On June 5, 2024, in the Teatrikal Room of the Faculty of Science and Technology at UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta, the Biology program organized an event called “Ngopi” (Smart Biology Chat). This gathering serves as a platform for students to meet and learn from experts across various fields related to biology. “Ngopi” is a regular agenda hosted by the Biology program, inviting academics, researchers, and industry professionals. Active students and faculty members from the Biology program attended the event. In her opening remarks, Dr. Najda Rifqiyati, M.Si., the Head of the Biology program, encouraged students to leverage these “Ngopi” sessions to expand their knowledge and gain insights into biological research.

The guest speaker for this occasion was Zahratul Idami, M.Sc., a lecturer from UIN Sumatera Utara (UINSU) specializing in genetics and molecular biology. The theme of this “Ngopi” session centered around the utilization of molecular biology in DNA barcoding research for Crustacea, Bivalvia, and Pisces. During her presentation, Dr. Zahratul Idami explained the fundamental concepts of molecular biology analysis, the stages involved in such analyses, and the advantages of using molecular biology techniques in studying biodiversity. Furthermore, she delved into DNA barcoding and its benefits for species diversity research. Dr. Idami also discussed the isolation of genetic material and the appropriate selection of body parts from Crustacea, Bivalvia, and Pisces samples to optimize genetic material extraction.

The session continued with insights into research conducted using DNA barcoding methods on various Crustacea, Bivalvia, and Pisces samples. For instance, in Crustacea studies, DNA barcoding can accurately determine species, addressing common errors associated with morphology-based species identification. The “Ngopi” event concluded with a discussion between students and the guest speaker. Through this interaction, students gained a deeper understanding of the material presented, enhancing their knowledge in the field of biological research.