Minutes of Earth Science Articulation Meeting – May 2006
Location : University of British Columbia – Okanagan
The Earth Science articulation meeting followed a joint Earth Science/Geography meeting from 9 to 11 AM.
Called to order: 11:30 AM, May 6, 2006, Chair : Robbie Dunlop
Present:
Robbie Dunlop |
S.F.U. |
|
Ken Shaw |
Northwest C.C. |
Frank Fowler |
Selkirk C. |
|
Des Wilson |
Douglas C. |
Terry Neufeldt |
Trinity Western |
|
Tark Hamilton |
Camosun C. |
Gary Clohan |
C. Rockies |
|
John Greenough |
U.B.C. - O |
John Martin |
Kwantlen U-C. |
|
Dave Waddington |
Douglas C. |
Stuart Sutherland |
U.BC. - V |
|
Cindy Hansen |
Douglas C. |
Jim Bowers |
Langara C. |
|
Steven Earle |
Malaspina U-C and T.R.U. Open Learning |
Jennifer Orum |
BCCAT |
|
|
|
Motion (Steve/Dave) to adopt the agenda: carried (unanimous)
Motion (Ken/Des) to approve the minutes from the 2005 meeting: carried (unanimous)
Matters arising from the minutes
There was general discussion about the issue of liability with regard to field trips. It was evident that most institutions do not require waiver forms for individual field trips. ACTION : Des agreed to contact authorities to clarify institutional rules regarding liability and insurance.
It was suggested that all instructors should add the following statement to their course outlines:
Field trips are a necessary part of instructional delivery in Earth Science courses, and are an institute-sanctioned activity. |
Articulation of first-year physical geology and physical geography courses
This issue was discussed earlier in the joint E.S./GEOG meeting. Robbie noted that APEG-BC has unilaterally made some changes to the requirements for APEG registrations. These changes will require a reorganization of the geology transfer grid.
ACTION : Robbie will undertake to reorganize the grid.
ACTION : Robbie will create an Earth Science articulation website that will include: minutes from articulation meetings, photos from field trips and various reports.
Motion (John M, Robbie) that we should invite Myron Osatenko from APEG-BC to next year's articulation meeting: carried (unanimous)
New Business
Next years articulation meeting will take place at U.B.C. - V on May 12 th & 13 th .
Election of a new Chair for the Earth Science Articulation Committee – Robbie Dunlop was elected by acclamation.
Institutional Reports
Northwest C.C. (Ken Shaw - written report submitted)
There are 2 new job opportunities at Northwest, one in Oceanography. The School of Exploration and Mining has been established (in partnership with C. New Caledonia , Northern Lights C., C. Rockies, and North Island C.). These institutions will offer an exploration short course of several weeks duration.
C. of the Rockies (Gary Clohan - written report submitted)
A new lab assistant has been hired. Enrolments are down. There has been a change in the Department Chair situation.
Selkirk C. (Frank Fowler - written report submitted)
Enrolment numbers are down. Leslie Anderton has won a district education award for her teaching.
Trinity Western U. ( Terry Neufeldt)
Two courses are being offered Physical Geology (GEOL-109) and Geology of the Vancouver Region. (GEOL-220). A hiring freeze is in effect.
Douglas C. (Dave Waddington - written report submitted)
Enrolments are down. Applied Environmental Science was offered in the fall of 2005. Des Wilson is retiring.
Motion (Gary, John M) that the group wishes to thank Des Wilson for his role as Liaison Administrator over many years: carried (unanimous)
U.B.C. Okanagan ( John Greenough )
Transition from OUC to UBCO is still unclear. Enrolments are up; 12 graduates this year. New departmental structure with E. E. S. being paired with Chemistry. The chair is now a CHEES Head. John worries about a lack of representation. Timetabling is a nightmare. Reorganization has lead to many broken internet links.
Camosun C. ( Tark Hamilton )
Slightly increased enrolment. 1st-year courses (Phys. Geol. and EOS) are parallel to U. Vic.'s. Also offer Environmental chemistry and a QAQC course.
Malaspina U-C. (Steven Earle - written report submitted)
Earth Science minor is now in place. The Geology Department is involved in the development of a Renewable Energy Diploma program that will have its first students in September of 2007. We are also working on a 2-year Mineral Exploration program.
Thompson Rivers U. - Open Learning Division (Steven Earle - written report submitted)
Enrolment is down across the division, possibly because many students aren't aware that B.C. Open University is now part of T.R.U. Two Physical Geology courses are offered, one with a lab, and one without.
Langara C . (Jim Bowers - written report submitted)
Nothing to report other than what is in the written report.
U.B.C. – Vancouver (Stuart Sutherland - written report submitted)
Enrolment is still going up, but increase is slowing. (classroom challenge). Pacific Museum of the Earth (formerly BC Minerals Museum ) is expanding.
Kwantlen U.C. (John Martin - written report submitted)
Enrolment has dropped slightly, but full for summer this year. Asked about weekend field trips. Those that have them say they have the dates listed in the course schedule and there are no problems.
Simon Fraser U . (Robbie Dunlop - written report submitted)
Some new first-year courses, some with no labs (e.g. EASC 106 The Earth Through Time. Historical Geology with a lab, is now 2 nd year.) Most important for college transfer to SFU is the WQB (Writing, Quantitative, Breadth) requirement. Note procedures for certification on p. 2 and 3 of written report, or go to: http://www.sfu.ca/ugcr/For_Colleges/Certification_Procedures.html )
(Dave W. asked whether Douglas ' GEOL-2320 Paleontology will get 3 rd year credit at SFU. It seems that the student would get EASC 2xx plus preclusion for SFU's 3 rd year Paleontology. Jennifer Orum (BCCAT) noted that it is an institutional decision and that the receiving and that the receiving institution can transfer a lower-level course to an upper-level course. Robbie is going to bring this up with the undergraduate committee.
Capilano C. (written report submitted)
New Business
Best Practices – Dave Waddington proposes that we make changes to our articulation process where we have more preparation prior to the meeting regarding specific course issues. Robbie suggests that on the new website that we have a developing agenda prior to the meeting. This will allow for a more structured course articulation.
Tark made the point that Historical Geology should be emphasized more in geology programs. It was suggested that Historical Geology / Dinosaurs / Paleo transfer problems and issues should be discussed at the next meeting. Historical geology is important and is present in the degree programs at all major institutions at the first year level or higher.
Motion (Dave/Tark) to support Historical Geology as a program requirement in first or second year: carried (unanimous)
Proposal for next year's agenda: Tark would like to discuss the course ideas/syllabus for an environmental course taught by a geologist.
Mining Industry: Des asked what the institutions are doing to attract students in light of the mining/resources boom?
Robbie expressed appreciation to John Greenough for hosting this year's articulation meeting and for organizing and leading the wine tour.
Motion (John G./Terry) to adjourn: carried (unanimous) (time of adjournment 3:00 pm)
Minutes prepared by Steven Earle with assistance from Cindy Hansen