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October 23 2023 | DIGEST NO. 369

UPCOMING EVENTS

Upcoming WCVM Online Presentations for Aspiring Vets!

Considering veterinary medicine? The Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) is rolling out a series of Zoom presentations for you:

  • General Admissions: Oct 26, 6:30 pm CST. Presented by WCVM Admissions. Register Here

  • BC/Northern Territories Panel: Nov 2, 6:00 pm PDT/7:00 pm CST. Insights from WCVM students & alumni from BC/northern territories. Register Here

  • Saskatchewan Panel: Nov 6, 6:00 pm CST. Presented by WCVM students from Saskatchewan. Register Here

  • Manitoba Panel: Nov 7, 6:00 pm CST. Insights from WCVM students & alumni from Manitoba. Register Here

Admissions Updates:

  • For Fall 2024: All applicants need to complete the Casper test.
  • For Fall 2025: Changes in prerequisites and policy.

More details on the WCVM admissions website.

Life Sciences Exhibition

Biotech Connect invites you to its Life Sciences Exhibition!

 đź“… When?  Tuesday, October 24, 2023 11:00am to 1:00pm           đź“Ť   Where?  SSB 7172

Visit to explore the latest lab innovations, chat with our sales experts, enjoy some coffee & sandwiches, and stand a chance to snag a $25 gift card (just register to win)!

REGISTER NOW

Sci-Space and The Student Learning Commons Present: Excelling in Quantitative Exams

Do you have an upcoming MATH, PHYS, CHEM, or other quantitative problem-solving exam? Join this session led by a physics university lecturer, Dr. Sarah Johnson, and a learning specialist, Ruth Silverman.

Learn essential strategies to tackle unexpected problems, boost your exam writing skills, and manage your nerves.

LEARN MORE

UBC's MPT Virtual Info Sessions: Mark Your Calendar!

Considering a career in physical therapy? UBC’s Master of Physical Therapy (MPT) program is hosting several info sessions:

Stay updated via Facebook. Dive deeper into the MPT program with the Admissions Video and Admission Requirements. Join us and kickstart your journey in physical therapy!

4th Annual National Kin Can Conference: Dive into Inclusive Kinesiology

The 4th Annual National Kin Can Conference, organized by the Canadian Kinesiology Alliance on November 4-5, 2023, is a virtual event centered on the theme "Exploring Inclusive Kinesiology: Breaking Barriers for All." It offers expert-led sessions and networking opportunities, emphasizing inclusivity within the field of Kinesiology.

đź”” Early Bird Ends: October 6, 2023.

Register Now

ANNOUNCEMENTS

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.

Fall 2023 Academic Dates and Deadlines

Fall term courses start September 6, 2023; last day of exam is December 18, 2023. To help you plan out your semester, here's the link to the important dates and deadlines for Fall 2023:

ACADEMIC DATES & DEADLINES

Academic announcements

Academic Advising

BPK students who are officially approved into a BPK major or minor program can book advising appointments and access Zoom drop-in link using the Advisor Link system.

** Please have Academic Transcripts on-hand for appointments. Follow this link for instructions: https://www.sfu.ca/students/records/advising-transcripts.html

BPK Advising hours are as follows:

Day Appointments
Monday 10am – 11:40am
Tuesday 10am – 11:40am; 2pm – 3pm
Wednesday 10am – 11:40am; 2pm - 3pm
Thursday 10am - 11am; 2pm – 3:40pm

Zoom Drop-in advising for quick (< 10 minutes) questions

Day Zoom Drop-in
Monday 1:30pm - 2:30pm
Wednesday 3:15pm - 4:15pm

If you are not available for drop-in times, or are unable to make an appointment, you may email the advisor through the Advising Contact Form.

BPK Undergraduate Advising

ACADEMIC OPPORTUNITIES

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.

Learn More

OTHER OPPORTUNITIES

Research participant recruitment

Participants Needed for Research on Visually Guided Walking

Gemma (MSc student in BPK) is recruiting participants for her thesis experiment. If you are interested, please contact her.

In addition to the poster (click to enlarge), note the following when deciding if you are interested:

You should NOT participate in this study if one or more of the following applies:

  • Your age is greater than 40 or less than 19 (or less than 18 for an SFU student)
  • You have any known visual disorder other than one that can be corrected with lenses
  • You have a musculoskeletal (e.g., arthritis) or neurological (e.g., stroke, Parkinson’s disease) disorder that affects your movement or balance
  • You are allergic to rubbing alcohol or adhesive
  • You have participated in a research experiment using prism glasses before
  • You are not vaccinated against COVID19

Your decision on whether to participate will not influence your grades in any coursework or benefit you in terms of status or success in any class.

Contact information: Gemma Malagon  / gemma_malagon@sfu.ca

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

Employment Opportunities

 

Science Alive is Hiring Two InSTEM Instructor Positions

SFU Applied Sciences Outreach offers fun, engaging workshops and resources that encourage youths to explore topics in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts & Design, and Mathematics (STEAM). They aim to not only enhance STEAM literacy among youths in BC, but also foster an appreciation of how science can be used to make sense of the world we live in and improve how we do things.

Two positions currently hiring: 

1) SFU Applied Sciences Outreach Hiring- InSTEM Instructor

2) SFU Applied Sciences Outreach Hiring - Haida Gwaii 2023

Applicants are encouraged to apply for both positions, as they are related and offer a great opportunity to continue to develop leadership and facilitation skills!

Full time Strength & Conditioning Coach/Personal Trainer 

Yard Athletics is seeking a full time Strength & Conditioning Coach/Personal Trainer!

Overview:

  • Experience with 1:1, Semi Private and Small Group Training
  • High energy, motivated, team player with strong interpersonal skills and experience in the health and wellness industry with a flexible schedule - willing to work early morning, evenings and weekends
  • Competitive compensation with added incentive based on billable hours and class registration
  • Lots of opportunity to grow within the business as we expand to more locations
  • Full Time Employees entitled to health & wellness benefits, continuing education allowance and profit sharing incentive

Added Value:

  • Degree in Kinesiology/Human Kinetics
  • Previous Varsity/Professional athlete
  • Team Sport experience
  • Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist

Details

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

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.

IN THE NEWS

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.

READ MORE

Spotlight on Vanier Scholar: Normand Richard

Diving into the intricacies of the female cardiovascular system, Normand Richard, a doctoral student in Biomedical Physiology & Kinesiology, stands out as a 2023 Vanier Scholar. His focus on understanding exercise scenarios promises to bring invaluable insights to the field. 

LEARN MORE

Collaboration and Connection

Introducing Simran and Sarah, two outstanding BPK co-op students. Their invaluable contributions to developing safe return-to-work plans for injured workers, coupled with their collaborative spirit, has left a lasting impact. In their journey, they have discovered the collaborative richness and the opportunities for practical application of academic knowledge, all while making meaningful connections with team members in a hybrid work setting.  

FULL ARTICLE HERE

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.