December 02 2024 | DIGEST NO. 425
🍄Fungi Festival 🍄
🍄🍄 You’re invited to attend the first ever Fungi Festival hosted by BISC 328 – where the students will organize a diversity of interactive displays to get you interested and excited about Fungi. Everyone is welcome, so please share widely! 🍄🍄
Displays this year will include fungi crochet, a mushroom murder mystery, interactive art, mushroom dyes and textiles, medicinal and psychedelic fungi, and much more! You will also be able to vote on the best student displays!
What: Fungi Festival
When: Mon Dec 2, 10:30-12:30 am
Where: AQ South Hallway, by entrance to Biology
Who: Open to everyone! Please share widely!
Why: Explore the amazing fungal displays prepared by the students of Fungal Biology BISC 328
BPK Walk and Talk !
November 19th- 12:30 PM
Note- No need to sign up- Meet in the BPK lounge. Secure storage can be provided for your things !
Important Scheduling Update for Spring 2025
MBB 201 (D100): will now run on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 14:30–15:20 in SWH 10081.
Please note, both BPK 205 and MBB 201 will not be running next summer, so please take these courses this spring if necessary for you to progress in your major courses in the Fall 2025 term.
BPK 343 and BPK 482 Enrolment Information
SFU is required by law to ensure that every student registered in a practicum that involves working with children or vulnerable adults undergoes a CRRA Criminal Record Check. The University must submit consent forms with payment to the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General. SFU is prohibited by law to permit students to work with children or vulnerable adults without a CRRA Criminal Record Check. List of BPK Courses requiring a CRRA Criminal Record Check is as follows:
- BPK 343 – Active Health: Assessment & Programming
- BPK 482 - Ergonomics and Rehabilitation
The Criminal Record Check is coded as a prerequisite for the above courses and cannot be waived by law.
Please refer to the process for Criminal Records Check on SFU Student Service website here: https://www.sfu.ca/students/criminalrecords.html
By law, SFU cannot accept CRC's done through other agencies including the RCMP. Students with criminal record checks conducted through agencies other than the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General are still expected to fulfill this requirement. Further, the process for a Criminal Record Check must be undertaken by SFU only.
Since the document is valid for 5 years, it would be a good idea to get it done far in advance of your enrollment for any of the listed courses as the processing time can vary.
BPK 343 and BPK 482 Enrolment Information
SFU is required by law to ensure that every student registered in a practicum that involves working with children or vulnerable adults undergoes a CRRA Criminal Record Check. The University must submit consent forms with payment to the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General. SFU is prohibited by law to permit students to work with children or vulnerable adults without a CRRA Criminal Record Check. List of BPK Courses requiring a CRRA Criminal Record Check is as follows:
- BPK 343 – Active Health: Assessment & Programming
- BPK 482 - Ergonomics and Rehabilitation
The Criminal Record Check is coded as a prerequisite for the above courses and cannot be waived by law.
Please refer to the process for Criminal Records Check on SFU Student Service website here: https://www.sfu.ca/students/criminalrecords.html
By law, SFU cannot accept CRC's done through other agencies including the RCMP. Students with criminal record checks conducted through agencies other than the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General are still expected to fulfill this requirement. Further, the process for a Criminal Record Check must be undertaken by SFU only.
Since the document is valid for 5 years, it would be a good idea to get it done far in advance of your enrollment for any of the listed courses as the processing time can vary.
BPK 412 Fall 2024 Course Cancellation
The BPK 412 course for Fall 2024 has been cancelled due to unforeseen health circumstances. This may impact academic plans, and apologies are extended for any inconvenience caused.
Fall 2024 Graduation Update for Biomedical Physiology Majors
Are you a Biomedical Physiology major anticipating graduation after the Fall 2024 term but you need BPK 407?
If you require BPK 407 to fulfill your degree requirements, please note that it will not be offered this Fall 2024. However, we're pleased to announce that Biomedical Physiology majors in their final term will have the option to enroll in BPK 409 as a substitute for BPK 407.
Please note: if you choose to take BPK 409 in place of BPK 407, it cannot also count as an upper-division BPK elective, as this would result in double counting units. Thank you for your attention to this important information.
This course brings together core chemical concepts to provide a broad perspective on the place of chemistry in modern society. Students will gain an appreciation of how external factors, such as government regulations, the economics of large-scale manufacturing, and supply chains impact the chemical industry. Conversely, we will explore the impact of chemical production on human health and the environment, and the prospects for a chemical industry that is safer and more sustainable.
Prerequisite: CHEM 282 (or 283) with a minimum grade of C-.
Note: If you have any questions about your prerequisites, email the Chemistry undergraduate advisor at chemadv@sfu.ca with your name and student number.
