OmniSci: Science Students' Guide 2022

September 2022

Science Students’ Guide

TABLE OF CONTENTS

The Current is an entirely student-led online platform for information and entertainment centered around science students and the wider scientific community at Western and beyond. Administered by the Science Students' Council, our writing and design teams work closely with the communications portfolio of the SSC to provide enticing articles and other forms of media.

If you are interested in being a part of our group, you can find applications for writing positions online at westernssc.ca.

EDITOR IN CHIEF Aanjalin Iruthayanathan SENIOR WRITERS Christopher De Luca Wajiha Imran VP COMMUNICATIONS Samdarsh Saroya (Interim) DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS Jason Lu

SCIENCE STUDENTS’ GUIDE

TABLE OF CONTENTS

LETTERS FROM THE SSC & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF ADVICE FROM UPPER-YEARS WELLNESS RESOURCES ACADEMIC SUPPORT AND ACCOMMODATION STUDY TIPS & STUDY SPOTS GETTING INVOLVED: CLUBS & THE SSC THE UWO BUCKET LIST CAMPUS MAP

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SCIENCE STUDENTS’ COUNCIL

THE CURRENT

Aside from academics, what you do outside the classroom often truly defines your university experience. Our advice? Get involved! Join clubs, councils, seek out volunteer opportunities, be a part of sports teams, or pick up a hobby that you enjoy. We invite you to take a step out of your comfort zone and seek

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We are also aware that first year may also be a time ridden with anxiety and uncertainty, but remember—a journey isn't a journey without its tribulations. Your faculty, peers, academic counselors, and us, the Science Students' Covuncil will be here to support and encourage you every step of the way.

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This year's theme is Omni Sci, representing the endless opportunities that you will be embarking on this year. The next few months will be an exciting time for you as well as a time for growth. Finding yourself in a completely new environment may seem overwhelming at first, but first year is a time where you learn about yourself and have the opportunity to try things you haven't before.

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Hello! On behalf of the Science Students' Council we would like to congratulate you on becoming a mustang and welcome you to your new home, Western Faculty of Science.

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A Letter From Science Students’ Council

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opportunities to enhance and define your student experience here at Western. We hope to see you get involved in the faculty, either through our council, our committees, the various department clubs within the faculty, or in any other opportunity that comes your way.

Lastly, we have curated this guide to help navigate the endless amount of resources that Western has for you. We hope that as you flip through this, you'll find some things worth remembering.

If you have any questions or want to see what we're up to, follow us on instagram @western.ssc or find us on Facebook. We cannot wait to meet you and hope your first year—and many years to come—is filled with unforgettable experiences.

All the best, Your Science Students' Council Executive (2022-23) North Campus Building Room 297 Western University, Canada western.ssc

westernssc.ca

westernssc

A Letter From Your Editor-In-Chief Dear Incoming First-Year Students, It gives me great pleasure to welcome you all to Western Science! My name is Aanjalin Iruthayanathan and I am the Editor-in-Chief of The Current for the 2022-23 academic year. The Current is an entirely student-led online magazine featuring informative & entertaining articles delivered by our very own Science Students’ Council (SSC). If you’re passionate about writing or even just interested in writing, I strongly encourage you to apply to join The Current committee this fall.

Anyways, here’s more about our annual guide for first year science students, aptly titled, Science Students’ Guide, which we hope will be a little bit of help along your first year journey.

First year can be stressful, exciting and intimidating all at once. But just remember that there is always help and support available to you, where that be from students mentors, sophs, or professors. This guide will give you insights on academics, mental & physical wellness and extracurriculars. Plus, we’ve compiled some great advice from upper-year science students who were in your shoes a few years back about things they wish they knew as first year students and general first year survival tips.

Oh, and pro-tip, if you ever get lost on campus, Google Maps will always have your back but if you’re more old-school, we also have a campus map at the end of this guide for your convenience! And, I’m sure that by the end of first year, you will have figured out all of the shortcuts at Western. Fingers crossed that you get to experience your entire first year, in person at Western’s beautiful campus.

