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Biology

Biologi

This study program examines living organisms from the molecular scale up to entire ecosystems — covering genetics, ecology, microbiology, molecular biology, and physiology. Graduates with an S1 bachelor's degree in Biology can pursue careers in research, biotechnology, environmental conservation, pharmacy, and education.

Compare programs
Level S1 · 4 years
Market demand Stable, growing in biotechnology.
Mid salary Rp 7–10 million /mo
01

Big Picture

DATA

You'll study the fundamental principles of life — from cell structure and DNA to how organisms interact with their environment. You'll delve into pure biology (genetics, evolution, physiology) alongside applied biology (biotechnology, conservation, industrial microbiology). There's a lot of laboratory work and field research.

Core courses

  • ›Cell and Molecular Biology
  • ›Genetics
  • ›Ecology and Conservation
  • ›Microbiology
  • ›Animal Physiology
  • ›Plant Physiology
  • ›Biochemistry
  • ›Molecular Biology
  • ›Evolution
  • ›Taxonomy and Biodiversity
WHO THIS FITS

A good fit if you're curious about how living things work — from cellular mechanisms to whole ecosystems. You should enjoy lab practicals and nature observation, and not mind memorizing the names of organisms and biochemical processes. An interest in environmental, health, or biotechnology issues is a plus.

Education levels

how does it differ from other levels?
D3
A shorter (2–3 years) vocational diploma program. It focuses on practical laboratory skills — for example, biological sample analysis, microscopy techniques, and quality testing. It's available at some polytechnics, but is less common than S1. Graduates earn an A.Md degree and are ready to work immediately as lab technicians, whereas an S1 places more emphasis on theoretical understanding and research.
S2
A master's program (1.5–2 years, 36–42 credits) focusing on research specialization — molecular biology, advanced microbiology, quantitative ecology, or biotechnology. It produces M.Si graduates who can design and lead independent research. It's mandatory if you want to become a lecturer or professional researcher. Entry requires an S1 in Biology or a related field.
S3
A doctoral program (3–4 years) based on original research. Students must produce a new contribution to the field of biology through a dissertation. It awards a Dr. degree — a requirement to become a full professor. The focus is highly specific, for example, population genomics, bioprospecting, or restoration ecology.

Often confused with…

what's the difference?
vsBiologi Molekuler
Molecular Biology focuses on mechanisms at the molecular level (DNA, RNA, proteins). An S1 in Biology is broader — it also covers ecology, taxonomy, zoology, and botany.
vsBioteknologi
Biology is the foundational science; Biotechnology is its application to create products (medicines, food, biofuels). In Biology you learn the 'why', while in Biotechnology it's more about 'how to utilize' it.
vsKedokteran
Biology studies all living things; Medicine focuses on human health and treatment. S1 Biology graduates cannot immediately practice as doctors.
vsPendidikan Biologi
S1 Biology focuses on the science of biology; Biology Education focuses on how to teach biology. Biology Education graduates become teachers, while S1 Biology graduates have more flexibility (research, industry, conservation).
vsAgroteknologi
Agrotechnology applies biological science to agriculture (crops, pests, fertilizers). S1 Biology is more general — you can also go into medical, environmental, or industrial fields.
vsFarmasi
Pharmacy focuses on medicines — formulation, distribution, and pharmacological effects. Biology studies living organisms broadly, not specifically pharmacy.
vsKimia
Chemistry studies matter and chemical reactions in general. Biology focuses on living systems — although there is overlap (biochemistry), the perspectives are different.

Myth vs Fact

MYTH Biology graduates can only become teachers or lecturers
FACT The career prospects are broad: researcher, environmental consultant (AMDAL), biotechnology specialist, conservation staff, QC in the pharmaceutical industry, and civil servants at KLHK/BRIN.
MYTH Biology is a major where you just memorize plant names
FACT Modern biology encompasses genetics, bioinformatics, molecular biology, and quantitative ecology — there's a lot of data analysis, not just memorization.
MYTH Biology graduates' salaries are definitely low
FACT In biotechnology and pharmaceutical microbiology, salaries can reach Rp 10–15 million/month. Environmental consulting is also competitive.
MYTH Studying biology is boring
FACT There are hands-on lab practicals, field research in tropical forests or the ocean, and field trips (KKL) to national parks — you're not just sitting in class.
MYTH Biology and Molecular Biology are exactly the same
FACT S1 Biology covers all levels of biological organization (ecosystems down to cells); Molecular Biology focuses solely on the molecular level (DNA, proteins).
02

Toolkit & Prep

GUIDE

Personal hardware & software you need to prepare before classes start — requirements vary by program. Expensive, heavy-duty equipment is usually provided by the campus.

MINIMUM LAPTOP SPEC

A standard laptop (an i5/Ryzen 5 processor or higher, 8 GB RAM) — for statistical data analysis, bioinformatics, report writing, and presentations. You don't need gaming specs, but it must be able to run statistical software (R, SPSS) and basic bioinformatics tools.

ESTIMATED STARTUP BUDGET
Rp 3–5 million

A one-time purchase that lasts through your studies.

