Independent Campus Program, Student Exchange at Semarang State University
On August 20, 2024, four students from the Mathematics Study Program, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Bengkulu University had the opportunity to take part in the Student Exchange program as part of the Merdeka Campus Competition Program (PKKM). The students involved in this program are Revika Putri Asharia and Nur El Hasanah, 5th semester students. Along with Arlin Marsyanda and Reisa Anggraini Saputri, 3rd semester students. They were accompanied directly by a lecturer from Bengkulu University, Mr. Nur Afandi, S.Si., M.Sc, to Semarang State University (UNNES).
The handover ceremony was held at the Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Semarang State University. In the event, the Head of the UNNES Mathematics Department was present to welcome the students with enthusiasm. This program is part of the strategic cooperation between universities in Indonesia to improve the quality of education through student exchange. The main objectives of the program are to provide students with learning experiences in a new academic environment, expand their social and professional networks, and broaden their horizons in various aspects of life.
During the program, 5th semester students will follow eight courses, namely: Basic Research, Financial Mathematics, Data Mining, Mathematical Modeling, Computational Mathematics, Operations Research, Complex Analysis and Number Theory. Meanwhile, 3rd semester students will take the following eight courses: Introduction to Group Theory, Mathematical Modeling, Numerical Methods, Advanced Calculus, Computational Mathematics, Ordinary Differential Equations, Data Mining and Linear Program (Hybrid). This series of courses is designed to deepen students’ knowledge in various branches of mathematics. In addition, through these courses, students are expected to improve their ability to think critically, solve problems, and perform in-depth analysis, all of which will be an important provision in their future careers. This program also provides opportunities for students to develop adaptability skills in a new environment, practice soft skills, and build an independent attitude and strong work ethic.
Not only providing academic experience, this program also aims to strengthen the relationship between universities in Indonesia. It is hoped that the students involved can bring home new experiences and knowledge that are useful, both in the academic context and personal development. The collaboration between Universitas Bengkulu and Universitas Negeri Semarang is also expected to be the beginning of wider collaboration in the future, including in the fields of research and community service.
