February 12th, 2009

BSc Programs Committee Meeting

Division of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine

Thursday, February 12^th, 2009

Dean’s Conference Office, 9:30 – 11:30 am

MINUTES

Present

Dr. Nick Ovsenek (Chair), Dr. Mary Pato, Dr. Patrick Krone, Dr. Calliopi Havele, Dr. P. Lee, Dr. Brij Verma, and M. Webster.

Special Guests

Ms. Donna Bretell, College of Arts & Science

Regrets

Dr. Kash Desai

There is a change to the minutes from the January 15^th, 2009 meeting:

Under Other Business – section 4(d) in the fourth line, the date should be changed to September 2008.

Program Requirements Effective September 2008

New degree requirements common to the biomedical science undergraduate programs in Microbiology & Immunology come into effect September 2008 (distribution requirements 1-5) for type C programs. Students currently in the second, third or fourth year of a Biomedical Science program must complete the old degree requirements as outlined in the year in which they entered the program. Students commencing a Type C biomedical program in 2008 onward must follow the new Degree Requirements as listed below. The common core courses for years 1 & 2 have been incorporated into the C1-C7 requirements

The minutes from January 15^th were approved as amended.

Donna Bretell from the College of Arts & Sciences was invited to discuss academic advising and transition issues relating to the implementation of the common core courses.

Donna suggested there are several ways to inform students about the common core and our biomedical science programs such as the calendar, the Arts & Science Advising Handbook, group information sessions at Orientation, Experience US and contact with the Greystone Scholars. Donna said she would make sure that all Arts & Science Advisors are aware that they need to recommend students in first year to take BMSC 200.3 in Term 2 of their first year.

The Committee agreed that a brochure needs to be developed as soon as possible before the end of the term for distribution to first year students. The information included should be simple, factual and clear.

There may be a need to identify one individual in the Division to serve as the BMSC Platform Academic Advisor, who will guide students through scheduling the common core courses. This person would then direct students to Advisors in the specific departments of interest for advising in third and fourth year courses.

There was discussion in regard to a request from Michel Desautels for students in the transition phase. There will be some students who for a variety of reasons may be in a position where they need both BMSC/BIOL 224 and HSC 208.6. These students will be considered on a case by case basis. On the whole the Committee felt that we can not and should not attempt to change the second year common platform

Maureen reported that Room Scheduling have reviewed and provided feedback for the scheduling of the BMSC courses. The Committee will need to move BMSC 200 in Term 2 from TR at 10:00 am to MWF at 8:30 am. Room Scheduling indicated that although the schedule appears to be fine, there still may be other problems that arise after the scheduler is run in the spring. Room Scheduling will advise the Division accordingly.

Popi wondered if students can be advised to take concurrently BMSC 210 with 240. Nick indicated that he expects a large number of students to take BMSC 210 thus concentrating a very large number of BMSC 240 students in Term II, a non desirable situation. Subsequently, there was discussion about switching BMSC 220 in Term One with BMSC 210 in Term Two. Popi indicated that there were academic reasons of why the Department had requested that BMSC 210 is taught in Term 2, but she could not recall what they were exactly. Pat indicated that Microbiology & Immunology had originally requested the change of BMSC 210 to second term since BMSC 200 had to serve as a prerequisite as opposed to a co-requisite for that course. Pat and Popi will consult with their departments and report back to the Committee if such a change is feasible.

Nick informed the Committee that Cindy Thomson was hired for the technical position supporting BMSC 240.3. Cindy brings over 15 years of experience and will be a great asset to the Division. She starts officially on March 1, 2009 and reports to Dawn Giesbrecht.

Pat Krone inquired about the current status of coordination for BMSC 200.3 following up on the discussion the Committee had the previous month and the urgency of the matter: “the success of the common platform and all programs depends highly on the success of the common introductory class BMSC 210”. Nick indicated that he will be meeting with Gopal from Pharmacology very soon to move forward with this. The course coordinators for all BMSC courses will need to be identified as soon as possible. The deadline for Department Head submittal of teaching assignments is March 31^st.

Meeting adjourned.

College of Medicine – Biomedical Sciences

February 12th, 2009

2009 Meeting Minutes BSc Programs Committee