As time goes by, science and technology are growing, and so is biology. Related to the development of this science, the Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Technology (FST) Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) held a Community Service activity with the topic of Molecular Biology Training on Saturday, September 21, 2024.
This Molecular Biology Training activity was attended by 21 participants out of 24 participants. Participants who attended were members of the Kediri Regency High School Biology Subject Teacher Conference (MGMP) coordinated by the Head of MGMP Mr. Tri Agus Sujiono, S.Pd. MGMP itself is a forum for teachers of the same subject at the high school level to exchange experiences, knowledge, and teaching methods.
Dr. Sugiharto, M.Si. as the Chief Executive along with Firli Rahmah Primula Dewi, M.Si, Ph.D. acted as Presenters and assisted by Event Hosts and other committees involving S1 and S2 Biology Study Program students on duty, successfully running molecular biology training activities entitled “Molecular Genetics Technique Training: DNA Isolation, Quantification and Electrophoresis for Teachers MGMP Biology Kediri”.
On this occasion, the high school teachers were directly taught molecular analysis techniques, namely conducting their own DNA extraction, quantification and electrophoresis. All training activities were carried out in the Molecular Genetics Laboratory of FST UNAIR. First of all, the speaker gave examples of using molecular tools properly and the basics of theory related to DNA extraction, quantification and electrophoresis. Then the participants were given the opportunity to try directly the process of DNA extraction, quantification and electrophoresis. All participants of this training activity looked very enthusiastic and excited in following the whole process. The enthusiasm can be seen from the enthusiasm of the teachers in experimenting with the activities, operating the tools and the questions asked. Tri Agus Sujiono, S.Pd. from SMA Negeri 1 Plosoklaten as well as the head of MGMP, gave a very extraordinary impression of the implementation of training activities organized by the Department of Biology FST UNAIR. He explained that with this activity, he became more knowledgeable about things he previously did not know. “The impression is extraordinary, previously I did not know about what would be implemented. However, it turns out that after I was given the relevant theoretical basis by the lecturers as experts here, so that I who previously did not know became more aware of the description of this activity. The knowledge gained is very useful. God willing, we will share it with other MGMP friends,” he explained.
Not only Mr. Tri Agus Sujiono, S.Pd., Mrs. Umu Fatonatul Hidayah, M.Pd. from SMA Negeri 1 Puncu also gave a positive response regarding the implementation of this training. She said that technology is always evolving, not to mention the knowledge that has been obtained when she was in college, so that this activity can ‘recharge‘ teachers so that they can keep up with the development of science, creative, and innovative. “I am very happy with this activity. When we were students, there were theories and practicums that were somewhat forgotten, then technology is always updating, which is likely that teachers must keep up with developments so that teachers remain creative and innovative. Frankly, this is a new molecular biology experience,” she said. Umu Fatonatul Hidayah, M.Pd. also hopes that this activity will have sustainability, not only in the field of molecular biology, but also in other fields of biology. “This activity is very useful for fellow teachers. Our hope is that this activity does not stop here, so there is a continuation. Maybe in the form of other community services and not only for molecular biology, but also for plant morphology, genetics, and most often for students is plant diversity,” he said.
