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SFU Biology Grad Student Caucus

Survival Guide for BISC Grad Students at SFU

1.0 Introduction
2.0 Departmental Organization
3.0 Administration
4.0 Financial Support
5.0 Office Support

6.0 Research Support
7.0 Seminars
8.0 Amenities
9.0 Housing
- 9.1 Off-Campus Housing
- 9.2 Residences
10.0 Health Services
11.0 Outside Advising and Counselling

1.0 Introduction

Welcome to the Department of Biological Sciences. This document was compiled to inform new graduate students about facilities and activities in our Department, the largest one in the Faculty of Science. We currently have many faculty members, Ph.D., M.Sc., M.P.M., and M.E.T. students who have helped our Department gain an international reputation as one of the most modern interdisciplinary departments of biology in Canada. We hope this document will help you to get oriented within the Department.

If you find anything in this document that you know to be in error, or have suggestions or additions, please do not hesitate to contact us and help improve the survival guide. (http://www.sfu.ca/biology/grad_caucus/contact.html)

Notice: This guide has been scaled down slightly from its original scope to make it easier to update. The authors and current caucus members have endeavoured to highlight important points and bring them to your attention. However, it is recommended that you check the "Related Links" in each section for the most current information, right from the source.

2.0 Departmental Organization

Faculty members have organized themselves into various Centers, Institutes and Research Groups. These include:

2.1 Pest Management

(Formerly Centre for Pest Management, Centre for Environmental Biology)

A group of researchers in the Department focus on biological processes that involve pest organisms. Their research extends to management of pests in agricultural, forest and urban environments. Pest Management, was established at Simon Fraser University in 1967. The Department is recognized to be the first institution in North America to offer a comprehensive post-graduate degree program in pest management.

The Master of Pest Management (M.P.M.) degree is heavily course oriented with students traveling during part of two summer semesters throughout B.C. and Alberta in order to examine critical problems in pest management. Although not required, almost all M.P.M. students also undertake research projects to complete their Professional Paper, which is defended as an M.Sc. thesis would be.

2.2 Behavioural Ecology Research Group

This group was formed in 1989 to pursue basic research in the field of behavioural ecology. Students in this group also form a large portion of the Department. Members of this group are drawn not only from our Department but from the Departments of Psychology and Archaeology as well.

2.3 Centre for Wildlife Ecology

(Formerly the CWS/NSERC Research Chair)

The Centre for Wildlife Ecology is a collaboration between the Canadian Wildlife Service (CWS) and SFU. Its mission is to foster synergy between the mission-oriented research and management policies of CWS and the basic research agenda of the University. The group consists of a senior and junior research chair, and other associated researchers. Graduate students and faculty conduct research mainly on the biology and behaviour of migratory birds, in collaboration with the Canadian Wildlife Service.

2.4 Environmental Toxicology Research Group

A collection of faculty members, staff and students in the Department of Biological Sciences and other departments at Simon Fraser University sharing an interest in investigating the impact of chemicals on human and environmental health.

2.5 Cell Biology

The cell biology group includes researchers from the departments of Biological Sciences, Molecular Biology & Biochemistry, and Kinesiology. Interests include calcium signalling, membrane trafficking, microtubule dynamics, cell cycle, ion channels, chromatin structure, intracellular pathogens, gene regulation and cellular stress responses.

2.6 Organic Evolution

(AKA "The FAB-Lab")

Biological Sciences at SFU has a burgeoning research group in organic evolution. Research focuses on behavioural, genetic and molecular aspects of reproductive isolation, speciation and adaptive radiation; the evolution of social systems; and 'biodiversity', all within a strong phylogenetic/phylogeographic framework.

3.0 Administration

Simon Fraser University has an accomplished administrative staff. The following are the names, locations, and phone numbers for some of the more important ones (i.e., the ones that a graduate student may need to contact - for a more complete list, see the University Calendar):

Contact Information for Administrative Positions at SFU
Position	Name	Phone (local x)	Room
Registrar	K. Ross	2-3224	MBC 3300
President	M. Stevenson	2-4641	SH 3200
Vice-President Research	B. M. Pinto	2-4152	SH 3195
Vice-President Academic	J. Driver	2-3925	SH 3100
Dean of Science	M. Plischke	2-3771	P9451
Secretary	I. Parhar	2-5530	P9451
Dean of Graduate Studies	W. Parkhouse	2-3042	MBC 1100
Secretary		2-3042	MBC 1100
Awards Assistant			MBC 1100
Department of Biological Sciences
General Office, Reception	M. Cheng	2-4475	B8255
FAX		2-3496
Chair	F. Breden	2-3535 / 2-5647	B8234
Secretary to Chair	Faith Rapchuk	2-3535	B8232
Chair, Departmental Graduate Studies Committee	M. Moore	2-3664	B8242
Secretary to the DGSC	M. Nguyen	2-3120	B8255
Departmental Assistant	B. Sherman	2-3292	B8257
Laboratory Coordinator	B. Medford	2-3301	B8263
Computer Systems Consultant	D. Carmean	2-2030	B8245

3.1 Academic Infrastructure and Requirements

3.1.1 Departmental Graduate Studies Committee (DGSC)

The DGSC is the Biology Departmental Graduate Studies Committee. Every graduate department at SFU has a DGSC, with the composition varying considerably. Biology has two student representatives and six faculty members (chair of the department, chair of DGSC, & four faculty members) that make up the DGSC. All eight members have full voting rights, so in biology the students have a big say in what passes across the DGSC table. This is a forum where students can directly influence the direction in which the Department is heading.

