Department of Biology

Biology students place liquid in vials for testing

Discover the living world around you in studies focusing on all levels of biology, from molecules to organisms to ecosystems – and everything in between.

Associate of Science

The Associate of Science provides an easy transfer option for upper-level university programs, as well as a stand-alone credential. Complete the two years and 60 credits of specific requirements for the Associate of Science Degree, and you could transfer directly to third year of study at any B.C. university.

Explore our programs

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  • Full program offered
  • Partial program offered
  • Credential
  • International students
Associate of Science Degree
  • Kelowna, Vernon
  • Penticton, Salmon Arm
  • Associate Degree
  • International students

Explore our courses

Biology course offerings include but are not limited to: genetics, ecology, microbiology, botany and zoology.

Faculty and instructors

Dr. Morgan Martin

Chair - Biology
Office: C Building 368B
Campus: Kelowna
Phone: 250-762-5445 ext. 4249
Food Wine and Tourism Department - Morgan Marth

In high school I was captivated by the HIV replication cycle. I chose to attend UBC for their microbiology & immunology cooperative education program. For my PhD, I investigated how two hepatitis C virus proteins interact to produce an active enzyme. This work included development of a novel cell-based fluorescent assay for protease activity. In my post-doctoral research at Harvard Medical School, I studied an intramembrane protease that is important in Alzheimer’s disease and its bacterial homolog. I enjoy teaching and have so far taught a great variety of courses offered in first and second year here at OC.

Credentials:
PhD, Microbiology & Immunology, UBC
BSc, Microbiology & Immunology, UBC

Dr. Kathy Bockhold

Biology
Office: C Building 224
Campus: Kelowna
Phone: 250-762-5445 ext. 4542
Biology - Kathy Bockhold

After completing a BSc and MSc at UBC it was time to try something new and get out of the rain. I enjoyed just a year in Montreal before having an opportunity to finish my PhD at the Pasteur Institut and a post-doc in London. They were fantastic experiences, academically and culturally. Since then I have worked at the Terry Fox Labs and in Ottawa for Ron Worton but I have to say living and working in the Okanagan is special. I love the weather, culture and it suits my hobbies (horseback riding, hiking, biking, snowshoeing and cross country skiing). At OC I teach first year, specializing in Anatomy & Physiology, and second year Microbiology and Pathophysiology.

Credentials:
PhD, Anatomy, Pasteur Institute/McGill University

Bruce Campbell

Biology
Office: C Building 290A
Campus: Kelowna
Phone: 250-762-5445 ext. 4784
Campbell, Bruce (Donald)

Credentials:
MSc, Forest Biology and Management, University of Alberta
BSc, Biology, UBC

Sharon Mansiere

Biology
Office: Ashnola Building 106
Campus: Penticton
Phone: 250-490-3955 ext. 3234

Dr. Michael Mitsch

Biology
Office: Main Building D338
Campus: Vernon
Phone: 250-832-2126 ext. 8217
Biology Instructor Mike Mitsch

My graduate research was on the genetics, gene expression and biochemistry of Rhizobium sp. as it pertains to symbiotic nitrogen fixation. As a post-doctoral research fellow with Agriculture Canada my project concerned microbial nitrogen cycling in agricultural soils and biocontrol. At Okanagan College, my research involved greenhouse crop production under extreme environmental conditions. I teach first year biology and anatomy and physiology courses and second year courses primarily in genetics, microbiology, and molecular biology.

Credentials:
PhD, McMaster University
MSc, Biology, University of Calgary
BSc, Celluar, Molecular and Microbial Biology, University of Calgary

Google Scholar profile

Erin Radomske

Biology
Office: C Building 215
Campus: Kelowna
Phone: 250-762-5445 ext. 4485
Biology Instructor Erin Radomske

I primarily teach the biology courses for the Water Engineering Technology program (Environmental Biology, Water and Wastewater Microbiology, Freshwater Plants and Animals, and Limnological Methods). My BSc was in Freshwater Science from the former Okanagan University College and my MSc focused on bacterioplankton and phytoplankton in lakes. I recently completed a post-graduate diploma in Sanitary Engineering from IHE Delft. Also, I can change from high heels to hip waders in under a minute!

