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BSC PROGRAMS COMMITTEE MEETING
DIVISION OF BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES, COLLEGE OF MEDICINE
Monday, October 5th 2009
Dean’s Conference Room (B103.11), Health Sciences Building
2:30pm – 4:55pm
MINUTES
In Attendance
Dr. N. Ovsenek Assoc. Dean, BMSC (Chair), Dr. C. Havele (Microbiology), Dr. K. Desai ( Pharmacology), Dr. P. Krone (Anatomy & Cell Biology), Dr. P. Lee (Physiology), Dr. M. Pato (Biochemistry), Dr. B. Verma (Research Coordinator, Arts & Science), Dr. K. Schneider (Vice Dean, Science - Arts & Science), Dr. K. Anderson (Physiology), M. Webster (Administrative Coordinator), L. Ferguson (Clerical Assistant)
It had been suggested some changes be made to the minutes. Each relevant item was brought to the attention of the group, and L. Ferguson was asked to make amendments to items 2, 8, 9 a) & c) accordingly. Comments made on items 6 and 8 are to be discussed as Other Business at this meeting. Dr. Havele proposed approval of the minutes once the amendments are made. This was seconded by Dr. Lee.
All in favour – unanimously carried.
The group was informed of Dr. Havele’s nomination, by e-mail, of Dr. Pato as Chair of the committee. Dr. Havele formally proposed Dr. Pato as Chair. This was seconded by Dr. Krone. No other nominations were proposed.
All voted in favour – unanimously carried.
Recruitment Pamphlet & Fact Sheet
It was suggested a special meeting devoted to this subject would be of help.
Experience US
The group was asked what they’d like to do about Experience US. Since this will occur on October 15th & 16th, it was felt that something would have to be approved now. It was put forward that, because of time sensitivity, there would be a willingness to go with last year’s presentation for Experience US then that could be redeveloped when the group meets to discuss the pamphlet. It was suggested the representatives of the Departments have a meeting this week sometime to develop material for Experience US. All were agreed that the representatives of the five Departments should meet for an hour tomorrow (October 6th) from 4:00pm – 5:00pm. L. Ferguson will find out if the DCR is available and, if not, arrange a different room. The comment was made that there was a lot of goodwill around the table, and a sure feeling any issues could be ironed out.
An ACB Program Changes document had been distributed with today’s agenda that will be circulated to Biology, Toxicology, Psychology (stakeholders) and Chemistry as well. The Summary of Proposed Program and Course Changes on page 5 were pointed out, and attention drawn to pages 7 (Existing Program Requirements 6 & 7) and 10 (Revised Program Requirements 6 & 7). It was stressed any proposed changes are relatively minor. In response to various comments and suggested amendments, the group was advised that modifications would be made where appropriate. Agreement was made to distribute a cover memo and a paper copy of the formal document (with relevant modifications) to each department by next week sometime, and indicate a turnaround for the beginning of November. The intention would be to submit the document to Challenge for November 8th. However, concern was expressed as to how to deal with the fact the changes will be submitted with the current PPY electives. The group was informed that the plan for the new PPY program proposal would be to undergo a month of consultation, this meeting being the first step. However, it was likely the new program would not be implemented until the next academic year. The general feeling was the new PPY program content should be included when presenting the ACB program changes to Challenge. M. Webster agreed to contact Tom Steele for clarification on how this should be handled. In response to a question from a member of the group, it was indicated that a minor revision could be made in the list of electives in requirement 6, should the new BINF course be introduced. It was then suggested the same thing be done with the current PPY program, rather than delay submission of the ACB program changes. This was met with agreement around the table.
A document was distributed relative to the new undergraduate program. An electronic copy of the document for everyone, plus the Dean, will follow.
Before the document was presented to the group, it was pointed out University Admin. had indicated that PPY was not to be used when referring to the new BSc Physiology/Pharmacology program. A four-letter version was requested, so the program would now be known as PHPY. Dr. Desautels was thanked for the work he’d put into making the joint program proposal happen (much of the paperwork having been done by Dr. Desautels, in close consultation with the Pharmacology Department), and how quickly he’d managed to do so – a task that, previously, had proven to be a difficult one.
There was some lengthy discussion and, in response to various questions, including:
1. Would there be enough teachers for the number of courses proposed in the joint program, and what would happen if somebody goes on sabbatical?
2. Could the research project be made optional?
3. Is the program over prescribed?
4. Are 69 credits beyond the usual limit?
The group was informed:
1. With existing Faculty and personnel, the program could be handled for the next 3 or 4 years. Someone going on sabbatical is something the Department Head should deal with and look to the Dean and Associate Dean to replenish.
2. If student numbers were to increase, the option of students working as a group with 1 Faculty would be looked at.
3. The Department is in the best position to make this decision.
4. M. Webster will check credit limits.
There was also much discussion on course BMSC 300: should it be named that; should it be called PHPY 300? The understanding was that the real question here is whether or not ACB should be continuing to contribute to this course. It was pointed out the course is a requirement 6 elective in the ACB program, and will be, no matter what it’s numbered. The comment was made that, in initial discussions, the course was to be part of the core and that’s where the ‘fit’ comes in. The question was raised whether the course should be called PHPY 300 instead. There was a tendency to agree with this suggestion, but the recommendation was made that it be discussed with Dr. Devon. The group was advised the course would be called PHPY 300 until discussions have taken place.
Permission was sought from, and granted by, the committee to start the consultation process, and to start distributing the course outlines to the relative Departments, as soon as possible.
Dr. Verma excused himself at 4:35pm.
BMSC Course Outlines (minutes of last meeting)
It had been asked that the College of A&S present the Departments with a “realistic” list of acceptable substitute courses for advising Biotechnology students.
Formal notification had also been requested, from A&S, if the existing Biotechnology programs are going to be deleted.
Agendas
It was suggested that meeting agendas be distributed a week before the meetings take place. Everyone agreed that would be useful.
The next meeting will be held on Monday, November 9th at 3:00pm in the Dean’s Conference Room
The meeting adjourned at 4:55pm.
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