d> Biology at OSSM Biology Dept


 
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Faculty

Brent Richards, Ph.D.

Dr. Richards earned his degree in 2008 from the Georgetwon University. He is also the Mentorship coordinator for OSSM. This duty entails pairing interested students with a mentor in a particular field of science, encouraging a hands-on experience. Dr. Richards teaches Genetics, Biochemistry, and Molecular and Cell Biology.

Curriculum

OSSM requires one year in biology for graduation. If the student has taken a general biology course prior to enrollment to OSSM then the sequence of courses to follow depends on the student's interest and career goals.

PREREQUISITE: OSSM General Biology or High School Biology Course 

AREA OF INTEREST OR SPECIALIZATION:
 

Course Descriptions

  • General Biology.One semester (1/2 unit of credit). This course is designed for the student who has had no previous high school biology. This course will include topics in cell structure and function, genetics, zoology, and physiology with. emphasis placed on major principles of biology. Laboratory is included. Students wishing to advance directly to an upper level biology course will be assessed prior to enrollment. 
  • Human Anatomy and Physiology. One semester (1/2 unit of credit). This course will present a survey of the structure and function of the systems of the human body. The student will examine the gross, microscopic, and developmental anatomy of these structures and study their relationships among the body systems. The functional aspect will also be examined by using various laboratory procedures. Prerequisites: General Biology or equivalent. 
  • Human Embryology. One semester (1/2 unit of credit). This course will present a survey of the structure and function of the systems of the human body. The student will examine the gross, microscopic, and developmental anatomy of these structures and study their relationships among the body systems. The functional aspects will also be examined using laboratory procedures. Dissection will be an integral part of the anatomy laboratory work. prerequisites: General Biology or equivalent. 
  • Histology. One semester (1/2 unit of credit). This course is designed to study the normal microscopic structure and function of the body and of its organs, tissues, and cells. The development of precise observation skills will be acquired. Laboratory work will be integrated with the course. Prerequisites: Human Anatomy and Physiology. 
  • Endocrinology. One semester (1/2 unit of credit). This course will provide a detailed description and study of the endocrine system, its hormones, glands, and target tissues. The components of the system are related to the regulatory functions in the human body. Recommended for students who are interested in pursuing a career in the medical/clinical field. Basic science knowledge is integrated with its clinical applications. Prerequisites: Human Anatomy and Physiology or Molecular and Cellular Biology and one year of Chemistry. 
  • Genetics. One semester (1/2 unit of credit). This course will present genetic principles and focus on Mendelian, molecular, and population genetics. Genetic engineering, genetic counseling, and ethical problems will be discussed. A twelve-page library research paper is required. Prerequisites: General Biology or equivalent. 
  • Biochemistry. One semester (1/2 unit of credit). This elective course provides a detailed study of biological molecules including their structure, properties, nomenclature, and function. The course will also investigate the role these molecules have in metabolic reactions, equilibria, and other biological processes. Laboratory investigations will emphasize methods of separating and identifying biomolecules and their components. Prerequisites: Completion of or concurrent enrollment in Organic Chemistry or permission of the instructor. Students may opt to take this course for either Biology or Chemistry credit. It is offered fall semester only and is intended as the first of a two-course sequence that concludes with Molecular and Cell Biology. 
  • Molecular and Cell Biology. One semester (1/2 unit of credit). The focus of this course will be the cell, its structure, and its function at the molecular level. This course will include topics in cellular metabolism, chromosome structure, genes, and regulation of cellular function. Laboratory with experiments in molecular biology techniques is integrated into the course. Prerequisites: Biochemistry. 
  • Botany. One semester (1/2 unit of credit). This course will introduce the vocabulary and principles of plant biology. The objectives will be for each student to demonstrate a working knowledge of the terminology used in botanical studies and a basic understanding of the anatomical, cytological, reproductive, ecological, and physiological phenomena unique to plants in general, specific plant taxa, and plant-like organisms of other kingdoms. Prerequisites: General Biology or equivalent. 
  • Ecology. One semester (1/2 unit of credit). This course provides an introduction to the principles of how organisms interact with their living and nonliving environment. Focus will be on population ecology with emphasis on terminology, relationships within the environment, processes which permit growth, development and/or destruction of the biosphere, insights into the relationships among many disciplines related to Ecology, study of environmental problems and their solutions, and the relationship between Ecology and Field Biology including some identification and taxonomy of different types of organisms. Prerequisites: General Biology or equivalent. 
  • Invertebrate Zoology. One semester (1/2 unit of credit). This course provides an introduction to the biology of specific phyla, classes, and orders of invertebrates with emphasis on classification, morphology, structure and function of their internal anatomy, developmental pathways, and fundamental concepts characteristic of this diverse animal group. Prerequisites: General Biology or equivalent. 
  • Vertebrate Zoology. One semester (1/2 unit of credit). This course provides an introduction to the biology of the phylum Chrodata, specifically the subphylum Vertebrata (i.e. the vertebrates). Emphasis will be on the following: classification from class through species taxa, morphology, structure and function of organs systems, developmental pathways, and fundamental concepts characteristic of this diverse group of animals. Prerequisites: General Biology or equivalent. 
  • Directed Studies. One semester (1/2 unit of credit). This course is designed to allow students to pursue individual research interests in biology. Work will be performed under the supervision of a faculty member and a final oral presentation may be required. By permission of the Instructor. Specific Directed Studies topics which have been provided include the following: 
  • Mentorship. The student will collaborate with a scientist in a research project. The scope of the project will be agreed upon in advance and the student's progress will be monitored closely by a faculty member in consultation with the research scientist. A final report and/or an oral presentation will be required. By permission of the Mentorship Coordinator. Specific mentorship locations and projects include the following: 
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