The DGSC meets once a month, with both student reps reporting the outcome of each meeting at caucus meetings. The graduate representatives are elected (generally in early September) for a 1 or 2 year term. All full time students are eligible to stand for election or to nominate candidates. Below is a list of items that the DGSC deals with on a regular basis. In some cases, the chair of the DGSC is the only member to review the issue at hand (indicated by *).

The DGSC is responsible for:

reviewing all applications to the MSc, MET, MPM, and PhD programs
monitoring and reviewing yearly student progress reports *
reviewing all applications for transfer from the masters to the doctorate program
quality control of directed readings courses *
approval of leave of absences or extensions *
approval of new graduate courses
approval of NSERC travel awards *
Any problems pertaining to student funding, miscommunication with supervisor/committee members, harassment etc.
approval of qualifying semesters
approval of supervisory committees *
approval of defences and examining committees *
review of PhD candidacy exams
regulating the amount of funding supervisors pay their graduate students. For 2004 the amount is $9000 pay per year per MSc, MPM or PhD student and a full semester of funding for MET students during their "project or research" semester
* Any other issues pertaining to graduate students, dealt with either solely by the chair or as a committee, depending on the issue at hand. The student reps are available to answer or counsel ANYONE on ANY of the above items. All issues discussed are confidential and therefore do not have to be brought forth to the DGSC or chair unless the student wishes to do so. If you are just looking for some advice and want to run some ideas by your reps then please feel free to do so at any time.

3.1.2 Scholarship Committee

The Scholarship Committee is another committee of importance to graduate students. This committee meets to rank graduate fellowship and scholarship applications for the Department. One elected graduate student sits on this committee.

3.1.3 Registration

All graduate students must register each semester. The DGSC secretary will put your registration package with details of registration procedures and course offerings in your mail box approximately 2 months before the next semester. Registration is done online through the new student information system: goSFU (go.sfu.ca). There is no longer a telephone registration system. The procedures are outlined in the registration package, and help is available by phone, email, and on the web site. Students officially off campus will have their forms mailed to them. Students must register for their thesis or project each semester (Ph.D. = BISC 899, M.Sc. = BISC 898, M.P.M. = BISC 849, M.E.T. = BISC 656; double-check in your registration package to make sure you use the correct code!). Failure to register will result in the student being withdrawn, and required to complete a new application for admission to graduate studies if he or she wishes to continue.

Tuition and fees must be paid before the deadline announced each semester. Special arrangements may be made to defer payment or deduct it from paychecks or University scholarships, Teaching Assistantships, or Research Assistantships. There are a number of flexible payment schedules to choose from. Deferment forms are available upon registration. A $100 fee deposit must be paid 5 working days before students can register on-line (note: the $100 "acceptance fee" after getting your letter of acceptance to SFU is the same as the deposit for your first semester)

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3.1.4 Courses

The Department normally announces courses to be offered one year in advance. Students interested in courses not listed in the proposed offering notices should contact the faculty member in the area of interest. The instructor may negotiate with the Department Chairman to offer the course. Students can arrange with a professor for a specific directed readings course. Forms and instructions are available from the Graduate Secretary. Currently, M.Sc. students must complete 4 grad courses (12 credit hours), and Ph.D. students 3 (8 credit hours); M.P.M. students must take 4 elective courses, 1 required course (BISC 847), and 5 summer courses (36 credit hours). M.E.T. students must complete 6 required courses in Biological Sciences, STAT 650 (23 credit hours) plus an additional 3 elective courses (9 credit hours) selected from a menu of suitable courses. Students may be able to take courses for transfer credit at other institutions, such as UBC. (see the graduate secretary regarding registration procedures). Up to one half of the required number of courses may be transferred from another institution, with permission from the student’s supervisory committee and the DGSC. Many people find it's best to get your classes out of the way early in your program before your thesis work starts to be too taxing; this is something you should discuss with your supervisor.

3.1.5 Supervisory Committee

A supervisory committee should be chosen in consultation with your senior supervisor. Choose members that will complement each other with respect to their experience and areas of expertise. These are your resource people and should give you as much breadth as possible; don't duplicate your committee members. Choose your committee as early as possible and demand regular meetings: it's one of the responsibilities that they have assumed by agreeing to sit on your committee. Have your first meeting as soon as possible so that your committee is fully aware of your direction and research plans. Meetings must be held annually and summarized as part of your Annual Progress Report (section 3.1.6).

3.1.6 Annual Progress Report

Each year, every grad student must submit a progress report to the DGSC Chair. The due date for the submission of your progress report is six weeks after the start of the semester in which you entered your graduate program. For example, if you started your M.Sc. at SFU in September of 2004, your first progress report will be due six weeks after September 1, 2005. Similarly, if you started in January of 2004, your first progress report will be due six weeks after January 1, 2005.

The progress report form is available from the graduate secretary and is usually placed in your mailbox at the start of the semester in which it is due. The report does not need to be lengthy, but should detail all sources of funding, courses completed, progress on research, and committee meetings held during the past year. A brief summary of your annual committee meeting must be attached to the form when submitted to the Graduate Secretary for approval by DGSC. These reports are the primary means that the DGSC has to evaluate student progress, and to ensure that all students receive appropriate funding and academic support from their committee. It must be approved and signed by all members of your supervisory committee. Each committee member is free to add comments directly onto your progress report.

The progress report must attest that, in the opinion of your supervisory committee, you have made satisfactory progress in your degree program. Should your supervisor or supervisory committee feel that your progress has not been satisfactory, then you may be asked to withdraw from your program.

3.2 ID/Library Card

During your first semester you will need to get your photo I.D. The photos are usually taken near the Student Society offices in the Maggie Benston Centre (MBC) some time early in the semester. This card not only certifies that you are a student at SFU, but it is also your library card. Be sure to look good for this because you will be stuck with it for the entire length of your time here.

