Lab helps student dissect questions
Two OCCC science students use the science lab's microscopes. The lab is available for students who need tutoring or hands-on experience with lab tools. Photo by Carrie Cronk
For students who need help understanding chemistry equations, the proper way to dissect a sheep eye or how to prepare for an upcoming science test, the Science Center is the place to go.
Located in 1C2 of the Main Building, the center helps students work on assignments, whether it is a group or individual lab, and helps students with studying.
“We allow 30 students for an independent lab, and 10 to 12 students for a group lab,” biology lab Supervisor Virginia Hovda said.
The lab is open from 9 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Friday and Saturday.
“Probably, on any given day, there are 100 to 150 students using the lab,” physical science lab Supervisor B.J. Higgins said.
In order to use the center, a student must have a valid I.D. card and pass the required lab safety exam, which takes approximately five to ten minutes to complete, Hovda said. An instructor covers the rules either through PowerPoint or in a one-on-one lecture.
“The students can then take the exam in the Testing Center,” Higgins said.
The physical science side of the lab includes chemicals and equipment for measurements, Higgins said. The biology side uses many kinds of animals, depending on the class.
“We mainly use preserved specimens for dissection,” Hovda said. “The animals were raised for that purpose. It depends on the class for what animals are used.”
Hovda said some of the specimens used include sea stars, fetal pigs, sheep brain, perch and cats.
Higgins said there haven’t been any injuries this semester.
“We usually have one or two a semester, maybe a cut finger or an acid spill on a hand, nothing serious,” she said. “We haven’t had anything serious that I know of, in close to eight years.”
The Robert P. Todd Science, Engineering and Math Center, which is currently being built on the second floor of the science area, will house the labs once it is completed.
“[The new labs] should be fully functional by July 1. They will have more availability for students,” Hovda said. “It will have the same hours as the lab we have now.”
