The Department of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Hasanuddin University, Holds Assistant Training to Improve Competence and Learning Quality

The Department of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Hasanuddin University, once again held its annual Course Practicum Assistant Training program. The event took place on Saturday, August 30, 2025, in Lecture Theater 2 (2nd Floor), Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Hasanuddin University.

The training was attended by lecturers from the Biology Department, presenters, Biology laboratory staff, and Biology students who will be prospective practicum assistants for the course. The presence of all academic staff reflects the Biology Department's commitment to maintaining the quality of the learning process, particularly in practicum activities.

This Assistant Training was held under the coordination of Dr. Helmy Widyastuti, M.Si., the committee chair. In her report, she outlined several key points regarding the event's implementation.

He also emphasized that the main objective of this training is to equip students as prospective assistants to be able to support the lecturers in carrying out practicums, while also preparing them to carry out their teaching roles professionally.

Dr. Magdalena Litaay, M.Sc., as the Head of the Department, had the opportunity to open the event and emphasized that this activity was the first step for Biology students to hone their skills in carrying out the role of lab assistants in various courses in the Biology Study Program.

In this training, participants are provided with a variety of materials designed to support their competencies so that they can be applied optimally when carrying out their duties as practical assistants.

At this Practical Assistant Training activity , Prof. Dr. Zaraswati Dwyana Z, M.Si. was present as a speaker. She, who also serves as the Chair of the Integrity Zone (ZI) of the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Hasanuddin University, presented material on Ethics and Integrity of the Role of Assistants in Laboratory Learning .

In his presentation, he emphasized the importance of professionalism, responsibility, and academic honesty for a lab assistant. He also highlighted the assistant's strategic role in creating a conducive, safe, and supportive lab environment that supports the achievement of learning objectives.

In addition to discussing ethics and integrity, the Lab Assistant Training also featured speakers focused on improving students' communication skills. Inceng Pratiwi, SE, MM , a news presenter and host , presented a presentation titled " The Key to Effective Communication for Lab Assistants ."

In his presentation, he explained the importance of preparation and performance in public speaking as the primary skills for a lab assistant. He not only provided theory but also directly trained the participants in public speaking. Through these practical sessions, students had the opportunity to hone their communication skills and build confidence in their roles as lab assistants.

Ms. Fibiyanthy, S.Si., M.Si., the Occupational Health and Safety Ambassador for the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Hasanuddin University, served as the final speaker for the Biology Study Program's Lab Assistant Training. In her presentation, she emphasized the importance of lab assistants understanding occupational safety and health (OHS) principles.

The material presented includes an introduction to various hazardous material symbols that assistants must know, as well as procedures for handling work accidents in the laboratory. Through this session, participants are expected to consistently apply OHS standards to create a safe and conducive laboratory environment.

With the enthusiasm evident in this Biology Undergraduate Program lab assistant training, it is hoped that students will apply the material and training provided to become professional learning facilitators. The event concluded with a group photo of the lecturers, presenters, educational staff, and students.

Author: Nenis Sardiani, S.Si., M.Si.