3.3 SFU Computing ID & e-mail

Many important notices in the department are distributed over email and the web. To get a computer account, contact Computing Services (AQ3148). You may also sign up for your computer account by accessing SFU's web pages from a computer in the library, a computing lab, or from an off-campus computer to which you have internet access. You must be registered as a student in order to obtain a computer account.

Once you have an SFU Computing ID and password (you have to make up your own password), make sure the graduate program assistant knows your email address and she will add you to the bisc-grads mail list. The "bisc-grads" email list is where notices for grad students in biology are posted. You can also post messages to this list, thus sending an email to all grad students in the department. (Note that the message will only be delivered if you send it from your SFU email account). Please keep the spam down, and limit your posts to important announcements or inquiries that are relevant to other grad students in the department. People on these bisc-grads automatically have access to the computers in B8220. Inquire if your lab also has a maillist that you should be on.

There are a few other department email lists that you might want to sign up for or send to:
bisc-info@sfu.ca This is a list for people outside the biology grad program who want to receive emails about what's going on in the department (e.g., recent graduates, some undergrads). This is an open list and anyone can sign up on the SFU maillist management page.
bisc-all@sfu.ca This list reaches everyone on the bisc-grads and bisc-info lists, PLUS everyone else in the biology department except undergrads (i.e., faculty, post docs, lab techs, office staff). You can send to this list if you have something that will be of interest to the entire department, but keep the spam down, and make sure you send to the bisc-grads list instead if you only need to reach grad students (annoying other grad students with unsolicited emails is not as bad as annoying the profs & staff!!)

3.4 Keys

See the Laboratory Coordinator, Brian Medford, for key requisitions for offices, labs, buildings, cabinets, etc. Keys are available from the Campus Security and Locksmith office located between the Gym and the Information Office. A base deposit of $10 is required in addition to specific cutting charges (approximately $5) for each key. If you get locked out of your lab or office, Security will come to your rescue provided you have your student I.D. with you.

4.0 Financial Support

The Department strives to provide, but cannot guarantee, full support for all graduate students. It is imperative that you settle the question of financial support with your senior supervisor as soon as possible, preferably before arriving at SFU. It is quite conceivable that your supervisor may not be able to support you with a Research Assistantship or may be able to do so for only 1 or 2 semesters each year. Given the competition that exists for Teaching Assistantships, it is possible that you may not always receive a TA-ship and you will have to rely on your own private funds, scholarships, or student loans for a major part of your degree program. If you do not have a scholarship, your supervisor is required to provide some support for you for an average of 1.5 semesters per year. (M.Sc. and Ph.D. programs only.) The rest of the time you will be on your own to try to acquire a TA-ship or other funding.

4.1 Research Assistantships

Monies for Research Assistantships (RA-ships) come from grants to faculty from various external granting agencies such as the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) and the B.C. Science Council. RA-ships are determined solely by your supervisor. The number of RA-ships that a supervisor may be able to provide to support students varies greatly. However, most professors with adequate funding are usually willing to give you one RA-ship per year. The current NSERC maximum rate for an RA-ship is $1375 per month ($16,500 per year) for M.Sc. and $1583 per month ($19,000 per year) for Ph.D. students.

4.2 Teaching Assistantships

For undergraduate education, SFU augments the regular lectures with tutorials. Graduate students are hired by the University to conduct tutorials, mark exams and assist in course labs. Each semester Teaching Assistantship application forms are made available so that graduate students can apply for a Teaching Assistantship appointment in the following semester. Before applying to TA a particular course you are advised to consult with the course instructor. The assignment of Teaching Assistantships to courses is done each semester by the Chairman, under the guidelines of the TSSU (Teaching Support Staff Union) Collective Agreement. Details on TA-ships can be obtained from the Departmental Assistant or the Graduate Student Notice Board by the mailroom.

The key to successfully applying for a TA-ship is to either get a professor to sign your application endorsing you for the course he/she is teaching, or to gain a high priority rating. Priority is determined according to a number of criteria. These are stated in the TSSU Collective Agreement and in the Departmental priority system (as posted on the Graduate Student Notice Board near the mail room). The best rule of thumb is that the fewer TA-ships one has had in the past, the better the chances for getting one in the future. Do not count on more that 1 TA-ship per year. If you have a scholarship, your only chance of obtaining a TA-ship is to demonstrate that you are the only grad student with the expertise required for a particular course. Some scholarships (e.g. NSERC) will permit the recipient to TA only a few hours per week. The best courses to TA depend on one's background, but one might consider BISC 100, 101, or 102. These classes are fairly easy to prepare for, but they may require a lot of time for graduate students who have forgotten much of their basic biology.

The current rate of pay is dependent on the teaching load and your status. A full teaching load is equivalent to 5 base units. The amount you will be paid depends on the number of base units you teach, and whether you are an MSc or Phd student. The pay is comprised of a per base unit amount, plus an automatic associated scholarship. The pay rates are listed in the TSSU Collective Agreement. For those with expertise in math or physics, contact the appropriate Department as they are usually crying for TAs. Many Biology students also TA courses in molecular biology and biochemistry (see the M.B.B. Administrative Assistant).

All TAs are represented by the TSSU (AUCE local 6). When you accept a TA-ship you automatically become a member of TSSU and therefore are entitled to all the rights and benefits provided by the Union. Everyone in the bargaining unit pays Union dues (currently 1.5% of gross pay) which enables the Union to function. There are usually one or two grad students from the biology department who serve as shop stewards (your departmental liaison with TSSU).

