Biological Sciences and Pedagogy Journal

Forensic Science as an Elective Course in Medical Laboratory Science: A Basis for Curriculum Integration and Innovation

Mark Ericson Baladad — 2026-10-13

The continuous enrichment of the curriculum is essential to ensure that students are provided with a dynamic, relevant, and high-quality learning experience that is responsive to evolving academic standards, industry demands, and societal needs. This study aimed to explore the integration of forensic science as an elective course in the Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science (BS MT/MLS) curriculum, focusing on its relevance, acceptability, and potential benefits to student competencies and career opportunities. A mixed-method sequential explanatory design was utilized to gather data through survey questionnaires and interviews with administrators (deans/program heads), faculty, students, and alumni from CHED-accredited institutions. Results showed that stakeholders perceived forensic science as relevant to medical laboratory science. They viewed its integration to enrich the curriculum, promote interdisciplinary learning, and expand career opportunities. Participants expressed general acceptance of including forensic science, emphasizing its alignment with emerging trends in healthcare and forensic investigation. Interview findings pointed to the importance of faculty training, resource availability, and administrative support for successful implementation. The study concluded that integrating forensic science could serve as a curriculum innovation that enhances educational quality and graduate readiness. It is recommended that higher education institutions review their curriculum frameworks and implement strategic integration of forensic science, including partnerships with forensic experts and institutions to provide practical, hands-on learning experiences.

Diversity of Animal Species Used in the Traditional Cuisine of the Malay and Serawai Ethnic Groups in Bengkulu

Alif Yanuar Zukmadini — 2026-10-13

Traditional cuisine reflects the interaction between local communities and biodiversity, including the use of animal species as food ingredients. This study aimed to investigate the diversity of animal species used in the traditional cuisine of the Malay and Serawai ethnic groups in Bengkulu Province, Indonesia. This study used a descriptive qualitative approach with purposive and snowball sampling techniques. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, direct observations, and documentation involving 22 respondents, including traditional leaders, traditional food vendors, and local community members. The results showed a diversity of animal species from marine, freshwater, brackish water, and terrestrial habitats. Marine species were more commonly used in the traditional cuisine of the Malay community, whereas freshwater species were more commonly used by the Serawai community. The identified animals included fish, crustaceans, mollusks, and domesticated animals with conservation statuses ranging from Least Concern to Vulnerable. The use of different animal species was influenced by geographical conditions and resource availability. Different cooking techniques also reflected local ecological knowledge passed down across generations. Overall, traditional cuisine among the Malay and Serawai communities is closely associated with local biodiversity and cultural identity. Sustainable use of animal resources is important for biodiversity conservation and the preservation of traditional culinary heritage.

Parent- and Student-Reported Parental Learning Support as Predictors of Biology Learning Outcomes among Junior High School Students

Gebriela Kalilo — 2026-10-13

Parental learning support may be perceived differently by parents and students, and the predictive value of each report for biology achievement may vary across contexts. This exploratory secondary analysis examined whether parent- and student-reported parental learning support were associated with Grade VIII biology outcomes in one public junior high school in Sigi, Indonesia. The matched sample comprised the entire available cohort of 30 student-parent pairs, while biology outcomes were obtained from school records. The multiple-regression model was not statistically significant, F (2, 27) = 0.977, p = .389, R² = .068, adjusted R² = -.002. The parent-report estimate was positive but imprecise (B = 1.358, 95% CI [-0.844, 3.560], β = .255, partial R² = .056, p = .217), whereas the student-report estimate was near zero (B = 0.082, 95% CI [-2.567, 2.731], β = .013, partial R² < .001, p = .950). Thus, these data did not provide evidence that either report independently predicted biology achievement. The wide confidence intervals, small single-school sample, dichotomous response format, and unavailable psychometric evidence require cautious interpretation. The findings are exploratory and do not demonstrate that parental support is unimportant. Larger multisite studies using validated multidimensional measures are needed.

Plasmolysis in Rhoeo discolor Leaf Epidermal Cells Exposed to a Hypertonic NaCl Solution

Muhammad Israr — 2026-10-13

This study was conducted to observe the plasmolysis process in Rhoeo discolor (Adam Hawa) leaf epidermal cells after exposure to a hypertonic sodium chloride (NaCl) solution. The study also aimed to demonstrate osmosis and plasmolysis through direct microscopic observation as a practical laboratory learning activity. The experiment focused on identifying visible changes in cell structure caused by osmotic pressure differences between the inside and outside of the cell. A qualitative descriptive method was used through direct microscopic observation before and after treatment with a 10% NaCl solution. Observations were carried out using 4× and 10× objective magnifications, with sufficient time allowed for visible treatment-related changes to develop. Before treatment, the cells appeared turgid, with the plasma membrane remaining closely attached to the cell wall and the purple pigment evenly distributed. After adding the NaCl solution, clear plasmolysis was observed. The cytoplasm gradually shrank inward, and spaces formed between the plasma membrane and the cell wall due to water leaving the cell through osmosis. The observations show that hypertonic solutions can reduce turgor pressure and trigger plasmolysis in plant cells. This experiment also helped explain the concept of osmosis more clearly through direct visual observation. In addition, the study highlights the importance of osmotic balance in biological processes such as plant water regulation, wilting, and food preservation.