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August 17,2026 | Digest No. 492
Is Fall 2026 your first term as an SFU Undergrad? Excited and nervous about university courses?
Whether you’re coming from high school, transferring from college, or resuming your education after some time away, attending Getting Ready for Academic Success will give you a head start on succeeding at university! GRfAS is free and includes lunch! Check out the program and register by clicking on the location of your choice:
Burnaby Campus, Monday, August 31st, 2026, 10am - 3pm
Surrey Campus, Monday, August 31st, 2026, 10am - 3pm
If you have any questions about this workshop or any other Student Learning Commons service or program, please email <learning-commons@sfu.ca>.
SFU Terry Fox Run
Tuesday, September 22, 2026 at 12:30 PM
Burnaby Campus, Convocation Mall
- Burnaby routes - 4.7 km run or 1.3 km walk
BPK Welcome Lunch
The annual BPK Welcome Lunch is back!!!
When: Thursday, September 24th, 2026 12:30pm - 2:30pm
Where: Courtyard between Physics and BPK
Minimum donation of Two Toonies is required and will be collected for the Terry Fox Foundation - but you are welcome to give more.
International Student Orientation - Fall 2026
A series of orientation events to welcome international students to SFU and get settled. Topics include immigration, work eligibility, housing, medical insurance, how to make the most of their time at SFU, etc. Here’s a snapshot:
July 9 | 8:30 – 10:30 AM: Study Permit & Travel Tips Information Session
July 17 I 8:30 – 10:00 AM: Housing Info Session
July 31 I 8:30 – 10 AM: Medical Insurance for International Students
August 14 | 6:00 – 7:30 PM: International Student Panel Session
September 9 & 10: Social Insurance Number (SIN) Clinics (Burnaby & Surrey campus)
September 15 & 17: International Student Welcome Events (Burnaby & Surrey campus)
Throwback Lunch Breaks: Magic School Bus
Take a break and join us for Throwback Lunch Break every Monday! Bring your own lunch and enjoy a nostalgic episode of The Magic School Bus with friends.
Relax, recharge, and ride along for a fun science adventure each week.
Sci-space, AQ3146
12:30–1:30 PM
SCI 100 is open for enrolment!
This is a unique course designed by Sarah Johnson, the Associate Dean of Learning in the Faculty of Science and 3M National Teaching Fellow. This fall Megan Barker (BISC) and Leanne Ramer (BPK) will join Sarah in teaching the course. We all LOVE getting students excited about science, and about learning how to learn.
This one-credit, pass/fail course is designed to help first-year science students transition successfully to university by developing evidence-based study strategies, time management, exam preparation, and awareness of research, extracurricular, and career opportunities in science.
BPK 449: Neuroimaging and Network Neuroscience
This course examines the brain as a network, a dynamical system of interactions rather than a collection of specialized regions. We survey the empirical, methodological, and theoretical foundations of network neuroscience, from the anatomy of the structural connectome to computational models of large-scale brain dynamics, from the development of brain networks across the lifespan to their disruption in neurological and psychiatric disease, and ultimately to the network framework's implications for consciousness and subjective experience.
The classes focus on open discussions to help unpack difficult concepts and foster dialogue between students and instructors.
By the end of the class, successful students will be able to:
• Describe the structural and functional organization of the human brain as a network, and explain how this organization is measured using MRI, EEG, MEG, and computational modelling.
• Apply graph-theoretic and dynamical systems concepts to interpret connectivity data and reason about the relationship between network topology and brain function.
• Evaluate theoretical frameworks in network neuroscience, including computational models, clinical biomarker approaches, and theories of consciousness.
• Communicate scientific ideas effectively in written and oral formats, synthesizing primary literature and developing original arguments about network neuroscience questions.
• Identify and articulate open research questions at the frontier of the field, and situate them within the broader scientific and societal contexts that motivate them.
BPK 420 - Real-world skills: science communication to diverse audiences
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course teaches students how to communicate science to different audiences, including children, lay adults, undergraduate students, and scientists. Students will learn principles of data visualization, infographic design, written communication, and oral presentation skills. Prerequisites: 75 credits or higher and a major/minor in any Faculty of Science department.
Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12:30 to 2:20 pm, Fall 2026
BPK 343 and BPK 482 Enrolment Information
SFU is required by law to ensure that every student registered in a practicum that involves working with children or vulnerable adults undergoes a CRRA Criminal Record Check. The University must submit consent forms with payment to the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General. SFU is prohibited by law to permit students to work with children or vulnerable adults without a CRRA Criminal Record Check. List of BPK Courses requiring a CRRA Criminal Record Check is as follows:
- BPK 343 – Active Health: Assessment & Programming
- BPK 482 - Ergonomics and Rehabilitation
The Criminal Record Check is coded as a prerequisite for the above courses and cannot be waived by law.