It is your right as a TA to have your students evaluate your performance and this is also required by the Department. The professor you work for also evaluates you and this goes in your file. You have the right to see this evaluation. If you feel it is unfair, you can respond to it and have this response placed in your file as well.

All textbooks needed to TA a course can be borrowed from the Departmental Assistant (DA). If the DA does not have the required text she/he will instruct you to buy the book yourself and get the cost refunded (keep the receipt!). In short, you never have to pay for texts assigned in classes that you are TA-ing. However, any book bought or borrowed from the Department belongs to the Department and must be returned when the course ends.

TA/TM Day is held at the beginning of the fall and spring semesters. These workshops are offered by the Learning and Instructional Development Centre to provide new TAs with skills to assist with the duties of a TA. The hours spent at these workshops count towards your commitment for the semester, so they are paid workshops.

4.3 Scholarships

Graduate students at SFU are fortunate in having a large number of scholarships available. The University Calendar and Graduate Awards booklet (from the Dean of Graduate Studies) lists all awards; the Awards Assistant can supply further details. Application forms for most awards are available either from one of the department secretaries (currently Fiona Burrows or Marlene Nguyen) or from the office of the Dean of Graduate Studies (MBC 1100). Note that some scholarships preclude the possibility of concurrently holding an RA-ship or TA-ship or Graduate Fellowship.

There are about 110 awards, scholarships, etc. that are listed, but only about 57 of them would be of interest to students in Biological Sciences. A complete list of awards is available on the Graduate Awards Database which can be accessed on the web at http://fas.sfu.ca/projects/GradAwards/ . At this address you can search for awards by keyword, department, date, or award title.

4.4 Loans

Graduate students are eligible to apply for Canada Student Loans. Students from Quebec have to apply for Quebec Student Loans. Emergency loans are available from Financial Aid with a minimum of hassles. The University usually requires proof that you will be able to pay it back within about a month. This is particularly useful when your scholarship cheque doesn't come in until the third week of the month ... a little late for rent.

4.5 Travel Expenses

If your supervisor has funds to cover travel expenses (and approves of such expenditures) then expenses can be reimbursed by the Departmental Assistant, which usually takes about 4 weeks. It's quicker to apply for a travel advance (about 1 week) and submit the expenses later. Disbursement of NSERC funds for travel and field expenses are expected to conform with their guidelines. Check with your supervisor.

Students who pay some of their own cost for traveling to a conference may be eligible for a partial rebate (usually up to a maximum of $100) from money made available by the Student Society. The availability of rebate money varies from semester to semester. For nearby conferences, departmental vehicles can be used. There is a mileage cost, but this is reasonable if there is a group going.

Every spring, the BISC Grad Caucus holds a draw for Student Society travel awards. These are valued at $100 and may be used to cover the cost of travel and registration for a conference within the next year (i.e., before the next draw). You must apply before the draw, by submitting your name, and the name of the conference you would like to use the award for, to a member of the caucus executive.

4.6 Petty Cash

Minor expenses (less than $50 on any one receipt) can be reimbursed by one of the staff members in the General Office. Please keep your receipt for any purchase. The costs will be deducted from your supervisor's grant. Limit $50/receipt/day.

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5.0 Office Support

5.1 Mail

Mail is delivered to the Department each morning and sometimes in the afternoon. It is distributed to the graduate student mailboxes by the office staff. Interdepartmental mail is also received at this time. Announcements and memos are placed in your boxes as well as posted on the Graduate Student notice board near the mail room and sent on e-mail.

Research mail supported by our senior supervisor (letters connected with research projects, reprint requests, reprint mailings) is paid by the Department. If speed and security are of importance, the University uses registered mail, X-Press post and courier services for packages. The staff in the General Office have the appropriate forms for such mail. Out-going mail sorting boxes are on the front counter at the Main Office.

Students may send personal mail through the university provided sufficient postage is attached. Custom labels, postal codes, etc. are the responsibility of the sender and mail will not be handled without these. You can ask one of the staff in the General Office for help if you are uncertain about requirements. Students can use the system for interdepartmental mail and mail to UBC as well. Both of these types of mail require no postage.

To avoid excessive use of paper and copying, communication within the Department is achieved via e-mail, the internet (web-pages), and various notices on bulletin boards. Occasionally memos are distributed in the mailboxes but there is generally only one put in each box so all members sharing a box can read it. All students receive a computer account from computing services from which they can access UNIX and the internet. Students should sign onto the mailing list "bisc-grads" as soon as they receive their computer account.

5.2 Photocopying

The Department has 2 photocopiers in the mailroom: one for students and the other for faculty (you can use this one too if it is not busy). Each student should get photocopier username and password from the General Office (see the Receptionist). Your research supervisor will be charged for your copying ($0.05 per copy). You should refund your supervisor for any personal copying. The same applies for M.P.M. students (you supervisor pays for your copying). M.E.T. students should ask in the general office about copying charges.

Copying related to teaching duties or required by courses is paid by the Department. A separate course copier ID will be provided for this.

Should the copier break down or a piece of paper become jammed (a common occurrence) contact one of the staff in the General Office.

The library also has card operated photocopiers which require yet another copycard. Your supervisor may provide one or they can be purchased in the library. Also be aware that using the departmental copiers is considerably cheaper ($.05 per copy instead of $.11 in the library).

If you need a large number of copies of some material (likely to occur when you are TA-ing) it is less expensive to send your papers to Central Duplicating. Ask the administrative staff in the General Office for the appropriate forms.

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5.3 Typewriters

Two typewriters are available for Grad Students in the Research Computer Lab (B8253).

