FIELD RECOGNITION STUDY (SPL) 2025 BIOLOGY STUDENT ASSOCIATION FACULTY OF MATHEMATICS AND NATURAL SCIENCES HASANUDDIN UNIVERSITY
The Biology Student Association (Himbio) of the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Hasanuddin University, is once again organizing the 2025 Field Introduction Study (SPL) as one of its mentoring programs designed to introduce new students to the world of biology and the dynamics of student organizations. This annual event serves not only as an academic orientation but also as a space for fostering scientific character and professional integrity from the very beginning of their academic journey. This year's SPL was held in Makkio Baji Village, Bonto Manai Village, Tompobulu Sub-district, Maros Regency, from November 21-23, 2025.
The SPL activities were directly supervised by lecturers and educational staff from the Biology Department of the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Unhas. On this occasion, the following individuals were present at the activity location: Head of the Biology Department Dr. Magdalena Litaay, M.Sc., along with Prof. Dr. Ambeng, M.Si., Dr. Andi Masniawati, M.Si., Dr. Helmy Widyastuti, M.Si., Fuad Gani, S.Si., and Sarwan, S.Si.
SPL 2025 presents a series of nature-based activities combined with participatory learning methods. Through hiking and ecological observation, new students are invited to be directly involved in the basic practices of a biologist's fieldwork. From sampling techniques, observation of biological community structures, recording environmental factors, to initial taxonomic identification of organisms encountered, all activities are designed to resemble the actual field research process. Each observation post functions as a “field classroom,” where participants discuss interactions between organisms, ecosystem dynamics, and conservation challenges faced by the surrounding environment.
Through this approach, SPL 2025 aims to bridge the theoretical understanding gained in the classroom with the ecological realities in the field. The values of professionalism, scientific sensitivity, methodological discipline, and research ethics are emphasized as important foundations for future practitioners and researchers in the field of biology. This activity is further strengthened by scientific discussion sessions, group work, and intensive mentoring by seniors and field instructors who ensure that students are able to gradually develop their observational and analytical skills.
In addition to academic aspects, SPL also serves as a forum for new students to get to know the culture of the Himbio organization as a scientific family that oversees their educational journey while studying at the Department of Biology. Through the dynamics of togetherness, team collaboration, and the experience of facing natural challenges together, participants are encouraged to build their identity as part of a solid, inclusive, and contribution-oriented scientific community.
Thus, SPL 2025 is not merely an orientation program but a strategic moment that unites empirical experiences, the formation of scientific character, and family values. This activity is expected to serve as a foundation for new students to explore the world of biology in a more visionary, critical, and responsible manner as the next generation of biological scientists at Hasanuddin University.
Author: Nenis Sardiani, S.Si., M.Si.