UM Bandung's Biotechnology Programme Equips Students with Practice, Research, and Innovation
Choosing a study programme is one of the most important decisions for every prospective student. This was the experience of Nadzira Nurul Fadhilah.
According to the head of the Biotechnology Student Association at Universitas Muhammadiyah (UM) Bandung, the choice of major should not be based on trends alone. Every prospective student should also consider their own potential for development and the future prospects offered by the campus.
Nadzira said the Biotechnology Study Programme at UM Bandung offers a learning experience that balances theory and practice. According to her, almost every course is supported by laboratory practical sessions, so students can understand how biotechnology is applied to solve real-world problems.
“Here we don’t just learn from books. Almost every subject is supported by practicals, so the concepts we study are put straight into practice. Moreover, lecturers make sure students truly understand, rather than merely chasing grades,” she said at the UM Bandung campus on Thursday (9 July 2026).
Beyond practice-based learning, Nadzira believes the academic atmosphere in the Biotechnology programme strongly supports student development. Lecturers do not only accompany the learning process in class, but also encourage students to take part in the Student Creativity Programme (PKM), research, the Student Entrepreneurship Development Programme (P2MW), and various academic competitions.
“Lecturers always give us room to grow. Whether we want to join PKM, research, P2MW or scientific writing competitions, we are always supported. So throughout our studies, we are truly pushed to be brave enough to try things and develop our abilities,” she said.
She added that the learning process also shapes students’ character, making them more disciplined, responsible, capable of teamwork, and accustomed to facing challenges. According to her, these skills are important provisions when entering the world of work.
The 2023 cohort student explained that Biotechnology graduates have wide career prospects because they gain knowledge across multiple fields, such as microbiology, genetics, molecular biology, tissue culture, food technology, agriculture, health, and the environment. These competencies open up career opportunities in the pharmaceutical, food, health and environmental industries, research institutions, and biotechnology-based companies.
Nadzira also praised the culture of research and innovation that continues to be developed in the Biotechnology programme at UM Bandung. According to her, students are habitually involved in research, community service programmes and internships from the start of their studies, which builds critical thinking skills while producing solutions to various problems in society.
“We are encouraged not only to be academically smart students, but also to create innovations that benefit society. That is what makes studying Biotechnology exciting and challenging at the same time,” she revealed.
At the end of the interview, Nadzira invited prospective students to be bold in choosing a major that matches their interests and passion. She believes Biotechnology is a promising choice, especially for those interested in biology, chemistry, health, the environment, agriculture or technology.
“If you like science and want your knowledge to truly be applied to help many people, Biotechnology is the right choice. Moreover, the Biotechnology programme at UM Bandung is already accredited Unggul (Excellent), so the quality of its teaching, facilities and student development has been proven. Don’t be afraid to choose Biotechnology, because the career opportunities are broad and the future is very promising,” she concluded.