Yogyakarta – The Master’s (M.Sc.) and Doctoral (Ph.D.) Programs in Environmental Science at the Graduate School, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), conducted the Final Examinations for the Even Semester of the 2025/2026 Academic Year as part of the evaluation of students’ learning outcomes. The examinations were held from June 8 to 19, 2026, in accordance with the University’s academic calendar. This semester’s assessment reflects the implementation of the Outcome-Based Education (OBE) approach, which places intended learning outcomes at the center of the assessment process. Consequently, assessment methods were carefully designed to align with the characteristics, competencies, and expected outcomes of each course.
Course instructors employed a variety of assessment methods, including paper-based examinations, computer-based tests, online assessments through UGM’s e-LOK learning management system, fieldwork presentation examinations, project and scientific presentation assessments, take-home assignments, research proposal development and submission, scientific publication draft preparation, as well as other forms of coursework designed to comprehensively evaluate students’ competencies. This diverse assessment approach enables students to demonstrate their learning achievements through academic outputs that are most relevant to the objectives of each course.
At the Master’s level, the final examinations covered 16 courses representing a broad spectrum of environmental disciplines, including environmental planning, environmental engineering, ecology, hydrology, meteorology, remote sensing and geographic information systems (GIS), socio-cultural environment, environmental management, environmental impact assessment (EIA), spatial planning, and environmental policy. Meanwhile, the Doctoral Program conducted assessments in courses such as Philosophy of Science, Research Methods, Selected Topics (Capita Selecta), Independent Study, and interdisciplinary courses that encourage students to broaden their perspectives through multidisciplinary approaches.
The implementation of OBE-based assessment aims to ensure that student evaluation extends beyond measuring conceptual and theoretical understanding. It also assesses students’ ability to think critically, conduct scientific analyses, address environmental challenges using evidence-based approaches, collaborate effectively, communicate academic ideas, and produce high-quality scholarly outputs. Accordingly, each assessment method is selected to accurately reflect the competencies expected of graduates of UGM’s Environmental Science Study Programs.
Through the implementation of the Final Examinations for the Even Semester of the 2025/2026 Academic Year, the Master’s and Doctoral Programs in Environmental Science at UGM reaffirm their commitment to maintaining the quality of graduate education through an adaptive, innovative, and learning outcomes-oriented assessment system. The implementation of Outcome-Based Education (OBE) is expected to produce graduates who excel academically while possessing the competencies required to generate scientific publications, foster innovation, and develop science-based solutions to address environmental and sustainable development challenges.
This initiative also contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) by promoting high-quality, learning outcomes-oriented higher education; SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) through the strengthening of research and innovation culture; and SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 15 (Life on Land) by enhancing graduates’ capacity to develop scientific solutions to environmental challenges.
Author: Ulyn Nuha