New Course Alert:LING 380-1- Practical Skills in Linguistics
The Department of Linguistics is pleased to announce a new 1 credit upper division course open to all students. There are no prerequisites!
LING 380-1: Practical Skills in Linguistics. Spring 2025 topic: Python for Text Analysis.
In-person on Wednesdays, 1:30–2:20 p.m., Burnaby campus
Course outline: https://www.sfu.ca/outlines.html?2025/spring/ling/380/d100
BISC is offering two upper-division B-Sci courses this Spring: BISC 371 and BISC 373.
a) BISC 371: Crucial Discoveries in Biology
Mode of Instruction: Online with synchronous meetings.
Instructor: Dr. E. Pallson
Course Details: Biology impacts our lives every day. This course will highlight significant discoveries that have fundamentally changed scientific thinking in various biological fields, and you will learn how the scientific method led to acceptance of these ideas. We will discuss basic cell and developmental processes that are responsible for the diversity of unicellular and multicellular organisms. You will learn how key discoveries in genetic inheritance and molecular biology have paved the way for the technological breakthroughs like gene sequencing and editing that are currently used in all aspects of biological science. Technological advances include the use of modeling and statistics that enable studies of relationships in developmental biology, evolution and ecology. We will discuss the discoveries in evolution and adaption that fundamentally changed our understanding of speciation and the creation of biological diversity, as well as key ideas in ecology that influence our efforts on conservation, global warming and pollution. You will also learn how studies in basic biological science have led to medical breakthroughs such as in neurobiology, microbiology and the use of antibiotics, and cancer research.
This course is an online course with synchronous in-person exams.
Mode of Instruction: In-person. Lecture time: TBA (we are currently looking for a larger room to accommodate 60 students).
Instructor: Dr. Z. Punja
Course Details: This course will provide students with a broad understanding of the science of brewing. As an introduction, the history of brewing and its impact on society and discovery of the brewing process will be discussed. This will be followed by a review of the brewing ingredients, the processes that are involved, and the various inputs required. The process of malting and fermentation will be discussed in detail. The by-products of the brewing process and their uses will be presented. Aspects of plant biology and cultivation, biochemistry, and yeast microbiology as it relates to the brewing process will be presented.
There will be several guest lectures on the selection of high-quality ingredients, packaging, marketing and management of products derived from the brewing process.
This course includes hands-on activities in class.
Funding Opportunity: Fall 2025 Exchange at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU)
Apply for the Erasmus+ funding opportunity, which supports SFU exchange students to study at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU), and participate in one of their Faculty of Medicine VU minor programs in Fall 2025!
The funding package includes:
- 820 EUR for travel
- A living allowance of around 3,060 EUR while on exchange
Please note that the amounts are subject to change, and living allowance is dependent on duration of the program.
To be eligible, students must:
- Apply for the exchange program by January 10th, 2025, and be nominated for one of the Fall 2025 semester Faculty of Medicine VU minor programs.
- Meet the general exchange eligibility criteria.
- Complete 45 SFU units/90 ECTS prior to the exchange term may be eligible
Contact studyabroad@sfu.ca for more details.
Pathy Foundation Fellowship
The Pathy Foundation Fellowship is a 12-month experiential-learning program in youth leadership and community engagement. Each year, up to 12 selected Fellows receive state-of-the-art training, extensive support, and $50,000 in funding to support their growth as leaders, make a meaningful impact in a community they care about, and acquire skills that will benefit them for a lifetime.
This is the only program in Canada that provides young people with a fully-funded opportunity to dedicate a year of their early career to a project they are passionate about, in any field, sector, and community across the world.
Applications are open until December 15th, 2024! Learn more and start your application at www.pathyfellowship.com!
RECURRING DROP-IN EVENTS
Drop-in Career Chats: Wednesdays (biweekly), 12:30pm - 1:30pm
Drop-in Colouring & Crafts Party: Mondays (biweekly), 12:00pm - 3:00pm
Sci-Space Weekly Study Hall: Wednesdays, 4:00pm - 7pm
Dinos in the AQ: Fridays (see schedule), 11:00am - 1:30pm
International Student Support Fall 2024
Drop-in Support Services at the GSC:
International Student Experience Support - drop-in one-stop space for international students to ask any non-academic questions and life at SFU
Academic Writing Support - in collaboration with Student Learning Commons, this drop-in service is to offer support and guidance with academic writing
Career and Job Search Support - in collaboration with Career and Volunteer Services, a Career Education Specialist is available to give personalized advice on career, job search, and more
Mental Health and Wellbeing Support - in collaboration with Health and Counselling Services, a Transition Case Manager will be available to provide one-on-one support
Research Participants Recruitment
Graduate students and volunteers
Currently hiring Master's students to start around September 2025.
​Accepting volunteers anytime!
​Working with us will expose you to a range of disciplines including physiology, psychology, epidemiology, and healthcare quality improvement. You can focus on one of our research areas or be involved in all areas, whatever feels right for you.
Are you over 19 and interested in contributing to the advancement of medical science? We're excited to announce a unique opportunity for individuals to participate in groundbreaking vaccine research! Your involvement helps in understanding the efficacy and safety of vaccines and paves the way for future healthcare innovations.
We offer compensation for your participation, including reimbursement for travel expenses, ensuring that your commitment is recognized and rewarded.
If you're ready to make a difference and join this important research, please reach out for more information on how to get involved. Together, we can contribute to a healthier tomorrow!
https://richmondclinicaltrials.com/current-studies/vaccine-study-2024/
Join Flavourful Science: Igniting Curiosity Through STEAM Education!
We have roughly 12 positions available for our Diversifying STEAM Program (taking place in the Surrey School District and at SFU Surrey’s Sustainable Engineering Building). This program engages elementary aged students who come from demographics that have been traditionally under-represented in STEM. The positions are for the Winter term (Jan - Mar) and/or Spring term (Apr - July) with the possibility of extension. Please see the job descriptions and application link below (note hiring will occur on a rolling basis, so applicants are encouraged to apply early):
Coursys Application (there is one form for all positions available)
Volunteer with SportAbility: Make a Difference in the Lives of Athletes
SportAbility BC is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting adapted sports and physical activity for individuals with disabilities. We are the provincial sport organization for para (sledge) hockey, Boccia, powerchair soccer and para soccer. We are seeking passionate and dedicated individuals to volunteer their time and skills to support our programs and events.
Volunteer opportunities include: coaching, refereeing, scorekeeping, recreational program leads and event planning! All opportunities are flexible and give volunteers an opportunity to work hands on with para athletes.
Volunteering with SportAbility is a rewarding experience that allows you to:
- · Make a positive impact on the lives of athletes with disabilities.
- · Develop valuable skills such as leadership, communication, and teamwork.
- · Connect with a supportive community of like-minded individuals.
If you are interested in volunteering please feel free to reach out to sportdevelopment@sportabilitybc.ca or fill out a volunteer application here.
BC Wheelchair Sports Assocaitaion : Volunteers needed !
We're looking for awesome volunteers to help out at our Indooor Wheelchair Athletics Programs in Richmond and Coquitlam
The Canadian Red Cross (CRC) is looking for more volunteers for their HELP (health equipment loan program) team!
Do you want to gain health-care experience, work with other like-minded students and also make a big impact in your community? - If so, the Canadian Red Cross HELP team is the place for you. As a volunteer, you will communicate with healthcare professionals (OT, PT, Doctors etc.) to help get medical equipment to those who cannot afford to buy it, or simply just want to borrow it after things like injuries and surgeries. Scheduling has lots of flexibility, as the CRC recognizes how important education commitments are. Locations include but are not limited to Burnaby and Surrey. There is currently no fixed deadline to apply.
Learn more about the HELP team at REDCROSS.CA or contact Simran (simran.virk@redcross.ca; 236-339-0224).
Coaches & Volunteers Opportunities!
- Program will run once a month for 6 months
- 4-8 hours a month, working in groups
- Training provided virtually
- No prior experience needed
- Opportunities perfect for anyone interested in Kinesiology, Occupational Therapy, Physio Therapy, Speach Therapy and Therapeutic Rectreation
- Prior coaching with kids an asset
Contact for question or to sign up: program@bccerebralpalsy.com
More infomation can visit here.
Fraser Health Crisis Line Recruiting Volunteer!
Are you looking for a volunteer opportunity? Why not start now!
The Fraser Health Crisis Line is recruiting volunteers to provide assistance to people in the region who are experiencing emotional distress. No previous experience is needed as extensive training and ongoing support is provided. If you are interested in learning more about this challenging and rewarding opportunity, the first step is to review the information on our website and then attend a Zoom Information Session. Please go to www.options.bc.ca and click on Get Involved -> I Want to Volunteer -> Crisis Line. Here you will find the dates and Zoom links for the up-coming sessions.
Many volunteers report that their Crisis Line experience was significant in helping them reach their educational and/or career goals, including acceptance into Graduate Programs, Policing, Medical School, E-Comm 911, Social Work, Mental Health and related fields. Volunteers also tell us that they find the Crisis Line to be a rewarding and fulfilling experience, as they are truly making a difference.
Join MINDmatters!