On behalf of the Science Students’ Council, I wish you all the very best for your first year at Western University. I hope you have lots of fun, make new friends and achieve great things, good luck!

Aanjalin Iruthayanathan Editor-in-Chief of The Current Science Students’ Council 2022-2023 thecurrent@westernssc.ca

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ADVICE FROM

UPPER YEARS Upper_Year_Advice.app

> User: Evelyn, Year 2 Upper_Year_Advice.app

> User: Lydia D., Year 4 Learn to take breaks when needed! Trying to work while overly stressed will never be as efficient as taking a quick break and getting back to work with a clear mind.

Go into class with an open mind, you never know who you'll happen to sit down next to and click with! At the same time, don't worry about making friends right away, it definitely takes a bit to settle in!

Upper_Year_Advice.app

> User: Anonymous, Year 3 Upper_Year_Advice.app

> User: Jason, Year 2 Even though you can get so overwhelmed with school work, don’t give up on your hobbies and the things you really enjoy. Also, don’t be worried if you feel behind, everyone feels the same. Just try your best to catch back up!

Upper_Year_Advice.app

> User: Aanjalin, Year 4 Go to class and schedule asynchronous classes in your calendar to make sure you keep up with lectures.

Also go to office hours when you can and reach out to your profs or TA’s if you’re struggling with course material. They are there to help you!

Making a calendar of due dates and tests after reading the syllabus for your classes would be very beneficial. Additionally, writing down the tasks for each day in a weekly planner will ensure that you don’t forget to complete assignments throughout the week.

Upper_Year_Advice.app

> User: Chris De Luca, Year 4 Don't be so hard on yourself. While it is important to have goals in your academics, you will have many opportunities to make up for mishaps.

Upper_Year_Advice.app

> User: Anonymous, Year 3 During lectures, don't copy down what's written on the slides, instead print or download the slides and annotate them.

Use the exam shuttle if you’re on campus late during exam season and you can call foot patrol if you are afraid of walking alone at night.

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Western understands that the switch to university does present new challenges and fears. Whether you're

feeling ill, homesick, stressed of dealing with a crisis,

there are safe health and wellness resources available to help you.

IF YOU...

FEEL ILL: Visit the physical health clinic or book an appointment at (https://www.uwo.ca/health/shs/index.html).

GET HURT ON CAMPUS: Call for the Student Emergency Response Team (SERT) at (https://sert.uwo.ca).

Need To Grab Your Prescription: Head to the Western Pharmacy in the UCC (https://universitypharmacy.ca/locations/western/).

Need To See A Dentist: Reach out to Western’s Dental Clinics (https://www.schulich.uwo.ca/dentistry/dental_clinics/).

Feeling Anxious and Down: Book a mental health counseling appointment at (https://www.uwo.ca/health/psych/index.html).

Are In a Crisis: Reach out to the following resources: •Crisis counselors on campus: 519-661-3030 •Reach Out Crisis response service: 519-433-2023 •Anova (provides safe places, shelter, support, counselling, and resources for abused women and their children): 519-642-3000 Dealing With Stress With Coming Out Issues, Family Matters, Isolation, or Dealing With Queerphobia On Campus: Reach out to Western’s LGBTTIQQ2SA+ counseling services (https://www.uwo.ca/health/psych/LGBTTIQQ2SA+.html).

Dealing With Race-Related Stress And Need A Place To Talk: Call Western’s racialized support services (519-661-3030).

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Academic Support & Accommodation Academic Support Academic Counselling

Need to address a wide breadth of student needs such as degree requirements, program changes, adding and/or dropping courses, as well referrals to other on-campus services?

Location: NCB, Rm 280 Phone: (519) - 661 - 3040 Website: http://uwo.ca/sci/counselling/ Try booking appointments, for non-time sensitive issues.

These appointments can be made through the Science/BMSc Academic Counselling Help Portal. Topics covered include: module selection, navigating academic choices, exchange, concurrent degrees, academic probation and Dean’s waiver check-ins, and second degrees. The fastest way to see an academic advisor is drop-in counselling, which is available via Zoom, or through Live Chat. A full overview of ways to connect with Academic Counselling, as well as days and times you can connect with a member of the academic counselling team, is available on their website: https://www.uwo.ca/sci/counselling/advising_services/coun selling_hours.html

Walk-In Counselling/SciSnapchat

There are little to no wait times, no sign up and it’s just a quick walk-in to answer your questions.

