The effectiveness of UPA system to boost the bioinformatics learning process in limited time for pharmacy students at University of Surabaya, Indonesia

Abstract

Bioinformatics is one of essential fields widely applied to various studies, especially in the exploration studies of the herbal medicine in drugs discovery. However, bioinformatics course at the Faculty of Pharmacy University of Surabaya still needs to be improved. This research aims to develop the efficient teaching system to optimize the bioinformatics course within limited time. The developed learning system: Understanding, Practicing, and Applying (UPA) system, was conducted. This study involved 95 pharmacist students which were given questionnaire I (before the class) and questionnaire II (after the class) to measure the success rate of learning process. UPA system was implemented by instructor through the explanation about basic concept, the guidance for practice, and the demonstration in research. Result showed that 72% student was lacked of knowledge about the bioinformatics in the beginning but they have a strong willingness to learn. It proved by high interest in bioinformatics (78%) and herbal exploration (72%), respectively. In the end, the interest rate of student to bioinformatics was 96%. It was in line with the understanding of the tools usage ratein advance research. UPA system was successfully boosting the interest and skill of student in bioinformatics, as well as the awareness of herbal conservation.