5.4 Stationery

Office supplies (letterhead, envelopes, etc.) are available from the Biological Sciences Photocopy Room. Other supplies such as pens, overhead pens, overheads, paper, etc. are available from Science Stores. Supplies to TA a course or for scientific correspondence are charged to the Department. Taking items for personal use (i.e., for a course you are taking, etc.) is discouraged.

5.5 Desk Space

Many students are provided desk space by their supervisor. If, however, your supervisor does not have space available, arrange with the Departmental Assistant for a place in one of the areas reserved for grad students. M.P.M. students should consult with their supervisor regarding lab and desk space. M.E.T. students should see the DGSC Secretary for assignment of desk space.

5.6 Departmental Directories

The directory lists the names, room numbers, and phone numbers for all grad students, faculty and staff and is available to grad students. Copies can be obtained from the mailroom. You can also search the on-line Directory from the Biology web site (www.sfu.ca/biology) under ‘People’.

5.7 FAX machine

There is a fax machine in the General Office. Fax cover sheets and instructions on how to use the machine are available beside it. There is no charge for local faxes but to send a long distance fax you will need a code to charge it to your supervisor's grant. The office staff collects and distributes faxes received to the mailboxes.

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6.0 Research Support

6.1 Facilities

The Department has 2 greenhouses, an insectary, an insectary annex with rooms for rearing and research, a bee building, aquatic research center, animal care facility, museum, radioisotope lab, and an analytical lab. If your work requires lab animals, they can be kept in the Animal Care Facility (ACF). It is staffed by a Director (Dr. Madeleine Stephens), a Manager, and research technicians and assistants. See the campus directory and Policy R20 for further details. There is a cost for using the facility, but it is reasonable for the service.

Facility	Name	Phone	Room
Animal Care Facility
Director		4737	ACF
Greenhouse
Technician	L. Dodd	2-3289	Greenhouse
Museum
Technician	S. Halford	2-3461	B8239
Insectary
Manager
Radionuclide facility
Technician	S. Hope	2-3506	B7249

6.2 Computing

SFU provides e-mail, web services, and academic computing labs for the campus community - see www.sfu.ca . Sign up for your computer account by accessing SFU's web pages (see section 3.3). You must be registered as a student in order to obtain a computer account.

In general, graduate computing facilities are to be provided by individual supervisors, and the university-wide Academic Computing Services. The department has a variety of facilities including a dedicated computer teaching lab (B8218) which is also available for graduate use when not booked for teaching. Most computers require you to sign in with your SFU account (which must be in a biology mailing list). Please tell the Computer Systems Consultant if anything needs upgrading or fixing.

6.2.1 IT (Computing) Services & Help

IT Services at SFU (previously ACS) offers a variety of services and assistance on all topics regarding computers at SFU. Student help is available in Room AQ3148. ACS also offers credit-free tutorials (they don't count towards your course requirements for graduation) to help students develop a variety of useful computer skills, such as how to use e-mail, the library web page, make a web page, use spreadsheets to organize your data, or make slides for a lecture/talk on the computer.

6.2.2 Internet Access

All the computer labs on campus are connected to the campus network and provide access to the internet, web browsing and email (via SFU Webmail). You may also have internet access through computers in your own lab, depending on what your supervisor has available.

Wireless network access is also now available throughout the Library, and common areas around most of campus, if you have a laptop computer with wireless network capability. For more information about accessing the wireless network, talk to the Computer Systems Consultant, or ask ACS (they have a web page about this). Although adjacent common areas may have wireless reception, the signals have a hard time getting through concrete walls, so you may not be able to get wireless access inside your lab (unless there is a wireless base station in your lab).

There is a restricted biology department wireless access that covers most of the Shrum portion of the department, and you can arange for access to this network by contacting the Computer Systems Consultant

Graduate students at SFU receive 60 hours free dial-up internet access, which can be used when you are off-campus. The instructions for setting up your computer and modem to dial in to the SFU service are available on the web. Alternatively, you can go to the SFU Microcomputer Store (in the Maggie Benston Centre) and ask for assistance there. Your usage and other account information is displayed in the "Account Information" section at the top of the main page ("News") once you have logged in to mySFU.ca

6.2.3 Network Drive Space

Your SFU computing account also gives you access to 100 Megabytes on a network drive. The network drive is more reliable than floppy disks (which can suddenly become corrupt for no good reason), and can be accessed from any computer with an internet connection. Your network drive space is also where you can put your own web pages and publish them for others to browse on the web. Ask the departmental Computer Consultant for details, or consult with ACS.

6.2.4 Computing Clusters

If your research is computer-intensive (e.g., if you are doing modelling or simulations), you may want to look into SFU's high-power computing facilities. They operate a Beowulf cluster, and are also partners in WestGrid (if the Beowulf cluster is insufficient for your needs).

6.3 Science Stores

Technical and scientific supplies (tubing, pumps, valves, vials, petri dishes, various gizmos) are available in Science Stores on the 6000 level (1 floor below and to the West of the coffee lounge). Materials can be charged to your supervisor’s account provided that you have an understanding with your supervisor. There is usually someone on hand during working hours (8:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) to help you or you can help yourself. Just remember to fill out the supply forms when you take something. There is a computer with a bar code scanner at the counter when you walk in: just scan the barcode on your student ID card, and it will print a supply form for you to list the items to charge to the account under which you are registered. Chemical supplies are available here as well. If you require something that is not a regular stock item, it can be ordered from a chemical or scientific supply company. Order catalogues and forms for blanket orders or specialty orders are available as well.

6.4 Library

The library is located across the mall from the Maggie Benston Centre. The Department has a Library representative, Dr. Lynne Quarmby. Requests for new journal subscriptions, books, etc. not available in the Library can be submitted to the Library representative. One can also make requests directly through the staff in the Library. The library has a liaison librarian for Biological Sciences, Leslie Rimmer, who specializes in finding resources in the library for this field of study.

