Fall 2025 - BPK 420 D100
Selected Topics in Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology I (3)
Class Number: 6445
Delivery Method: In Person
Overview
-
Course Times + Location:
Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Tue, Thu, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby -
Exam Times + Location:
Dec 4, 2025
Thu, 8:30–11:30 a.m.
Burnaby
-
Instructor:
Daniel Marigold
dsm7@sfu.ca
1 778 782-3499
-
Prerequisites:
To be announced in the Undergraduate Schedule of Classes and Examinations found at go.sfu.ca.
Description
CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:
Selected topics in areas not currently offered as formal courses within the undergraduate course offerings in the Department of Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology. The topics in this course will vary from term to term, depending on faculty availability and student interest.
COURSE DETAILS:
COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course teaches students how to communicate science to different audiences, including children, lay adults, scientists, and clients undergoing rehabilitation. Students will learn principles of data visualization, infographic design, how to read and critique journal articles, communication via science blogs, and oral presentation skills. Prerequisites: 75 credits or higher and major/minor in one of the departments in the Faculty of Science.
MODULES:
1. Data visualization
2. Visualizing scientific concepts and messages for different audiences – infographics
3. Reading and critiquing scientific journal articles
4. Communication via science blogs
5. Oral presentations and slide design for different audiences
FORMAT:
Mix of in-person (majority) and Zoom (minority) classes, 2 x 2hrs/week.
OTHER INFORMATION:
Some classes will run over Zoom and thus, a computer and internet connection are required. Details provided in class. There are NO required textbooks for this course.
COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:
At the end of this course, students should be able to…
1. Identify best practices for written, oral, and visual communication of science
2. Apply different techniques to visualize data based on its type and the purpose
3. Design effective, audience-appropriate infographics
4. Identify and apply best practices for reading technical science writing and graphics
5. Critique scientific journal articles
6. Articulate the importance of a scientific article to the lay public
7. Tailor oral presentations to different audiences
Grading
- Data visualization assignment 10%
- Infographic assignment (2) 30%
- Article critique assignment 15%
- Science blog assignment 15%
- Oral presentations (2) 30%
Materials
MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:
Access to reliable highspeed internet. Microphone for asking questions and participating in Zoom classes.
REQUIRED READING:
Based on assignment(s).
RECOMMENDED READING:
None.
REQUIRED READING NOTES:
Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.
Department Undergraduate Notes:
It is the responsibility of the student to keep their BPK course outlines if they plan on furthering their education.
Registrar Notes:
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS
At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.
To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit:
- SFU’s Academic Integrity Policy: S10-01 Policy
- SFU’s Academic Integrity website, which includes helpful videos and tips in plain language: Academic Integrity at SFU
RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION
Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.