Please refer to the process for Criminal Records Check on SFU Student Service website here: https://www.sfu.ca/students/criminalrecords.html
By law, SFU cannot accept CRC's done through other agencies including the RCMP. Students with criminal record checks conducted through agencies other than the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General are still expected to fulfill this requirement. Further, the process for a Criminal Record Check must be undertaken by SFU only.
Since the document is valid for 5 years, it would be a good idea to get it done far in advance of your enrollment for any of the listed courses as the processing time can vary.
Active Health and Rehabilitation Concentration - KIN Majors
Are you an approved KIN major working towards the Active Health and Rehabilitation concentration?
Please check your Advising Transcript under Student Programs to confirm that the concentration is listed.
If it is listed: no action is needed.
If it is not listed: send your name and student number to the BPK advisor via contact the advisor form, and we will add the concentration to your student record.
Calling All Ergonomics Enthusiasts
The Association of Canadian Ergonomists (ACE) is now offering FREE student memberships! 💼💡
Join ACE, the authoritative voice of ergonomics in Canada, as we unite professionals to optimize human and organizational well-being. With a thriving community of over 500 members nationwide, ACE is dedicated to fostering accountability, collaboration, competence, diversity, and integrity.
Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to join a bilingual, professional network and gain access to invaluable resources and connections. Seize the chance to shape the future of ergonomics both nationally and internationally!
Science and Math Peer Academic Support: Online and Burnaby Campuses
Have questions about your general 1st/2nd year science courses? Need help on your assignments and upcoming midterms? Science and Math Peer Academic Support is back both virtually and in-person to help! Check out the schedule and learn how you can enroll here: Peer Academic Support - Faculty of Science - Simon Fraser University (sfu.ca)
Lab2Market Validate Applications Now Open (Deadline: Sept 19)
Lab2Market Validate is a four-month program that helps researchers test their innovations through real-world market validation. Participants will develop essential skills, gain practical commercialization experience, connect with experienced mentors, and build the network needed to transform research into successful ventures.
Who Should Apply:
Graduate students (Master's and PhD) & Postdoctoral researchers
Researchers with an innovation or research project they want to validate
Applicants based in British Columbia and Yukon
Program Cost: Free for all selected participants.
Format & Commitment: Full-time (30–40 hours/week) in a hybrid format (weekly virtual workshops with key in-person sessions).
Key Benefits & Highlights
Hands-on Skill Building: Master customer discovery, market research, and IP/patent landscape fundamentals.
Expert Guidance: Receive mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and commercialization experts.
Network Expansion: Connect with researchers, ecosystem leaders, and potential funders across Canada.
Upcoming Virtual Information Sessions
1) August 19 2) September 2 3) September 16
For more information or questions about the program, please feel free to reach out to our team at maryoyeneyin@venturelabs.ca or shumka@ecuad.ca.
Research Participants Recruitment
Interested in understanding your inner experience?
Researchers at SFU are looking for participants for a Buddhist-inspired psychology study!
Participants will complete a guided self-reflection task, a short cognitive flexibility task, and questionnaires.
The study takes approximately 1 hour and participants will receive $20 compensation.
📍 SSCK K9622
Scan the QR code on the poster to sign up and learn more!
Research Participants Needed: Exploring where Kinesiology and Exercise Science Graduates are Working Now as Qualified Exercise Professionals
We want to learn more about what Kinesiology and Exercise Science graduates from Canadian Universities who work as Qualified Exercise Professionals in Canada do for work and what their roles consist of.
What is involved?
An online survey which will take 10-15 minutes to fill out with questions related to their degree and current role. Before the main survey, a question to determine eligibilty will be administered.
Who can participate?
Individuals who have graduated from a Canadian Undergraduate Kinesiology or Exercise Science Program.
Interested in participating?
Follow the link - https://forms.gle/hHSk1HotHp73Ucn49
Lung Health Initiative – Executive Hiring, Open to BPK Students
We'd love to welcome new members who are interested in pulmonology research and want to support our advocacy work on campus.
Executive roles and responsibilities: https://docs.google.com/document/d/14apl_YWKFPIm0Q64FHYjcRXWoEltHbZ6oyZ1o5HXMWk/edit?usp=sharing
Application Form: https://forms.gle/v9xa5Ja62drzyan69
Join MINDmatters!
Make a difference to the BPK community. Share your ideas and energy with the MINDMatters Committee and help create an engaged, healthy, and vibrant learning community.
The Indigenous Tutoring and Mentoring Program needs volunteer tutors, mentors, administrators, coders, and blog-writers!
