UG Newsletter
Undergraduate Newsletter
Department of Biology
December 2019 Issue
On behalf of all in Biology, Julie and I (Ken) wish you the best for the December 2019 exam period and beyond! December is undoubtedly a stressful time of the year, so keep basic stress-busters in mind - sleep well, eat well, manage your time appropriately, and talk to others. We are always here if you need to chat about various things.
This year-end December issue is also a forward looking issue with many career-building endeavours to consider for 2020. Check them out and let us know if you need guidance or further information.
The Gray Family Student Initiatives Fund (GFSIF)
This Fund was established though a gift to Queen’s University by Gordon Gray, BCom’50 in January 2004. The GFSIF was established to "provide annual support to any Arts and Science student, or group of students, who would like to write a report, attend a conference, do non-profit work, or other initiatives in the area of preservation of wildlife species.”. The grant guidelines stipulate that “Grants are meant to enable students to participate in non-credit opportunities that will provide them with meaningful lessons realized by working with others in helping conserve wildlife.”.
For the upcoming fiscal year (May 2020 to April 2021), we invite undergraduate students to apply to the GFSIF by submitting an application (up to two pages) with the following information: i) a description of their initiative; ii) how their initiative speaks to the intent of the grant; and iii) a budget outlining the amount requested. An awards committee, with representation from at least three departments/schools within the Faculty of Arts and Science, will rank the proposals and suggest fund allocations, which will then be forward to the Dean of Arts and Science for approval. Once approved by the Dean, the successful applicants will be notified in early March.
Please submit complete applications as a single PDF file to Brian Cumming, Department Head - Biology (cummingb@queensu.ca) by Feb 14th, 2020.
Summer Research Award Opportunity
NSERC Undergraduate Summer Research Awards (USRA): Canada’s Natural Science and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) underwrites these prestigious awards to stimulate student interest in research and to help cultivate tomorrow’s scientists. USRAs involve independent research and are taken up in NSERC-funded laboratories. The awarding of USRAs is carried out internally through Queen’s Biology. Requirements can be found at: https://biology.queensu.ca/academics/undergraduate/awards-opportunities/undergraduate-summer-research-awards-usra-nserc/
Process: The selection process normally involves a combination of GPA and a statement on your interest in research. The 2020 process will begin mid-December to early January. You are welcome to discuss possible opportunities for supervision of summer research projects with Biology faculty members ahead of time and you should be aware that faculty members are under no obligation to make any promises to students until students have been nominated. Do not fill out the official NSERC application form until you are asked to complete it (you will only be asked if your application is successful - nominations will be made early to mid-February. You will find a listing of biology faculty and their research interests at https://biology.queensu.ca/people/department/professors/
Supervisor Eligibility: The holder of a USRA must normally be supervised by a biology faculty member who holds an NSERC grant, either at the time of application or when the student holds the award.
Are you going into 4th year 2020-21. Wondering about BIOL 537 and BIOL 500 courses?
We are in the process of setting up an information session in the new year. Details will follow in the next newsletter and will also be sent out to all BIOL 3rd year students via an e-mail. Tentative date is Feb 4th 5:30pm to 7:30pm….but we will confirm in January.
Did you know?
In order to encourage students to explore subject matter outside their program of study and to promote interdisciplinary study, all upper-year Arts and Science students will be permitted to designate up to 6.0 units of degree-credit courses for pass/fail grading, thereby minimizing any risk to the students’ GPA. Such courses designated for pass/fail grading will be referred to as Personal Interest Credits (PICs).
https://www.queensu.ca/artsci/students-at-queens/the-personal-interest-credit
Planning to graduate SPRING 2020
Don’t forget to check your degree plan status, add courses if needed. The last date to add a winter term course is: Jan. 17, 2020 (https://www.queensu.ca/artsci/important-dates) You also need to be aware of the GPA requirements for graduation, please see Academic Regulation 16: Requirements for Graduation
https://www.queensu.ca/artsci/sites/default/files/academic_regulations_19_final.pdf - pages 33 and 34.
Wondering who to speak to regarding lab work?
For your convenience, here are the first contact email addresses for the listed core courses.
BIOL 102: biol102@queensu.ca
BIOL 103: biol103@queensu.ca
BIOL 200: biol200@queensu.ca
BIOL 205 and 206: biol205@queensu.ca and biol206@queensu.ca
BIOL 212: biol212@queensu.ca
BIOL 300: Laura Nagel (nagell@queensu.ca)
Program Associates for core courses
BIOL 102: Barb Vanderbeld (vanderb@queensu.ca) Rm: Biosci 2321B
BIOL 103: Laura Nagel (nagell@queensu.ca) Rm. Biosci 2322A
BIOL 200: Anna Rooke (a.rooke@queensu.ca) Rm. 2321A
BIOL 205 and 206: Fern Gauthier (gauthier@queensu.ca) Rm: Biosci 3321
BIOL 212: Barb Vanderbeld (vanderb@queensu.ca), Fern Gauthier (gauthier@queensu.ca), Anna Rooke (a.rooke@queensu.ca)
BIOL 300: Laura Nagel (nagell@queensu.ca) Rm: Biosci 2322A
Co-ordinator-Professors for core courses
BIOL 102: W. Snedden
BIOL 103: A. Chippindale
BIOL 200: P. Grogan
BIOL 205: I. Chin-Sang
BIOL 206: J. Friedman
BIOL 212: C. Moyes
BIOL 300: P. Martin
REMINDERS!
Biology Degree Plans
Review your degree plan requirements and make sure you are selecting courses you need. Degree plan requirements can be found at: http://www.queensu.ca/artsci.
Biological Foundations List - IMPORTANT!
It is very important to keep this GPA requirement in mind throughout your program, starting with first year. To be admitted to 400 and 500 level Biology courses, you will need a minimum GPA of 2.0 in any previously taken courses from Biological Foundations list.
The Biological Foundations List is BIOL 102, 103, 200, 212, (201, 202), 205, 206, 300, 330, 334, 339, and 341 (BIOL 302, 303).
To be admitted to BIOL 400 and 500 level Biology courses you will need a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 in any previously taken courses from this list.
Helpful Links
Academic Resources - Study Skills & Habits: sass.queensu.ca
Looking for a job? Quick Link
Looking for study and travel opportunities? Quick Link
Information on Applying for a Course Prerequisite Waiver
Arts and Science Academic Deadlines
Arts and Science Calendar
Frequently Asked Questions
QUBS Quick Links
Website: https://qubs.ca
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/QUBioStation
Twitter: https://twitter.com/QUBS_Director
Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/qubsoutreach
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/QUBScam
Looking for a job? Quick Link
Looking for study and travel opportunities? Quick Link
BIOLOGY Undergraduate Office
Mon to Friday 8:30 to noon and 1:00 to 3:00pm
Rm. 3109d, BIOSC Complex
613-533-6344
frenchj@queensu.ca
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