Abstract:

Background:
The development of modern university study programs requires alignment with current educational needs as well as labor-market expectations. At the Institute of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Košice, a new Bachelor’s study program in Biochemistry has been developed in response to the increasing demand for interdisciplinary specialists combining knowledge of chemistry and life sciences.

Methodology:
The preparation of the curriculum was preceded by educational research focused on the current state of biochemistry teaching at primary and secondary schools. A survey conducted among teachers analyzed the topics taught, perceived difficulty of selected concepts, teaching methods and the level of student interest in biochemistry (1,2). In addition, research was carried out among potential employers to identify labor-market expectations and the desired profile of future graduates (3). The curriculum design was also supported by experience gained during Erasmus+ mobility stays at European universities providing education in biochemistry.

Results:
The results revealed differences in the perceived difficulty of individual biochemistry topics. Most respondents identified heterocyclic compounds as the most challenging topic, whereas vitamins were considered less demanding. Teachers also perceived the strongest interdisciplinary connection between chemistry and biology in the topic of nucleic acids. Respondents highlighted the need for additional teaching materials supporting higher-order cognitive skills, real-life applications, laboratory activities and STEM-oriented learning. Employers emphasized that although graduates usually possess sufficient theoretical knowledge, their practical laboratory skills should be further strengthened, particularly through training with modern instrumentation and cooperation with industry. They also recommended including courses in microbiology, physiology, immunology, hematology and analytical methods.

Implications:
Based on these findings and international academic experience, a new curriculum structure was designed. The study program includes general scientific courses in the first year, core biochemistry subjects in the second year and advanced biochemistry courses in the third year. The proposed program integrates educational research, labor-market feedback and best international practices to provide a modern and practice-oriented biochemistry education.

References:
[1] Z. Vargová, M. Kožurková, M. Ganajová (2024) Opinions of Chemistry teachers on the positive and problematic aspects of biochemistry teaching at grammar schools in Slovakia, ICERI2024 Proceedings, pp. 5749-5754, doi: 10.21125/iceri.2024.1396
[2] M. Kožurková, Z. Vargová (2024) Opinions and attitudes of high school students towards biochemistry education, ICERI2024 Proceedings, p. 10920. doi: 10.21125/iceri.2024.1211
[3] Vargová, Z., Kožurková, M (2025). Proposal for pilot study plan for the new bachelor study program in Biochemistry, 9th International Conference on Future of Teaching and Education, March 7th – 9th 2025 in Vienna, Austria.

Keywords:

Education, educational research, curriculum.