The Indigenous Tutoring & Mentoring Program (ITMP) is recruiting volunteers to join our program! ITMP is a volunteer organization (https://www.sfu.ca/engagement-competition/past-projects/2021/itmp.html) that provides free 1-on-1 Zoom tutoring and mentoring to Indigenous youth (K-12) across British Columbia. It was founded by SFU students to increase educational attainment through friendly, student-focused and culturally-relevant services. Our program is expanding, and we’d love to have you on our team. Indigenous students are especially encouraged to apply, though all applications are welcome!
The Canadian Red Cross (CRC) is looking for more volunteers for their HELP (health equipment loan program) team!
Do you want to gain health-care experience, work with other like-minded students and also make a big impact in your community? - If so, the Canadian Red Cross HELP team is the place for you. As a volunteer, you will communicate with healthcare professionals (OT, PT, Doctors etc.) to help get medical equipment to those who cannot afford to buy it, or simply just want to borrow it after things like injuries and surgeries. Scheduling has lots of flexibility, as the CRC recognizes how important education commitments are. Locations include but are not limited to Burnaby and Surrey. There is currently no fixed deadline to apply.
Learn more about the HELP team at REDCROSS.CA or contact Simran (simran.virk@redcross.ca; 236-339-0224).
Fraser Health Crisis Line Recruiting Volunteer!
Are you looking for a volunteer opportunity? Why not start now!
The Fraser Health Crisis Line is recruiting volunteers to provide assistance to people in the region who are experiencing emotional distress. No previous experience is needed as extensive training and ongoing support is provided. If you are interested in learning more about this challenging and rewarding opportunity, the first step is to review the information on our website and then attend a Zoom Information Session. Please go to www.options.bc.ca and click on Get Involved -> I Want to Volunteer -> Crisis Line. Here you will find the dates and Zoom links for the up-coming sessions.
Many volunteers report that their Crisis Line experience was significant in helping them reach their educational and/or career goals, including acceptance into Graduate Programs, Policing, Medical School, E-Comm 911, Social Work, Mental Health and related fields. Volunteers also tell us that they find the Crisis Line to be a rewarding and fulfilling experience, as they are truly making a difference.
🎓 Congratulations to Dr. Erin Williams on receiving the Dean of Graduate Studies Convocation Medal at SFU's June 2026 Convocation!
Dr. Erin Williams graduates with a PhD in Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology (BPK) from the Faculty of Science. During her PhD, she investigated non-pharmaceutical strategies for managing recurrent fainting across the lifespan. Her interdisciplinary work assessed the effectiveness of counterpressure maneuvers as a behavioural intervention to avert impending episodes, making significant contributions to the clinical understanding of fainting in children. Supported by the CIHR’s Canada Graduate Scholarship Doctoral Program, her research earned several awards, including Best Oral Presentation at the International Symposium on the Autonomic Nervous System. Beyond research, she was a leader and advocate within her community, recognized by the prestigious Bastions of BPK Convocation Award. Her dedication to academic service elevated the visibility and excellence of research in BPK, fostering collaboration and pride among trainees and faculty alike.
Crew-13 Space Station mission
BPK instructor Andrew Blaber will be in attendance to watch the Crew-13 launch live!
The Crew-13 mission will send Canadian astronaut Joshua Kutryk and fellow crew members to the International Space Station, where they will support scientific research and experiments in space.
Learn more about the mission: Canadian Space Agency – Crew-13
SFU study sheds light on clotting risks for female astronauts
The unexpected discovery of a blood clot in a female astronaut in 2019 has led space agencies around the world to initiate studies to understand this possibly serious medical condition. Dr. Blaber’s Aerospace Laboratory in BPK, received funds from the Canadian Space Agency to participate in a ground-breaking European Space Agency’s Vivaldi study on female responses to simulated microgravity. In their initial study, published in the journal Acta Astronautica (lead author Tiffany Stead, MSc. BPK, 2024), these scientists discovered how blood clots formed in microgravity become stronger and tougher to break down than the clots that form on the ground. You can find more information from SFU News. Dr. Blaber explains these results on the CBC science show Quirks and Quarks. The study and interview also inspired Bob McDonald (Quirks and Quarks host) to write a separate blog post about it.
DISCLAIMER: The Department of BPK is forwarding these opportunities as we receive them, however we strongly encourage you to research and obtain information regarding the reputation of organizations, the terms and conditions of employment or service, as well as to understand your rights and responsibilities. The Department does not endorse any specific individuals, organizations, products, programs or services. If you see any suspicious postings or hiring practices, please notify us immediately at bpk_engage@sfu.ca.