<![CDATA[Biology practicum is an essential component of science learning because it contributes to developing conceptual understanding, science process skills, and students’ practical abilities. However, the implementation of biology practicum among students of the Primary Islamic Teacher Education Program (PGMI) still faces various challenges. This study aimed to analyze the difficulties experienced by PGMI students in conducting biology practicums and identify the factors influencing these difficulties. This research employed a qualitative method with a descriptive approach. The participants were PGMI students of UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta from the 2023 and 2024 cohorts selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected using questionnaires and interviews and analyzed descriptively. The results showed that students experienced difficulties in understanding abstract topics such as animal anatomy, cell structure, and plant transport systems; using laboratory equipment, especially microscopes (61.5%); and preparing practicum reports (61.5%). Factors influencing these difficulties included differences in students’ prior knowledge, limited laboratory tools and materials, suboptimal laboratory conditions, limited practicum time, and insufficient scientific skills. The findings indicate that the success of biology practicums is determined not only by theoretical understanding but also by student readiness, facility availability, and adequate learning support to enhance practical and scientific skills.]]>