Being a graduate student at SFU entitles you to get a card from UBC. Also, if our Library does not carry a journal, have access to it electronically, or have a book that you need, you can request them through Interlibrary Loans (ILL). This accesses libraries across Canada. Any book received through ILL can be kept for 2 weeks. Journal articles are copied and sent to you. Any books that you take out personally from UBC can be returned via the ILL office in the library. There is no cost to graduate students for this service.

Through the Library web site, students have access to article databases (to search for articles) and even several on-line versions of journals (to download the articles to your computer). You can save your searches for articles by downloading it onto a disk (bring your own), or by sending it to your e-mail account. The library web site even has a citation manager you can use to collect references for articles that can be downloaded directly into citation management software (such as EndNote). Be sure to check for typos and errors before using these entries in your own articles or thesis.

6.5 Statistical Advice

The Department of Statistics and Actuarial Science operates a statistical advice service for students. Short consultations for students are usually free but further assistance is available on a fee for service basis and is charged to your supervisor's grant. Appointments must be made in advance. Statistical advice should be obtained before you design your experiment ....makes analysis a lot easier.

6.6 Audio & Visual aids

The Media Production Group is part of the Learning and Instructional development centre, located in the Education Building (Rm 7560). They offer services in photography, graphic design, and multimedia production. Please take note that they do charge for all services rendered.

The Media Production Group is probably best suited for creating precise visual aids for large classes, media, or publication outlets. It is usually faster and cheaper to make your own visual aids for talks & tutorials on a computer, using presentation software such as Apple's Keynote, or Microsoft PowerPoint.

6.7 Classroom Technology Assistance (CTA)

(Formerly Known as Audio/Visual Services or A/V)

The CTA office is located in the South East corner of the Academic Quadrangle. Here one can sign out all manner of multimedia equipment, including LCD, slide or overhead projectors, T.V. monitors, tape players, etc. One can also get tapes copied and arrange for filming of experiments.

The department also has an LCD projector available to sign-out from the General Office. Book ahead (at the office) to avoid disappointment.

6.8 Photographic Equipment

The department has several cameras and photographic stands. You have the resources here to make your own photos and slides, all you need to pay for is the film. The Department also has a digital camera and slide scanner that can be reserved and signed out at the General Office. See the department's Computer Systems Consultant for software and drivers, if needed.

6.9 Science Technical Centre

Students have available to them the services of metal, glass blowing and electronics shops. They are located on the 8th floor North of Chemistry. Woodwork is done in the Facilities Management building, located south and across the road from the Applied Science Building. If you need a project done by these people, see the Lab Coordinator for a work order. Your supervisor will be charged for work done in these shops and projects are not always completed at the breakneck speed that graduate students are accustomed to.

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6.10 Vehicles and Boats

Department vehicles (passenger vans) are signed out from the Lab Coordinator. It is usually a very good idea to request a vehicle well in advance of when you actually need it (particularly in the summer). The costs will be charged to your supervisor. The cost of using a private vehicle for research may be reimbursed at the rate of $.30 per km. Several small boats and motors are available in the Department. See the Laboratory Coordinator if you want to use one. Some faculty members have research vehicles as well.

6.11 Field Equipment

Your supervisor is normally responsible for providing necessary field gear. Some faculty members have space in the storage sheds at the back of the "H" Lot (East of the South Science Building). Keys to your supervisor's shed can be signed out from the Lab Coordinator. Remember to check with your supervisor about specific equipment.

6.12 Work-Study Program & lab volunteers

The SFU Work-Study program provides part time on-campus jobs for full time undergraduate and graduate students during the fall, spring and summer semesters. The purpose is to provide financial assistance and a career-related employment experience to students in high financial need. The value of the award varies according to the student applicant’s need and funding availability. Each Work-Study placement pays $8.75/hour, covering a range of 90 to 140 hours of work in a semester.

As these are awards provided by the university, it is a great way to provide research-related employment at no cost to your supervisor, for a student in financial need. If you don't have volunteers to help you with some of the grudge-work, a work-study student may be able to help.

The work-study student must be (nominally) hired by a senior person (Faculty, Adjunct professors and even Research Associates), but grad students can't make applications on their own. A faculty member is usually limited in the number of projects that can be included in applications for any one semester, although it is permissible to ask for more than 1 student for the same project.

The Biology undergrads have a common room on the 8000-level of Shrum Biology. They have a volunteer board outside the door, where you can post requests for volunteers to help you with research.

6.13 Radio-Isotope and Hazardous Chemical Safety

The Radiation Safety Officer (K. Scheel) and the Radio-Isotope Technician (S. Hope) offer a short course on the safe handling of radioactive materials. Check with them regarding when the next training session is. This course contains much practical information and only takes a few hours over 2-3 days. For information on the safe handling of hazardous materials and spills, contact the staff at science stores.

6.14 Safety

Department safety manuals and WCB regulations are posted in each main laboratory. Also, new students are required to attend Occupational Health and Safety seminars (scheduled in fall and spring semesters.)

7.0 Seminars

There are several regular seminar series in the Department. The formal Departmental Seminar Series is on Thursdays at 3:30 p.m., with a reception for the speaker following immediately afterwards. The speakers are either invited from other institutions or are faculty members within the University. Speakers are usually available to meet with interested parties sometime during the week of their seminar. Anyone interested in meeting the speaker can arrange for time with whomever is the department host.

Another seminar series is Les Ecologistes, which meets at 12:30 p.m. on Thursdays. This is a more informal series run by graduate students consisting of people from both within and outside the Department speaking on their current research. The focus is on more ecological and evolutionary topics.

The Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry (MBB) also hosts a weekly seminar series on Friday afternoons at 3:30 p.m. All students are encouraged to participate and give talks as it is an excellent learning experience and a forum for constructive feedback.

The Department of Resource and Environmental Management also runs a good seminar series. You can sign up to receive notification of their seminars by email by sending a request to rem-seminar-committee@sfu.ca.

8.0 Amenities

8.1 Sports

Sports play a vital role in the graduate career of many students in the Department. Friday afternoons are dedicated to 2 different levels of ice hockey. Biology has several teams in slow-pitch softball, indoor soccer, basketball, and volleyball. Note that gym membership is included automatically in your student activity fee although lockers are extra.

There are also aerobics, swimming, karate, kayaking, and scuba classes. The schedules for all sports and classes are printed shortly before the beginning of each semester. There is also an SFU outdoors club which skis, climbs, canoes, hikes, etc. and rents out gear at a very reasonable cost. If you are interested in participating in any sport, just ask around the Department. You should be able to rapidly find people with similar interests.

8.2 Maggie Benston Centre (MBC)

Most student services are located in the MBC across from the library. These include a pub, cafeteria, print shop, ombudsman, volunteer center, Simon Fraser Student Society (SFSS) office, bookstores (2), microcomputer store, employment center, housing office, native student centre, registrar, department of graduate studies office, centre for students with disabilities, Travel Cuts, health services, counselling, Science Alive, a chaplaincy and many more.

8.3 Films, Dance, Plays

SFU shows recent and classic films free of charge for all students with valid I.D. in Images Theatre (located at the North West corner of the AQ). For schedules see the student newspaper (The Peak) or get a copy of the film schedule at Images Theatre. Movies are shown only during Fall and Spring semesters.

The SFU Theatre Company produces plays and dances throughout the year. These are not free, but the cost is minimal. Often one or two lunch time performances are offered during the Fall and Spring semesters. The SFU Theatre offers free concerts every Thursday at 12:30 p.m. Small musical groups performing a range of music and/or song are featured.

8.4 Bank

There are Scotiabank instant-teller machines in the North East corner of the AQ, in the MBC (2), and in the West Mall Complex. Be aware, however, that they may run out of money especially on weekends, and they have been known to literally consume the occasional bank card. There is also a Scotiabank located in the Cornerstone building.

8.5 Postal Services

Stamps are available from the Quad Books, the University bookstore, or the Student Society Offices. Mailboxes are located by the bus stop and the MBC. There is a post office in the Microcomputer Store located in the Cornerstone building.

8.6 Buses and Transportation

Buses run regularly to SFU from about 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. This is an economical, environmentally conscious and fairly reliable method of getting to and from campus. In the winter, snowstorms may prevent buses from climbing the hill, but this is rare. Single trip fares are $2.25 and up for students, depending on how far and when you are traveling. However, SFU students pay $98 per semester as part of their student fees (cheaper than monthly passes every month), for a U-pass, which allows unlimited travel across all zones in the greater Vancouver area. If you have a valid reason for not being able to use it, you can apply for an exemption (eg. if you will be out of town for a semester, in the field, etc.) Details of what qualifies as an exemption and how to apply for one can be found on the U-Pass website: www.sfu.ca/upass. Schedules are posted at selected bus stops and are also available by the Student Society Office. You can also check schedules, routes, and plan trips on the Translink Website (translink.bc.ca)

There are also notice boards around campus where one can join a car or van pool.

8.7 Student Society

The SFU Student Society provides a number of services, but these are better explained in their yearly Almanac. The main offices are located in the MBC.

8.8 Travel Agency

Travel CUTS (Canadian University Travel Service) has an office in the MBC. If you are planning a trip, they can often find the cheapest way of getting you there.

8.9 Gas and Food

Some food items are available from vending machines situated around the campus and residences. Chartwells operates dining and food services on the SFU campus, including several cafeterias, Simon C's convenience store beside the James Douglas Safe Study Area in the AQ, and the Diamond University Club. There are also a few fast-food and independent food vendors throughout campus (Mr. Sub and Koya in the MBC, White Spot Triple O's in the lower level of the AQ, and Renaissance Coffee)

The SFSS operates the Higher Grounds Coffee Bar, the Ladle (vegetarian take-out) and The Highland Pub, located in the Maggie Benston Centre, just off of Convocation Mall, opposite the library. The Vegetarian club also offers all-you-can-eat veggie lunches twice per week in the MBC, under Higher Grounds Coffee Bar (suggested donation is $4).

There are also many places to eat in the Cornerstone builing including very cheap (but good!) sushi and a good, reasonably priced falafel place.

To combat the ever-increasing problem of student poverty, the Student Society and Campus Community Services have organized the SFU Food Bank. The Food Bank operates on a confidential basis and is intended for emergency circumstances. If you need to access the Food Bank, please leave a message at 604-291-5446. You can support the Food Bank through non-perishable food or cash donations at the Student Society General Office.

Gas is unavailable on campus (except from the food!).

8.10 Parking

The lots usually available to students are in the "B", "C" and "G" sections. Parking permits can be purchased at the Traffic and Security Office. Visitor parking is also available (current rates are listed on the SFU Parking Services website. Traffic fines must be paid before you can renew your parking permit. After three parking violations your car can be booted and exorbitant fees must be paid for security to unboot your car.

