In the world of higher education, scientific journals are not strange to academics. However, for most students, especially at the undergraduate level, this term still feels odd, complicated, and even scary. In fact, scientific journals are actually the gateway to the real academic world. This article will discuss briefly and clearly the meaning of scientific journals, why they are important for students (especially chemistry education students), how to make them, and the importance of maintaining integrity in higher education research.

What is a Scientific Journal?

A scientific journal is an official publication media that contains the results of research, studies, or scientific thoughts that are written systematically and follow certain scientific rules. This journal is published periodically by academic institutions, scientific associations, or research institutions, and is the main source in the development of science. Characteristics of scientific journals:

• Use formal and academic language
• Arranged based on the IMRaD structure (Introduction, Method, Result, and Discussion)
• Through a peer-review process
• Have valid citations and references

Why are Scientific Journals Important for Students?

1. Train critical and systematic thinking skills. Writing journals forces students to think sequentially, objectively, and based on evidence.
2. As part of scientific contributions. Students also contribute knowledge that is useful for the academic world and society.
3. Add to the academic portfolio. Scientific journals are an added value when applying for jobs, applying for scholarships, or continuing studies to the next level.
4. Cultivate a culture of research from an early age. By getting to know journals, students are accustomed to reading, analyzing, and synthesizing information from various scientific sources.

How Do Chemistry Education Students Create Scientific Journals?

For chemistry education students, making a scientific journal is not only about writing the results of laboratory experiments, but can also be in the form of:

• Literature study on chemistry learning approaches
• Classroom action research (CAR)
• Interdisciplinary studies between chemistry, education, and technology

Steps to make a journal:

1. Determine the topic and problem formulation. Choose one that is relevant and according to your interests.
2. Conduct a literature review. Use scientific sources from journals, books, and proceedings.
3. Design and carry out research. It can be in the form of experiments, surveys, or literature studies.
4. Write a research report in journal format. Use the IMRaD structure.
5. Revise and ask for guidance. Consult with your supervisor.
6. Submit to a campus journal or national journal. For example, the Indonesian Chemical Education Journal, JTKI, or the SINTA 5–2 journal.

The Dangers of Low Research Integrity

Among Students Unfortunately, the increasing pressure to “publish” often raises serious issues related to academic integrity, such as: • Plagiarism: Copying someone else’s work without proper citation. • False data: Changing or fabricating research results. • Ghostwriting: Writing journals for someone else in their name. This problem is a serious concern in many universities. Therefore, it is important for students to understand the ethics of scientific publication and uphold academic honesty. Getting to know and writing scientific journals is not something that is only done by “professors.” In fact, students need to be introduced to the culture of research and scientific publication early on so that they are accustomed to thinking scientifically, critically, and responsibly. Through scientific journals, students not only become readers of knowledge, but also producers of knowledge that contributes to the advancement of the academic world. So, let’s start now: read, understand, and try writing your first scientific journal! (amca)