations are also continuously being expanded, including with the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) in postgraduate climatology education. Together with regional governments such as Belitung and East Belitung, collaborations are being carried out to support the UNESCO Geopark program. In addition, partnerships with industry and regional governments are being developed in relation to air quality and sustainable mining studies.
At the national level, FMIPA IPB University is active in the MIPAnet network and serves as a reference for FMIPA deans across Indonesia in managing innovation and industrial collaboration.
In the future, in addition to its transformation into the Faculty of Science, FMIPA aims to develop interdisciplinary study programs such as nanotechnology and neuroscience, while also pioneering science-based professional programs to respond to workforce needs. (dr) (IAAS/CAA)
