To prepare students for rapid technological advancements, their competencies must be developed. Higher education institutions are expected to enhance the quality of education through innovative teaching processes, allowing students to achieve optimal learning outcomes in terms of attitude, knowledge, and skills. To support educational quality improvement, the Ministry of Education and Culture of the Republic of Indonesia has introduced a policy called “Merdeka Belajar-Kampus Merdeka” (MBKM). This policy grants students the freedom to participate in learning activities beyond their study programs and outside the campus. “Kampus Merdeka” represents an autonomous and flexible learning environment in higher education, tailored to students’ needs.

The Biology Study Program also contributes to the government’s efforts to enhance educational quality through the implementation of MBKM. One way the Biology Program at UIN Sunan Kalijaga supports this program is by inviting guest lecturers with expertise in various biological fields, including government or private institutions, industry, and practitioners. Through guest lectures, students gain valuable learning experiences, foster innovation, and creativity, and meet their specific needs, ultimately promoting self-reliance.

The ecology guest lecture took place in person on December 11, 2022, in the field at the prospective new UIN campus in Pajangan. During the lecture, students not only received theoretical content but also improved their field skills. The topic of the guest lecture focused on vegetation analysis. Additionally, students learned how to use environmental measurement tools, such as temperature, light intensity, air humidity, and soil pH. This practical approach helped students better understand the various types of vegetation present in that location.