The effectiveness of online courses in the cluster of physiology courses in the department of biology UNESA during the Covid-19 pandemic period

In order to break the chain of the spread of COVID-19, the chancellor of Surabaya State University (UNESA) has the policy to carry out all courses in the online form. However, the implementation of online courses depends on both lecturers’ and students’ ability and capacity, which naturally influences learning achievement effectiveness. This study aimed to map online course implementation’s effectiveness during the COVID-19 pandemic in the cluster of physiology courses (Plant Physiology, Animal Physiology, Phytohormones, Plant Diseases, Biochemistry, Oncology, Anatomy, and Human Physiology, and Nutrition-Psychotropic) in the Biology Department. The criteria to be used to decide online courses’ effectiveness was the course’s learning outcomes achievement. This descriptive study used a qualitative approach with the research subjects being lecturers and students in the physiology cluster courses. Data were obtained by using questionnaire instruments and data of student learning outcomes. The results showed that the effectiveness of online course implementation in the physiology cluster in terms of student achievement was excellent because it was supported by lecturers’ various efforts to surpass using various online learning modes. In addition, detailed recommendations related to the implementation of online courses for the physiology cluster so that these courses’ learning outcomes could be carried out effectively.