Skip to content Skip to main navigation
MENU
Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology (BPK)
Search

August 31,2026 | Digest No. 494

This week's updates:

UPCOMING EVENTS

SFU Terry Fox Run

Tuesday, September 22, 2026 at 12:30 PM

Burnaby Campus, Convocation Mall

Event Details

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.

 

SFU Science, Environment & Health Sciences Co-op Info Session

Register: https://sehinfosessionfall26.eventbrite.com

Learn about Co-op opportunities in Science, Environment, and Health Sciences at SFU in this information session!

Date: Wednesday, September 23, 2026 @ 12:30pm–1:30pm, Zoom

FREE online information session!

Registrants will receive the Zoom meeting link 24 hours in advance of the session.

Are you a SFU Faculty of Science, Environment or Health Sciences student interested in participating in the Co-op Program?

RSVP and join us for a free information session to learn about the Program!

Every year, thousands of students graduate from SFU and enter the job market. The most successful graduates are generally those who have work experience in their field. SFU Co-op provides you with a year or more of paid, resume-boosting work experience that makes employers more likely to hire you. Co-op is an optional program where students explore their career options by alternating between study semesters and paid work semesters.

In this information session, we’ll go over:

  • About the Co-op program
  • Benefits of Co-op
  • Eligibility requirements and application steps
  • Program structure
  • Co-op work terms
  • Hear from Co-op students about their experience in the program

And more…

For more information, check out:

http://www.sfu.ca/coop/programs/env/

https://www.sfu.ca/coop/programs/hsci.html

https://www.sfu.ca/coop/programs/sci/

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)

    Sign up here!

CHECK OUT SFU EVENTS PAGE FOR UPCOMING FEATURED EVENTS

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Unlock Answers: Explore Our FAQ Section Today

Discover the answers you've been seeking! Dive into our FAQ page and find solutions to your most pressing questions.

FAQ: If a course is full, how can I get in? (Waitlists and Late Enrollment)

GoSFU keeps wait lists for all BPK courses until the end of the first week of classes each semester. During this time, all adds and drops are handled by GoSFU. Spaces open up as a result of students doing course changes and dropping courses; either because their co-op job is finally realized or they failed the prerequisite. After the end of the first week of class, GoSFU no longer permits students to add classes. 

To summarize how waitlists work in the first two weeks of the term, for the BPK department:

Week 1 of class: Waitlists are still in effect. If a space opens up in your class, the spot will go to the next eligible student on the waitlist. 

Week 2 of class: Waitlists are frozen, and there are no more adds for online courses. Some professors will keep their own waitlists at this point (based on who has been attending the class, etc.) and some will not. If you are on the waitlist and see a space open up in the class, email BPK Advisor and include your full name, student number, course name/number, preferred tutorial/lab and attached advising transcript. I will be reviewing these requests by email only (not in-person), and will prioritize based on when the email (with all the complete information) was received, and if the professor was keeping a list of students. If you send a request, I will email you to let you know whether or not you were added to the class. Remember, it's not helpful to send follow up emails to see if I received your request. 

We do our best to be fair to everyone. However, if there isn't space in the class, then a student cannot be added. 

Don't miss out on valuable information—explore our FAQ page now!

FAQ PAGE

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.

Summer 2026 Academic Dates and Deadlines

Summer term courses start May 11, 2026; last day of exam is August 23.. Note: For comprehensive term dates, see Calendar of academic dates.

ACADEMIC DATES & DEADLINES

Academic Advising

BPK students who are officially approved into a BPK major or minor program can book advising appointments and access Zoom drop-in link using the Advisor Link system.

** Please have Academic Transcripts on-hand for appointments. Follow this link for instructions: https://www.sfu.ca/students/records/advising-transcripts.html

BPK Advising hours are as follows:

BPK Advising Hours

You can choose a 20 minute in-person/phone/zoom appointment during the following times:

Day Appointments
Monday 10am - 11:40am
Tuesday

10am – 11:40am
Wednesday 10am – 11:40am

Friday

10am - 11:40am

Drop-in  (in-person) advising for quick (< 10 minutes) questions:
Location: K9633

Day  Drop-in
Wednesday

1:30-2:30pm
If you are not available for drop-in times, or are unable to make an appointment, you may email the advisor through the Advising Contact Form.

BPK Undergraduate Advising

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.

Discover Our New Proposed Course Schedule

Get ready for clarity and convenience with our latest resource: the new proposed course schedule for 2025–26 & 2026–27 ! Designed to simplify your course planning, this document makes it easy to see what courses will be offered in the coming years.

With this proposed schedule, you can:

  1. See Future Courses: Find out what courses will be available in advance, so you can plan your academic path with confidence.

  2. Plan Your Schedule: Map out your classes for upcoming semesters, ensuring you stay on track to meet your goals.

  3. Stay Updated: Stay informed about course details like prerequisites and scheduling to make informed decisions about your education.

  4. Stay Ahead: Get a head start on planning by identifying courses of interest early, so you don't miss out on any opportunities.

  5. Customize Your Plan: Tailor your course selection to match your interests and aspirations for a well-rounded academic experience.

DETAILS

CRC Requirements and Online Platform Transition

The university is transitioning to an online platform this summer. BC residents should prepare by obtaining a BC Services Card and downloading the BC Services Card App. This change aims to streamline CRC applications, reducing delays typically experienced from July to September. Out-of-province students will need to submit a paper application, which requires additional processing time.

Visit the CRC webpage for details on courses requiring a CRC.

DETAILS

ACADEMIC OPPORTUNITIES

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!

