Dean's Office
750.450.70.1
BSc PROGRAMS COMMITTEE MEETING
DIVISION OF BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES, COLLEGE OF MEDICINE
Thursday, September 10th 2009
Dean’s Conference Room (B103.11), Health Sciences Building
2:45pm – 4:30pm
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)
Dr. Ovsenek welcomed the members to the first meeting of the academic year.
Dr. Ovsenek sought approval of the pamphlet at this committee. Drs. Pato and Havele expressed concern that the pamphlet seemed to be over promoting the health care professions, that the Department programs were barely visible, and there was little emphasis on attracting students to obtain a degree in basic sciences. They felt that more emphasis could be put on what the individual programs had to offer students. Dr. Krone tended to disagree and felt that promoting the platform was a good way of encouraging students to study biomedical sciences, and to set them up for going on to individual programs. Dr. Ovsenek advised that the idea of promoting the platform was to attract a wide variety of high school students to BMSC. However, he acknowledged the concerns of the members, and suggested that additional content be developed for each program and forwarded to Maureen, along with any amendments. Dr. Ovsenek asked the representatives from the five departments to approve the pamphlet today. They agreed to do so on the agreement that additional information about programs for individual Departments will be appended, and that adjustments made where necessary. Dr. Krone proposed a motion to approve the pamphlet. This was seconded by Dr. Havele.
All in favour - motion unanimously carried.
Dr. Ovsenek informed the members that, like last year, a PowerPoint presentation would be made – followed by student visits to Department work stations. However, this year’s presentation will include presentations from each Department. Again, he had been made aware that some people in the Departments felt the platform was to the forefront, and that little attention had been given to individual programs. Dr. Havele suggested following the same decision made for the pamphlet, and Dr. Lee advised it would be possible for each Department to insert a section into the presentation. Dr. Krone agreed that the situation was similar to that with the pamphlet, but feels the information on the presentation is clearer. He pointed out that a lot of students want flexibility earlier on, and it is vital that a balance between choosing our programs or others be struck. He also saw the potential for increasing enrollment in BSc programs. However, Dr. Havele was of the opinion that improving the quality of programs was more important than attracting more students. Dr. Pato felt that, to be consistent with the pamphlet, the presentation should be revised. Dr. Ovsenek asked that any typing errors/amendments be forwarded to Maureen for action by October 1st, in preparation for reviewing the document at the next meeting on October 5th
Dr. Ovsenek asked that any amendments be sent to Maureen, and copied to the group, by September 28th - to allow time for ordering.
Dr. Ovsenek felt there was no time to discuss this today, but asked that any input be forwarded to Maureen by September 29th.
Dr. Ovsenek asked the group if they would have any objection to MCIM 216 being recognized as an equivalent course to BMSC 240. All agreed, but the general consensus was that it might be better to make a decision on a case by case basis. Dr. Havele sees no need for it to be entered into the calendar, but would like to give the other Departments the option to make a decision.
Dr. Ovsenek informed the group of a request from Diane Favreau (College of Pharmacy & Nutrition) asking if MCIM 224.3 might be put on the Transfer into Arts & Science Course List – to allow College of Pharmacy students to use it, in lieu of BMSC 210, toward a BSc degree in any one of the biomedical science programs. Dr. Bretscher approved this, and Maureen then prepared the course proposal change form for Dr. Bretscher’s approval, which would initiate the challenge process. Final approval has not yet been submitted by Dr. Bretscher. Dr. Havele pointed out that BMSC 210 does not have laboratories, but both she and Dr. Bretscher had spoken with Linda Suveges (Associate Dean of Undergraduate Affairs for the College of Pharmacy) and she had agreed the Transfer would be possible. She will take back to her Department, consult with Arts & Science and report back to the committee. The committee agreed to the change, without prejudice to future decisions, because of the concern about setting a precedent. The general consensus was that each case be judged individually.
Dr. Ovsenek pointed out there were some mistakes in the distributed course outlines. BIOL 224 should be listed as BIOL/BMSC 224; Biology & Physiology should both be mentioned at the top of the syllabus; BMSC 210 should be titled “Microbiology”; BMSC 200 should be titled “Biomolecules”; BMSC 230 should be titled “Metabolism”.
Dr. Pato asked what the plan is for teaching BMSC 200 for the next year. Dr. Ovsenek advised this would have to be negotiated, and he’d bring it up at the next Executive committee meeting and feedback to the Programs committee.
There was concern expressed, generally, that some Biotechnology courses had been phased out without prior notification. Dr. Krone, amongst others, was of the opinion that those already taking Biotechnology programs should be able to continue to do so. Dr. Ovsenek suggested Dr. Verma make a presentation at the next Program committee meeting on the proposed Biotechnology program.
Drs. Schneider & Pato excused themselves at 3:55pm.
a) BINF feedback
Dr. Verma requested feedback on the proposed changes to BINF200. Dr. Ovsenek observed that there would be general agreement on the proposal from the Biomedical Sciences. He requested a memo from each Department, or collectively, to identify the utilization of Bioinformatics in their undergraduate programs.
b) Biotechnology Program
Dr. Ovsenek suggested that Dr. Verma contact Maureen to arrange a workshop, where a general discussion on the Biotechnology program could be held.
c) Science Mentorship Program
Dr. Verma reported that, in response to the Department head’s request for some kind of outreach activity, a program had been developed. The program has been presented to the School Board, and funding sought. Starting in October, each of the six science Departments will teach grade 4 & 5 students of Pleasant Hill School for 2 hours per week, for a month. At the end of the month, the students will have a tour of the relevant Department. If the program proves to be a success, it would be repeated next year with the same group of students. Dr. Ovsenek suggested a 7th group covering BMSC Departments, perhaps led by a graduate student, for the 7th month – with the possibility of extending the length of time. Dr. Krone suggested a common theme that each Department could contribute to. Dr. Verma informed the group that they have 4 months to come up with something, and that applications are still being accepted for graduate student instructors. Dr. Ovsenek asked the members to take this back to their Department heads and get feedback on their interest, and commented that he sensed a strong will to participate in the program. He asked that Maureen coordinate BMSC involvement.
Other Business |
|
a) Standing Committee Meeting Minutes On Line Dr. Ovsenek informed the group that, currently, minutes are circulated to each member by e-mail and are approved this way. Once approved, would the group like them to be available on the website, accessible by faculty using their NSID? Arts & Sciences already has this facility. There was general agreement that the minutes of the standing committees be available online as well. b) PPY Update Dr. Ovsenek asked for permission to have Drs. Desautels and Gopal attend the next meeting to give a presentation on the Physiology/Pharmacology program. All agreed. c) Course Challenge Dr. Ovsenek reminded the committee of it’s role in approving all changes to BMSC courses and to the platform. Changes to BSc degree programs (3rd and 4th year) should be brought to the attention of this committee for consultation prior to course/program changes submitted to the College of Arts and Science. Whereas Departments retain the ability to challenge throughout the academic review process, it is in the interest of streamlining that course and program changes be agreed to internally in the Division. In addition to collegiality and information sharing, the possibility of resource sharing can be addressed at this committee. |
Adjournment |
|
Meeting adjourned at 4:30pm |
Login