Laptop
For data analysis, writing research reports, and accessing online journals.
Required
Lab coat
Some campuses provide one, but owning your own is more practical for regular lab work.
Required
Lab safety goggles
Must be worn during chemistry and biology lab sessions for eye protection.
Required
Lab notebook
For lab journals — recording data and observations is mandatory at every lab session.
Required
Biology drawing tools
Colored pencils, a ruler, and drawing paper for sketching organism anatomy.
Required
Flash drive / external hard drive
For backing up research data, microscope photos, and field data.
Required
Phone with a good camera
For documenting organism samples in the field and during field studies.
Optional
Statistical software (R/RStudio)
Free and open-source. Many campuses also provide an SPSS license.
Optional
Waterproof field backpack
Practical for field studies, field research, and fieldwork in forests or on beaches.
Optional
03

Facility Checklist

GUIDE

Questions specific to Biology to bring to an open house or campus visit. Important facilities vary by program — these matter most.

Note: Myjor doesn't maintain a facilities database per campus. This is a tool for you to assess it yourself.

Is there an adequate basic biology laboratory with sufficient workbenches and microscopes for all students attending practical sessions?
Is there a microbiology laboratory equipped with a biosafety cabinet and an incubator?
Is there a molecular biology laboratory equipped with PCR machines, electrophoresis units, and a spectrophotometer?
Is there an ecology or environmental laboratory with water, soil, and air sampling equipment?
Is there a greenhouse or experimental garden available for botany and plant physiology practical sessions?
Are there herbarium collections and a zoology museum that students can access?
Are fluorescence or confocal microscopes available for advanced research?
Is there a cold room or an -80 degree freezer available for storing biological samples?
Is there a computer laboratory with bioinformatics software (MEGA, Geneious, BLAST)?
Does the campus library provide access to online journals (ScienceDirect, JSTOR, PubMed)?
Are there partnerships with national parks, conservation areas, or field research stations for field studies (KKL)?
Is standard field equipment available (GPS, binoculars, insect nets, plankton nets)?
Is there a dedicated room for storing biological specimens and slides?
Are the laboratories equipped with adequate sterilization equipment (autoclaves)?
Are there internship or collaborative research programs with research institutions (BRIN, museums)?

Tip: ask for a tour of the relevant labs/studios, not just the main building. Ask about access hours and whether undergrads can use the equipment.

04

Academic Quality

GUIDE

Three objective ways to assess a program's academic quality — including how to check them yourself.

A

Program accreditation status

Check the program's own accreditation rating (not just the campus's) on official sites. International accreditation is a plus for certain fields.

Unggul / A — top tier Baik Sekali / B Baik / C

Check at: BAN-PT (banpt.or.id) or the relevant LAM, & PDDIKTI (pddikti.kemdikbud.go.id).

B

Student–faculty ratio & how to calculate it

ratio = active students ÷ full-time faculty
Example: 600 students ÷ 25 faculty = 1 : 24
✓Ideal: ≈1:20 for STEM/science fields, ≈1:30 for social sciences/humanities (per Ministry of Education guidance).
!The smaller the second number, the more attention each student gets. Above 1:40 is worth flagging.
!Also check faculty qualifications (Master's/PhD) and whether there are industry practitioner lecturers.
C

Faculty research — relevant & current?

Look up faculty profiles and publications (Google Scholar / SINTA). For Biology, look for those researching currently relevant topics:

Biodiversity and taxonomyEcology and environmental conservationAgricultural and health biotechnologyGenetics and molecular biologyEnvironmental and industrial microbiologyMarine biologyBioinformatics and genomicsAnimal and plant physiologyPhytopathology (plant diseases)Ethology (animal behavior)

E.g., is there faculty researching AI, or cancer-related topics? Active research topics signal the program keeps up with the field.

ASK AT THE OPEN HOUSE

"What's this program's student–faculty ratio? What research topics are faculty currently working on? What percentage of graduates find field-relevant jobs within 6 months?"

05

Partnerships

GUIDE

Campus partnerships heavily shape internship, research, and career paths. Which partners matter varies by program — here's what's relevant for Biology.

Government research institutions (BRIN, museums)
Ask whether there are research collaborations or access to research facilities with BRIN, zoological/botanical museums, or botanical gardens. Can students join research programs?
National parks and conservation areas
Is there an MoU with national parks or conservation areas for field trips, field research, or conservation internships?
Pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries
Are there internship pathways at pharmaceutical, biotech, or food-industry companies? How many students are placed each year?
Environmental consulting firms (AMDAL)
Is there collaboration with environmental consulting firms for internships or AMDAL study projects?
Conservation and environmental NGOs
Does the campus have partnerships with NGOs such as WWF, WCS, or local conservation foundations for student programs?
International partner universities
Are there student exchange, joint research, or double degree programs with foreign universities?

Ask for a list of official partners with active MoUs — not just logos in a brochure. Ask how many students are actually placed each year.

06

Career & Salary

DATA
Entry
0–2 years
Rp 4–6 million
per month
Mid
3–6 years
Rp 7–10 million
per month
Senior
7+ years
Rp 12–15 million
per month
Career pathsSalary range /mo
Research Assistant / Researcher Rp 4–12 million
Laboratory Technician / Analyst Rp 4–6 million
Biotechnology Specialist Rp 7–15 million
Microbiology Specialist (Pharmacy/Health) Rp 8–15 million
Environmental Consultant (AMDAL) Rp 6–12 million
Conservator / Conservation Staff Rp 5–10 million
Quality Control (Industry) Rp 5–8 million
High School Biology Teacher Rp 4–7 million
Lecturer (requires S2+) Rp 5–12 million
Civil Servant Staff, Ministry of Environment Rp 5–15 million

Sources: Myjor 2024 industry salary survey (n=4,200), BPS, and job portals. Figures are medians, influenced by city, company, and experience.

Sources & References

The career & salary data above traces back to its sources. Click to expand/collapse the source list.