The Effect of Knowledge Gained in Biology Education on Daily Habits

Abstract

This research aims to examine the effects of the knowledge gained in biology education on the daily habits of university students. Phenomenological design, one of the qualitative research designs, was used in the research. Participants were selected through criterion sampling, including 12 students (6 females, 6 males) from a state university in Turkey in 2023–2024. Data were collected through a semi-structured interview form and analyzed using content analysis. The codes, themes, and subthemes in the research were created based on the answers given to the questions in the semi-structured interview form. As a result of the research, the codes with the highest frequency were determined to be developing disease-preventing habits (n = 6), lack of technological devices (n = 6), and healthier nutrition (n = 6). The analyses revealed that students gained awareness in various areas of life through biology education, developed behavioral changes, and increased their  orientation to healthy living. In this context, the study is of significant theoretical and practical value, demonstrating that biology courses are not merely about transferring knowledge; they also offer tangible contributions to students’ individual quality of life. Furthermore, the effectiveness of the knowledge acquired in biology courses in developing healthy living habits is demonstrated, emphasizing that education should not be limited to cognitive gains but should also consider the behavioral dimension.