The Utilization of Ferns as a Model Organism for Studying Natural Polyploidization Concept in Genetics Course

Abstract

: The Genetics lecture in the Department of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Science, Universitas Negeri Malang (FMIPA UM) has its own characteristics distinguishing it from Genetics lecture at the other universities. One of characteristics is there are research projects designed by students utilizing various model organisms. Natural polyploidization is one of the concepts learned through the research project. Fern is used as one of model organisms in the research project. The aim of this study was to describe the utilization of ferns as a model organism in Genetics I course in FMIPA UM. The study was conducted with a qualitative approach. The data were collected from January 2016 to September 2016 by interview, observation, and documentation techniques. The data were analyzed using an interactive model of Miles and Huberman. The validity of data were re-tested using an extension of participation, persistence of observation, and triangulation. The research results showed that through research project activities, the students (1) were able to learn the natural polyploidization concept contextually; (2) easier to understand the natural polyploidization concept; and (3) were trained to be a real researcher.

Keywords: fern, genetics course, model organism