Credentials:
MSc, Environmental Science, UNBC
Post-Graduate Diploma, Sanitary Engineering, IHE Delft Institute for Water Education
BSc, Freshwater Science, OUC

Sandra Rosenberg

Biology
Office: Centre of Excellence 236
Campus: Penticton
Phone: 250-492-4305 ext. 3229

During my undergrad, I was fortunate to work in multiple research labs that provided both field and lab experience. My MSc involved studying chironomids and pollen in lake sediments as predictors of palaeoenvironmental conditions. Following my MSc, I taught invertebrate biology and population ecology labs at Langara College, where my academic interests expanded to include human biology. At OC, I specialize in teaching Anatomy & Physiology and Limnology. I love sharing my passion and enthusiasm for the living world with students. Outside of work, I can be found spending my summers in the lake or photographing something beautiful in nature.

Credentials:
MSc, Biological Sciences, SFU
BSc, General Science, OUC

Stacey Sakakibara

Biology
Office: Main Building D358
Campus: Vernon
Phone: 250-762-5445 ext. 4301
Biology Instructor Stacey Sakakibara

 

I am proud to be a former Okanagan College student, and feel extremely fortunate to be working and teaching in the same environment that provided me with such a strong start in science. In research, I have used DNA to identify plants, forest fungi and wine yeasts, and spent some time characterizing protein markers for brain tumours. At OC I teach Biochemistry, Genetics, Cell Biology and Microbiology; a collection of courses which provide endless opportunities for me to learn about new discoveries in biology along with my students.

Credentials:
MSc, Genetics, UBC

Bryson Sjodin

Portfolio Dean's Office - P3(S/T/H)
Office:
Campus:
Phone: -

Dr. Fawn Turner

Biology
Office: Portable 1 100
Campus: Kelowna
Phone: 250-762-5445 ext. 6489
Turner, Fawn

Recipient of OC’s 2023-24 Instructional Excellence Award. In my classrooms, I embrace a relationship-based pedagogy of mutual respect and care for where my students are in their journeys through academia and life.  I enjoy supporting students to effectively learn within my classrooms, as well as serving as a resource for them in broader capacities at OC, including on the Positive Spaces Committee, the Sexual Violence and Misconduct Prevention Committee, and as an EDISJ Ambassador. 

Credentials:
Ph.D., Plant Sciences in Agriculture, University of Guelph
M.Sc., Plant Sciences in Agriculture, University of Guelph
B.Sc., Biology

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Nusrat Urmi

Biology
Office: C Building 239
Campus: Kelowna
Phone: 250-762-5445 ext. 4756
Biology Instructor Nusrat Urmi

I teach Human Anatomy and Physiology along with other first-year biology courses at Okanagan College. I completed my MSc in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from UBCO. I have another Master's degree in Microbiology from the University of Dhaka, Bangladesh. My research interests focus on the virulence of water pathogens. I have the experience of working with Cryptosporidium and Vibrio parahaemolyticus. Teaching is my passion and I taught Microbiology at Stamford University Bangladesh for 6 years before joining OC.

Credentials:
MSc, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, UBCO
MSc, Microbiology, University of Dhaka
BSc, Microbiology, University of Dhaka

Joel Urquhart

Biology
Office: Main Building D326
Campus: Vernon
Phone: 250-762-5445 ext. 2276
Urqhart, Joel

 

I have been teaching biology courses at OC since 2010. Prior to that I taught at universities in both BC and overseas. Despite a background in biochemistry I particularly enjoy teaching vertebrate biology and human anatomy and physiology. I love my job. Carpe diem; I believe in living life to the fullest as tomorrow is never guaranteed. I have enjoyed a plethora of different jobs and have travelled extensively. Ask me about my adventures crossing the Pacific Ocean in a 39’ sail boat, living in the Middle East and Papua New Guinea, hitchhiking 2500 km, or surfing waves in Tonga.

Credentials:
MBA, UMASS
MSc, Chemistry (Biochemistry), UNBC
BSc, Biology/Chemistry, UNBC

Dr. Bryan White

Biology
Office: Salmon Arm Building 117
Campus: Salmon Arm
Phone: 250-832-2126 ext. 2364
Biology Instructor Bryan White

My PhD (Memorial University) and post-doc (Texas A&M University) focused on the signals regulating muscle contraction, placental/vascular development, and labour. At OC I have focused on biology course/lab development, as well as continued collaboration with colleagues from prior institutions. My education instilled in me a love of anatomy/physiology, and of teaching biology in general, that drives my current work at the college. My teaching focus is primarily anatomy and physiology and first year courses for science and arts students, which gives me the opportunity to shape the minds of students; hopefully sparking a love of science in them as well.

Credentials:
PhD, Medicine, Memorial University
MEd, Post-secondary Education, Memorial University
BSc, Biochemistry, Memorial University

https://scholar.google.ca/citations?user=Xpj-BtgAAAAJ&hl=en

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