DETAILS

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)

OTHER OPPORTUNITIES

BCRPA Fitness Registration & Student Membership Opportunities

Kinesiology students are able to fast-track certain requirements, making it easier to become part of BCRPA, Canada’s largest body of registered fitness professionals. I’ve attached a document with additional information about the registration process and the benefits of becoming registered with BCRPA.

In addition to this, BCRPA offers free student memberships to anyone enrolled in a full-time post-secondary program in BC. This membership provides students with opportunities to connect with professionals, access resources, and learn about the ideas shaping healthier, more active communities across the province. Student members also receive discounted rates for conferences, events, and e-learning, as well as access to member-only resources, communications, and volunteer opportunities.

UBC Department of Physical Therapy- MPT Fall Info Session (Oct 7)

Wednesday, October 7, 2026

5:30 PM – 6:30 PM

Online – Registration Required

Introduces the physical therapy profession and provides an overview of the MPT program and its admission requirements. Teaching faculty, current students, and staff will be available to answer questions.

The Department of Physical Therapy has a number of exciting events planned for prospective applicants and anyone interested in learning more about physical therapy as a career. You can find all upcoming dates and details on our Events Page.

We'll be attending career fairs and informational events across our campuses throughout the fall term, so please check back in regularly. Whether you join us at an in-person event or register for a virtual information session, we'd love the opportunity to connect with you, answer your questions, and share more about the profession and our program.

Register for Virtual Information Sessions

Application Reminders

One year. $50,000. The Path for Changemakers.

Applications for Cohort 11 of the Pathy Foundation Fellowship are open until November 1st!

This 12-month experiential learning program is rooted in youth leadership and community engagement. Each year, up to 12 Fellows receive:

  • $50,000 in funding

  • Comprehensive training and mentorship

  • The opportunity to lead a self-directed initiative in any field, sector, or community

  • And more!

Learn more and start your application by visiting the Pathy Foundation Fellowship website.

 

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

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

The Human Electrophysiology Laboratory in the Department of Psychology invites you to participate in two experiments on visual attention.

Using an EEG system, we will record your brain waves or reaction time while you react to visual stimuli presented on a computer monitor (you can participate in just one or both of the experiments; remember to book them separately and on different days and/or times if you decide you want to do both). One experiment will take about 2 hours, and you'll be paid $25; the other will be 1 hour, and you'll be paid $15 (for arriving at the lab at or before the scheduled start time and participating in the experiment). 

The experiments run on weekdays. You may book a session using one of the two links below. The two scheduling links below offer different time slots for the two experiments. If you want to book for the 2-hour experiment, use the first link; if you want to book for the 1-hour experiment, use the second link. We will begin opening slots starting May 11.

https://sfueeg-schedule1.as.me/

https://sfueeg-schedule2.as.me/

* If there are no time slots available, please check back again in a few days. 

* If you have already participated in one of these experiments, then unfortunately, you cannot participate in these specific experiments again. 

If you have questions, please contact the Human Electrophysiology Lab (erpsfu@gmail.com). 

 

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

PLEASE CLICK HERE to learn more information about WHAT CAN BE EXPECTED BY RESEARCH PARTICIPANTS IN BPK

Employment Opportunities

Academics First Tutor Roster Program: Seeking Qualified Tutors

The Academics First Tutoring Program is hiring academic tutors across a variety of subject areas for Fall 2026 and beyond. This is an on-call position and assignments are made based on student requests.

Would you be able to share this opportunity through your department's channels?

The posting will be up for just over a  week and applications are due on Friday, September, 4th, 2026. Students only need to apply with their transcript and resume. Any interested applicants, as well as questions and concerns, can be sent to academics_first@sfu.ca.

Pay rates:

  • Undergraduate students: $20/hr
  • Master’s students: $25/hr
  • PhD students: $30/hr
  • All tutors are compensated at $16 per hour for training.

Wanted: Respite Caregivers (in City of Vancouver)

Would you love to work with children or adults with developmental disabilities, and have one or two available afternoon(s) or day(s) per week?

If so, we've got a great opportunity for you! The Developmental Disabilities Association is seeking contracted Caregivers to work 1:1 with a child or adult in our Respite Programs. Our caregivers provide a break for families by taking their family member for a fun, supervised and safe community outing once or twice a week.

Respite takes place mostly on weekends, or on weekdays after school (on a consistent week to week schedule). Wages are $20/hr ($22/hr for higher support needs). Requirements: valid First Aid with CPR, clear criminal record, work references, some training or work/volunteer experience in a field related to intellectual disabilities. ''

Click here for more details 

Clinical Exercise Physiology Student Placement: Young Adult Cancer Physical Activity Program

Placement Type: Clinical Exercise Physiology Practicum/Placement

Duration & Commitment: Six months (with the potential for extension depending on program requirements and student interest); Approx. five hours/week

Location: Hybrid (British Columbia)

Compensation: This is an unpaid position, with a small stipend available. Students will be given authorship on papers, conference presentations, and forthcoming grants.

Click here for details

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

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.

Details

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.

BPK HIGHLIGHTS

🔬 Undergraduate Research Spotlight

Our BPK undergraduates are making exciting contributions to research! From lab projects to conference presentations, students are gaining valuable hands-on experience that shapes their academic journey.

Read more about our Undergraduate researchers here

🐾 Wellness Corner: BPK Pets

Meet the furry friends of our BPK community! Pets play an important role in supporting mental well-being, bringing comfort and joy during busy times.

Click here to meet our BPK pets

Student Achievements

IN THE NEWS

Lungpacer Medical Nominated for 2026 Prix Galien USA Award for Best Medical Technology

Congratulations to Lungpacer Medical, which has been nominated for the 2026 Prix Galien USA Award for Best Medical Technology. The SFU spinoff company's AeroPace technology was developed by BPK professor Andy Hoffer.

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.

 Read More..

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.

Search
Search
close