The Effectiveness of Project-Based Learning in Biophysics Education: Enhancing Students’ Understanding of Biomaterials

Abstract

Aims: This study investigates the effectiveness of Project-Based Learning (PjBL) in enhancing undergraduate students’ conceptual understanding of biomaterials, learning motivation, and scientific inquiry skills within a biophysics course. Study Design: A mixed-methods classroom research design was employed to obtain a comprehensive understanding of learning outcomes and student experiences. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in the Physics Education program at a university in Indonesia during a biophysics course. Methodology: This study employed a quasi-experimental one-group pretest-posttest design within a mixed-methods approach. Twelve undergraduate students participated in a project-based learning intervention involving a mini project on the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using plant extracts. Quantitative data were collected through pre-test and post-test assessments and an ARCS-based motivation questionnaire. Qualitative data were obtained from classroom observations, student worksheets, project presentations, and semi-structured interviews. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, normalized gain (N-gain), and thematic analysis. Results: Students’ conceptual understanding improved significantly with mean scores increasing from 17.58 to 54.17, resulting in an N-gain of 0.51 (moderate category). Learning motivation was high across all ARCS dimensions, particularly in satisfaction (mean = 16.82). Qualitative findings revealed that students actively engaged in scientific inquiry processes, including experimentation, data analysis, and collaborative problem-solving. Conclusion: Project-Based Learning provides an effective instructional approach for biophysics education by promoting meaningful learning, enhancing conceptual understanding, and supporting the development of scientific inquiry and collaborative skills. Future implementations should incorporate targeted scaffolding to strengthen students’ understanding of complex and abstract concepts.