8.11 Social Services

There are a number of ways that graduate students can become involved in improving both the academic and general environment at SFU. Within our Department there are a number of committees that grad students can participate in. These include the DGSC (2 members), Department Undergraduate Curriculum Committee (1 grad member), Scholarship Committee (1 grad member) and Search Committees for new faculty members (1 grad member). In addition, our Department has an active Graduate Caucus (only grad students, no faculty) that meets once a month to address graduate student concerns. Positions here include the Chair, Secretary, Treasurer, and Member at Large, plus places on any Caucus Committees. Other positions include Grad Caucus representative on the Graduate Issues Committee (University-wide grad organization), Science Representative on the Senate Graduate Studies Committee and TSSU steward(s) (stipend position). There is ample opportunity for you to become involved and to gain experience in departmental and University decision making. Just Do It!

9.0 Housing

Housing around SFU is often scarce and it can be particularly difficult to find a suitable place nearby. However, the market can fluctuate. Living off campus nearby, one can reasonably expect to pay about $300-$500 per month for shared accommodation, depending, of course, on how shared or accommodating it is. For a one bedroom apartment expect to pay about $500-$700 in the Burnaby area. Houses can be rented for $800 and up.

9.1 Off-Campus Housing

Listings for off-campus housing are now posted on-line (see http://students.sfu.ca/residences/offcampus.html). People advertising here are generally looking to rent to students and ads placed here often do not appear in the local papers.

9.2 Residences

The on-campus apartments available to grad students are the Louis Riel apartments (an actual apartment complex covered by the B.C. tenancy act), and Hamilton Hall residence (not technically apartments, and not covered by tenancy laws).

The one bedroom apartments are small. However, they appear quite spacious because of full length windows across the outside wall. Storage lockers are allocated to each apartment so you don't have to keep all your junk in your apartment. Additional features include a common room (with TV), laundry facilities, and a recycling room (where you can leave or take both old furniture and clothes). The real attraction, of course, is that there is no lost time or cost in traveling to the university.

As there is no real market or post office on the mountain, shopping or mailing a package means a trip off the hill. Some essentials and snacks are available at the Simon C's convenience store.

Admission to residence officially works on a point system (e.g., different points are awarded depending on where you come from, marital status, etc.) Scholarship students are highly rated in this system. Note that a $25 non-refundable deposit is required to apply.

10.0 Health Services

SFU Health Services, located in the MBC offers quality health care to students. There are a number of physicians, nurses, physiotherapists, and a psychiatrist on staff. Any student with current medical insurance is eligible for medical services. Please note that the Board of Governors requires students to have valid medical insurance as a condition of registration. Visa students are not eligible for the provincial medical plan. Students needing medical insurance can purchase a private plan through SFU Health Services.

11.0 Outside Advising and Counselling

SFU has a Human Rights Office in AQ3045 where students can turn for legal advice, counselling, and assistance if they experience professional, sexual, racial or other discriminatory harassment. There is also an compulsories for legal advice and mediation in the event of any case of academic or non-academic dispute.

Document history

Initially compiled by P. Nonacs, D. Miller, and D. Thomson, DGSC Student Representatives
Updated by:
- K. Naumann, J. Brown, and J.P. Michaud, 1990
- T. Danyk, 1991
- M. Clodius, J. Rogers, and T. Poland, 1996
- M. Harrison and J. Cotter, 1997
- M. Harrison, 1998 - Webpage Developed by M. Bhakthan, 1998
- Webpage design updated and converted to xhtml by J. Whiteley, 2004.
- J. Whiteley, 2004
- J. Catterson, 2006
- C. Moray, 2007
- A. Chubaty, 2009
Last Updated: 2009-05-09 (May 9, 2009)

SFU Biology Grad Student Caucus

Survival Guide for BISC Grad Students at SFU

Contents

1.0 Introduction

Related Links:

2.0 Departmental Organization

2.1 Pest Management

(Formerly Centre for Pest Management, Centre for Environmental Biology)

2.2 Behavioural Ecology Research Group

2.3 Centre for Wildlife Ecology

(Formerly the CWS/NSERC Research Chair)

2.4 Environmental Toxicology Research Group

2.5 Cell Biology

2.6 Organic Evolution

(AKA "The FAB-Lab")

Related Links:

3.0 Administration

Related Links:

3.1 Academic Infrastructure and Requirements

3.1.1 Departmental Graduate Studies Committee (DGSC)

The DGSC is responsible for:

3.1.2 Scholarship Committee

3.1.3 Registration

3.1.4 Courses

3.1.5 Supervisory Committee

3.1.6 Annual Progress Report

Related Links:

3.2 ID/Library Card

Related Links:

3.3 SFU Computing ID & e-mail

Related Links:

3.4 Keys

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4.0 Financial Support

Related Links:

4.1 Research Assistantships

Related Links:

4.2 Teaching Assistantships

Related Links:

4.3 Scholarships

Related Links:

4.4 Loans

Related Links:

4.5 Travel Expenses

4.6 Petty Cash

5.0 Office Support

5.1 Mail

5.2 Photocopying

5.3 Typewriters

5.4 Stationery

5.5 Desk Space

5.6 Departmental Directories

Related Links:

5.7 FAX machine

6.0 Research Support

6.1 Facilities

Related Links:

6.2 Computing

6.2.1 IT (Computing) Services & Help

6.2.2 Internet Access

6.2.3 Network Drive Space

6.2.4 Computing Clusters

Related Links:

6.3 Science Stores

Related Links:

6.4 Library

Related Links:

6.5 Statistical Advice

Related Links:

6.6 Audio & Visual aids

Related Links:

6.7 Classroom Technology Assistance (CTA)

(Formerly Known as Audio/Visual Services or A/V)

Related Links:

6.8 Photographic Equipment

6.9 Science Technical Centre

6.10 Vehicles and Boats

6.11 Field Equipment

6.12 Work-Study Program & lab volunteers

Related Links: