November 27 2023 | DIGEST NO. 374
Support BPK's Giving Back Initiative!
The SFU Food Pantry plays a crucial role in assisting SFU students experiencing food insecurity by providing emergency food and hygiene supplies.
Your contribution holds immense value, especially during this festive season – an opportune time to give back and create a meaningful impact.
Donating cash? Feel free to drop off your cash donations at the BPK General Office, K9625, Monday to Friday, from 9 AM to 4 PM.
Donating Food? Drop by the Food Pantry on Wednesdays (except statutory holidays) from 12:30 PM to 3:00 PM at 8888, Maggie Benston Student Service Centre, University Dr W, Burnaby.
Here's a list of high-demand food items:
- Milk alternative tetra packs
- Pasta, instant noodles, tomato sauce, and paste
- Healthy snack items: granola/protein bars, popcorn, high-quality sweet and salty snacks, portable cheese
- Peanut butter
- Cooking oil, coconut oil, butter
- Eggs, tofu, meat (Halal)
- Chickpeas
- Instant coffee
- Any fresh fruits and vegetables
Your generosity will make a significant difference in supporting our community. Thank you for being a part of BPK's commitment to making a positive impact in the lives of SFU students.
Explore the Future of Medical Education
Please join the Fall 2023 Semester in Dialogue cohort for what is expected to be a lively conversation. Come tell us about your vision for the future of socially responsible medical education, and help us consider the ways we could implement guiding principles like:
- Collaborate with community and health system organizations to develop partnerships that deliver equitable, compassionate and holistic approaches to medical education and patient care.
- Embed and equalize First Nations, Inuit and Metis knowledge systems within curriculum, pedagogy, research and practices.
Event Details:
- 📅 Date: November 27th, 2023
- 🕒 Time: 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm
- 🏛️ Location: SFU Harbour Centre, 515 W Hastings St, Joseph and Rosalie Segal conference room, main floor.
Frosty Fiesta: Skate Night
The BPK Student Association, in collaboration with the MINDmatters Committee and Exercise is Medicine Club, is thrilled to announce an upcoming event that promises to be the highlight of your semester! Join us for an unforgettable night of stress-free fun and camaraderie before diving into the intensity of finals. Glide away your worries and create lasting memories!
Event Details:
📆 Monday, November 27th, from 6:00-8:00 PM
📍 Burnaby Lake Arena, 3676 Kensington Ave, Burnaby, BC
All you need to bring is your SFU ID/Student ID – the rest is covered! Skate rentals and admission costs are on us. Plus, to make your experience even more delightful, we'll be providing hot cocoa and snacks. It's an evening designed for you to unwind, have fun, and forge connections!
BPK Coffee and Conversations
The BPK MINDmatters committee is hosting Coffee and Conversations every Thursday at 11 am. Come by the BPK Lounge for FREE hot coffee, tea, snacks, and good company to start the day off on a positive note. All SFU BPK faculty, staff, and students are welcome to attend. While we will be providing disposable hot drink cups, we recommend that you bring your own mug or tumbler. Hope to see you there!
Sci-Space & SLC Workshops
Embark on a transformative learning journey with Sci-Space & Student Learning Commons Workshops. Explore the convergence of science and academic excellence in these dynamic sessions designed to amplify your knowledge and skills. Join the experience that goes beyond the ordinary, presented by Sci-Space & Student Learning Commons
🚨 SFU Student Alert: Watch Out for Fake Tutors! 🚨
Concerns have been raised about companies posing as tutors, potentially jeopardizing academic integrity. It's essential to be mindful of potential risks:
- Stay Vigilant: Some companies, posing as tutors, might request your credentials or promise specific grades.
- Unauthorized Postings: Companies displaying posters on unmonitored notice boards may not be endorsed by SFU.
SFU does not permit advertising by tutoring companies claiming to guarantee academic support or to supply examination aids. Any activity or advertising that promotes academic dishonesty is not permitted. Students should never share their password with anyone. Tutoring companies are prohibited from hosting any commercial activity in the SFU library, classrooms and laboratories.
BPK 343, BPK 455 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 445 – Advanced Cardiac Rehabilitation
- 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
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.
Physics 347: Dive into Biological Physics!
Embark on a captivating journey at the intersection of physics and biology with Physics 347: Introduction to Biological Physics in Spring 2024.
📚 Key Points:
- Prerequisites: Minimal requirements (45 units, including first-year Physics, Math, and Chemistry; BISC 101 recommended but not required).
- Format: Engage in practical problem-solving with a diverse group of students.
- Tutorials: Benefit from supervised group problem-solving sessions.
📆 Biennial Offering: Don't miss this opportunity—Physics 347 is offered biennially, with the next session in Spring 2026.
🔗 Course Details: View the outline here.
New Course Alert: MATH 292 - Intro to Mathematical Proofs!
Gear up for Spring 2024 with our latest addition—MATH 292, taught by Dr. Joanna Niezen. This 200-level course, designed to prep you for MACM 201 and MATH 242, requires only Calculus I as a prerequisite.
Details:
- When: M-W-F, 9:30-10:20 AM, with a tutorial component.
- Bonus: MATH 292 now serves as a prerequisite substitute for MACM 101, applicable to MACM 201, MATH 232, and MATH 240.
Got questions? Reach out to Dr. Joanna Niezen at jniezen@sfu.ca.
Don't miss out—enroll in MATH 292 for a solid foundation in mathematical proofs! 🌐🔍
📣 APRU Health Research Ethics Mini Certificate 2024
Join the sought-after virtual training by APRU. Given last year's overwhelming demand, this free 10-hour training returns in 2024. Act quickly to secure your spot!
📅 Dates: Feb 16, Feb 23, March 1 at 9am-11am Manila/HK time OR Feb 15, 22, 29 at 5pm-7pm Pacific Time
Experience: ✨ Talks by bioethics experts ✨ Real-world case study discussions ✨ Global peer interactions ✨ 4 hours of self-paced work
Earn the certificate by completing website tasks and attending all live sessions. Hosted by the APRU Global Health Program’s Working Group on Bioethics.
🔗 More details & register: APRU Mini Certificate - Feb 2024
Personal Trainer Certification Programs 2023
Here are the best personal trainer certification programs of 2023 according to experts. If you are passionate about fitness and want to help other reach their health goals, you may considering a career as a personal trainer.
Click here and learn more about these programs.
BCIT Environmental Public Health program
The BCIT Environmental Public Health program trains students to become health inspectors and environmental health professionals. Through legislation, education, and promotion, BCIT graduates work with people in almost every industry to safeguard public health. Our students gain current, practical experience to become certified and start working as soon as they graduate.
About the Program:
- Two year, full-time Bachelor of Environmental Public Health program
- Small class sizes provide individual support
- Lectures, field trips, and research deliver a solid theory-based education
- A three-month practical experience at a BC health agency offers direct field experience
This program is for individuals who:
- Like working with teams to problem solve and manage conflict in a public health setting
- Enjoy a flexible work environment that changes daily
- Are interested in building strong communication skills
- Have two or more years of post-secondary education
The need for environmental health is everywhere. From law enforcement, consulting, and legislation, to government and quality assurance, public health jobs are critical to keeping people safe.
Supine-to-stand versus Supine-to-Lower Body Negative Pressure (LBNP), Cardiovascular/Musculoskeletal Baroreflex Responses (#30001262)
We are looking for healthy, able-bodied participants aged 19-35 years to come to the Aerospace Physiology Laboratory (APL) to undergo supine-to-stand and supine-to-lower body negative pressure (LBNP) testing protocols.
Your participation in this study will involve…
- 1 lab visit (no longer than 1 hour) at SFU’s APL where you will be lying on your back and standing on a force platform.
- 1 lab visit (no longer than 1 hour) at SFU’s APL where you will be lying on your back inside a LBNP chamber from below the hips.
Both visits will be measuring heart rate, blood pressure, and muscle activity.
Your contribution helps us improve our understanding if LBNP accurately mimics heart and muscle responses that are seen with quiet standing after laying down.
For more information, please contact APL via email or telephone:
Email: LBNP2022Study@gmail.com
Telephone: 778-255-3904
Join the 2024 BPK Research Day Committee!
Gear up for the BPK Research Day in April 2024 by joining the planning committee! We're looking for 10 enthusiastic graduate or undergraduate students to take on roles such as secretary, event organizers, and communications coordinator.
Key Details:
- Initial meeting in December to decide on the event's location and date.
- Single-semester commitment with bi-weekly/weekly meetings leading up to the event in March-April.
- Enhance your Graduate Fellowship and external scholarship applications.
- Recognition on your SFU co-curricular record.
How to Get Involved: Fill out this poll by December 7th to indicate your availability for the meeting on December 11th, 12th, or 13th. Stay tuned for the meeting date/time announcement on December 9th.
Be a part of the BPK Research Day's success—join the committee now! 🌟🔍
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.
📅 When: Thursdays, 2-5 pm
📍 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.
📩 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.
The Connection Between Needle Pain and Fainting: Insights from an SFU Study
SFU researchers have discovered that needle pain might escalate the chances of fainting. Their findings, published in the Clinical Autonomic Research journal, reveal that 16% of adults opt out of flu shots due to a fear of needles or blood. Victoria Claydon, an SFU Professor, emphasizes, "By diminishing needle pain, we can alleviate fears and better manage blood pressure." The study underscores the importance of using topical anesthetics before needle procedures to reduce the risk of fainting.
Get to Know BPK’s New Chair
About Dr. Peter Ruben: He became interested in ion channel biophysics while studying learning in a marine invertebrate, a sea slug called Aplysia californica, for his PhD project at the University of Calgary. He went from Calgary to Stanford University’s marine biology lab in Pacific Grove, California, where he continued to work with marine invertebrates as a model system for ion channel biophysics. After 4 years at Stanford, Peter moved to the University of Hawaii where he spent 10 years studying ion channels in crabs and crayfish. In 1995, he moved to Utah State University where he shifted his research focus to study the biophysics of inheritable diseases caused by mutations in voltage-gated sodium channels. Peter came to SFU in 2006 to be Chair of BPK and continued his research on sodium channels. After 5 exciting years as Chair, he served as Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Studies in the Faculty of Science for 6 years. In 2018, Peter went back to research and teaching for 5 years before agreeing to be Chair of BPK for a short term of 14 months. Peter’s life is not all about work. Living in all those beautiful places, he has found ways to keep physically active: climbing and skiing in Alberta, rock climbing in California, surfing in Hawaii, climbing and skiing in Utah, and all of those activities in British Columbia. Peter enjoys spending time with his family, particularly on ski holidays.
From Classroom to Clinic: Gaining Practical Experience in Kinesiology
OLC Stories
"Some examples from my current co-op position include understanding how the role of the practitioner fits into a patient’s treatment plan, the importance of health insurance in patient care, and learning about different types of business models in private practice."
Featuring Elena Selles, BPK student
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.