Needs Analysis for Infusing Green Chemistry into the Analytical Chemistry Micro-Curriculum to Enhance Enviromental Literacy of Pharmacy Students
Keywords:
Analytical Chemistry, Environmental Literacy, Green Chemistry, Needs AnalysisAbstract
This study aims to analyze the need for developing a micro-curriculum for the Analytical Chemistry course that integrates green chemistry competencies to enhance environmental literacy among pharmacy students. A descriptive approach was employed using survey and Focus Group Discussion (FGD) methods involving 243 students, analytical chemistry lecturers, and the head of the study program. The results indicate that Analytical Chemistry learning remains focused on technical aspects and has not optimally incorporated environmental issues. A total of 65.43% of students considered the material to be not comprehensive, 72.43% reported that environmental impacts were rarely discussed, and 68.72% indicated a lack of emphasis on environmentally friendly chemicals. Students’ understanding of green chemistry was also low, with 81.1% reporting limited exposure and 70% lacking understanding of waste prevention. However, 70.8% of students demonstrated high environmental awareness, yet 60.5% of students did not adequately understand analytical chemical waste management principles and 63.0% exhibited behaviors that were not in accordance with proper waste disposal procedures. These findings indicate a discrepancy between the affective aspect (awareness) and the cognitive and psychomotor aspects (knowledge and behavior). The FGD findings revealed that green chemistry competencies have not been explicitly integrated into the curriculum and are not supported by institutional policies. Therefore, the development of a micro-curriculum that systematically integrates green chemistry competencies is necessary to improve students’ environmental literacy.
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