Profile of the integration of earthquake precursor animal knowledge in animal ecology course

Abstract

Earthquake experts have stated that the western coastal region of Sumatra Island is one of the most earthquake-prone areas in Indonesia. In response to this fact, disaster mitigation education programs must involve preparedness and preparedness before an earthquake occurs. This preliminary study aims to describe the profile of integration of biological studies, especially earthquake precursors in animal ecology lectures at the Biology Department of the Faculty of Natural Sciences (FMIPA) Padang State University (UNP). Data collection is done through analysis of lecture documents, surveys and interviews, and data analysis is done descriptively by referring to Hsieh and Shannon (2015) in Malekipour et al., (2017). The instruments used were a checklist of lecture content, semi-structured questionnaires, and interview guidelines. The results of the study show that the lectures on animal ecology in the Department of Biology FMIPA UNP have included the application of basic ecological concepts in everyday life. However, the area of application of these competencies is limited to conservation goals and how to treat animals in the student environment. The study of animal behaviour as a marker of earthquakes has never been integrated and applied in lectures on theory and practicum. Students’ knowledge of animal behaviour in an earthquake event is mostly obtained independently from books and articles. From the results of the study, it can be concluded that the lecture on animal ecology is a potential lecture to examine the relationship between animal behaviour and earthquake disasters. Furthermore, it can be recommended integration of the behaviour of earthquake-related animals in animal ecology lectures for prospective biology teacher students, especially in practical learning. It aims to improve the ability and contribution of prospective teacher students involved in anticipating the impact of the earthquake on students living in disaster-prone areas, especially on the west coast of Sumatra.