Mental health disorders, particularly depression, are becoming an increasing concern among university students. This study aims to analyze the comparative levels of depression among students from the 2022 and 2024 cohorts in the Biology Department at Universitas Negeri Medan. The research employs a mixed-method approach, integrating both quantitative and qualitative methodologies. Data were collected through questionnaires distributed to 51 active students. The results indicate that students from the 2022 cohort exhibit higher levels of depression compared to those from the 2024 cohort, due to academic pressure, social factors, and lifestyle habits. These findings highlight the importance of preventive strategies and interventions to mitigate depression risks, such as stress management, promoting healthy lifestyle habits, and strengthening social support in academic environments. Therefore, educational institutions must prioritize student mental health to foster a more conducive learning environment.

This study explores the application of the normal distribution in analyzing the height data of Mathematics Education students at FMIPA Universitas Negeri Medan in 2024. Employing a quantitative descriptive-analytic methodology, the research involved collecting primary data from 10 randomly selected students through a questionnaire-based survey. Descriptive statistical analysis revealed a mean height of 161.4 cm with a standard deviation of 8.79 cm. The median height was found to be 164 cm, while the mode was 150 cm, indicating a slightly skewed distribution. To assess the suitability of the normal distribution model, the Shapiro-Wilk test was applied, resulting in a W value of 0.921 and a p-value of 0.361, which exceeds the 0.05 significance level. This confirms that the sample data follow a normal distribution pattern. The findings were further supported through visual representation using histograms and analysis based on the empirical rule, which showed that approximately 68% of the students' heights fall within one standard deviation of the mean (152.81–169.99 cm). Additionally, probability calculations demonstrated that the likelihood of a student being 160 cm tall or shorter is approximately 43.64%. These results validate the effectiveness of the normal distribution as a tool for analyzing biological or physical characteristics, even in small sample sizes. However, the study acknowledges its limitation in terms of sample size and suggests that future research involve larger and more diverse populations to enhance generalizability. The study highlights the relevance of normal distribution in statistical modeling, particularly for educational and health-related data interpretation and decision-making processes.