We are excited to welcome everyone who wants to contribute to our BPK culture and support mental wellness among our students, faculty, and staff. At MINDmatters, we are dedicated to creating a supportive environment through engagement and community building. We meet a few times each semester to take proactive steps in promoting mental wellness within BPK. Remember, wellness is more than just physical health—it’s about the full integration of physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. Interested in joining? Please contact aarnolda@sfu.ca or dbedoya@sfu.ca for more info.
Join Flavourful Science: Igniting Curiosity Through STEAM Education!
Flavourful Science, a non-profit organization, brings excitement to STEAM topics through food-based experiments. Our Vancouver School Program (VSP) has reached 900+ elementary students across 15 schools, with rave reviews from teachers.
New Initiative Alert: SFU students will lead workshops for elementary students in Burnaby. Volunteer with us to inspire the next generation!
Get Involved: Contact mosesj@sfu.ca for details
Website: http://flavourfulscience.ca/
Instagram: @flavourful_science
Volunteer Opportunity at UBC Sports Law
Dr. Mark Moore, renowned Sports Law Professor at UBC, is on the lookout for a volunteer classroom assistant. Dive into the world of sports and law alongside an expert.
đź“… When: Thursdays, 2-5 pm
đź“Ť Where: Allard Hall, UBC
You'll assist with guest interviews, multimedia clips, student presentations, and engaging negotiation exercises. Familiarity with Zoom, Canvas, and Excel is desired. Position opened until filled.
A bit about Dr. Moore: A former pro hockey player, co-owner of Nike Sports Camps, and author. Past classes featured legends like Ken Dryden and Charles Tator OC.
đź“© Interested? Drop an email to Dr. Mark Moore: moore@allard.ubc.ca
Fraser Health Crisis Line Volunteer Opportunity
Are you looking for a volunteer opportunity? Why not start now!
The Fraser Health Crisis Line is recruiting volunteers to provide assistance to people in the region who are experiencing emotional distress. No previous experience is needed as extensive training and ongoing support is provided. If you are interested in learning more about this challenging and rewarding opportunity,the first step is to review the information on our website and then attend a Zoom Information Session. Please go to www.options.bc.ca and click on Get Involved -> I Want to Volunteer -> Crisis Line. Here you will find the dates and Zoom links for the up-coming sessions.
Many volunteers report that their Crisis Line experience was significant in helping them reach their educational and/or career goals, including acceptance into Graduate Programs, Policing, Medical School, E-Comm 911, Social Work, Mental Health and related fields. Volunteers also tell us that they find the Crisis Line to be a rewarding and fulfilling experience, as they are truly making a difference.
INDG 410-4-Elements of Indigenous Style: Indigenous Editing Practices.
An introduction to diverse Indigenous storytelling practices and protocols, combined with basic editorial principles, this course examines editorial decision-making and how Indigenous peoples' histories, ways of being, worldviews, and life experiences play into these decisions.
For those interested, the Department will grant a requisite waiver if needed, please email indg_adv@sfu.ca to request a waiver.
FREN 106-SPECIAL TOPICS COURSE - Introduction to French Comics in Translation
Offered in English on Tuesday afternoons from 2:30 to 5:20 in RCB 6125,
Expose students to a variety of examples from a long-established tradition of comics in French while inviting critical engagement with themes and representation within this tradition. Taught in English. No prior knowledge of French, Franco-Belgian comics, or comics studies is required or assumed. Selected texts are all in English translation. |
Get to Know BPK’s New Chair
About Dr. Steve Robinovitch: Steve grew up in Winnipeg and moved to Vancouver in 1986 to complete his undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering at UBC. Unsure of his career path after graduation, Steve was fortunate to secure a summer job in a research lab at GF Strong Rehabilitation Centre, where he was first introduced to the field of biomechanics. Driven by his newfound passion for research, Steve spent the next decade in the US, earning his Master’s and PhD degrees at MIT and subsequently serving as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Orthopaedics at the University of California, San Francisco. In 2000, Steve returned to the Lower Mainland and joined SFU as a faculty member in BPK. His research centers on injury biomechanics, including falls and fall-related injuries in older adults, as well as traumatic brain injuries in sports. Outside of research, Steve enjoys skiing, mountain biking, hiking, traveling, and spending time with his family. He is grateful to live and work in such a beautiful setting and feels a profound connection to both the Lower Mainland and SFU as an institution for higher learning.
DISCLAIMER: The Department of BPK is forwarding these opportunities as we receive them, however we strongly encourage you to research and obtain information regarding the reputation of organizations, the terms and conditions of employment or service, as well as to understand your rights and responsibilities. The Department does not endorse any specific individuals, organizations, products, programs or services. If you see any suspicious postings or hiring practices, please notify us immediately at bpk_engage@sfu.ca.