Hours: Friday 10am - 12pm Location: WSC 150 or Taylor Library Tip: Avoid bringing academic considerations or personal matters to walk-in counselling as this can be resolved with a drop-in or booked appointment.

Science Department Counselling

To address questions about degree progression, course selection, special permissions, potential course substitutions, and problems with course registration. Departmental counsellors can give you specific info related to courses, substitutions, and special permissions.

Note that Medical Sciences 1 and 2 students should always direct their academic counselling issues to Science Academic Counselling: https://www.uwo.ca/sci/counselling/advising_services/depart ment_counsellors.html

Academic Counselling

Learning Development and Success offers resources and supports to all students at Western. Counsellors and staff members help students cope with the demands of post-secondary learning, helping to identify strengths and develop new skills and strategies for success. Counsellors also work with students to alleviate academic stress and anxiety, and to develop positive motivation and confidence toward learning. This service is available for successful students wanting to maintain their already strong skills and those having academic difficulties. Services include presentations and workshops, one-on-one appointments, self-help tools, and the Peer Assisted Learning Centre. Find a full overview of their services here: https://learning.uwo.ca/

Academic Consideration

If you are unable to attend an assessment, are absent from class or could not submit an assignment due to medical, compassionate, or religious reasons, you may be eligible for academic consideration. You must fill out the Academic Consideration Request Form and submit it, along with appropriate documentation, to the academic counselling Help Portal. For more information, visit: https://www.uwo.ca/sci/counselling/procedures/academic_consideration_for_absences/index.html

Academic Accommodations

Academic Accommodations are available to disabled students to make academic activities more accessible for them.

Accommodations can range from getting access to alternative format textbooks (e.g., electronic, Braille) to receiving extra time for assessments.

For more information, visit: http://academicsupport.uwo.ca/accessible_education/academic_accomodation.html

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STUDY TIPS & SPOTS TIPS

Here’s a short list of some common student problems and my advice to work around them.

Falling Behind On Course Material & Lectures: Once the lectures pile up, it only gets more and more stressful. To prevent this, find an accountability partner, maybe someone you sit with in lectures or someone you met through a course group chat. You’re all in this together!

Struggling With Difficult Concepts: I know this is easier said than done, but try to seek help. You can reach out to a peer, a TA or professor. Remember that they are here to help and you’re paying tuition anyways so might as well make the most of it.

If you’re shy to ask questions, don’t worry! Drop by office hours (in-person or virtual) and listen in on the questions your peers ask, you might learn a thing or two.

Adapting To Lecture Style Classes: Find out what works for you: some annotate printed or virtual slides, others jot down quick notes, etc.

I would recommend meeting with each course’s professor to see how they would recommend studying for their course and how to make the most of lectures.

Forgetting Deadlines Or Not Making Enough Time To Study For Exams: Input all your deadlines and important dates into a virtual or paper calendar once you get your syllabus Make an exam study schedule well in advance Plan to study with friends or at least coordinate study schedules with them for accountability Take advantage of free review sessions run by science clubs or TAs

STUDY SPOTS

Here’s a short list of potential Western campus study spots based on your “study aesthetic” aka what you look for in a study spot.

Silence Please!

All libraries have a quiet section.

A popular space is the newly renovated 5th floor at Weldon Library, although it is difficult to find a spot during exam seasons.

Pretty Space To Productivity Western has a gorgeous campus and there are some beautiful study spots as well! Here is a non-exhaustive list: Thames Hall International and Graduate Affairs Building Ivey Library & The Ivey Building Studying outdoors by University College in the warmer months Group Studying FTW Book a study room at Taylor library (AKA the science library) or Weldon library Find a bench on Concrete Beach in the warmer months The Social Sciences Building Anywhere Close to My Classes Here are some places to study near many first year science classes: North Campus Building Einstein’s Anywhere in the UCC The Physics & Astronomy Building (PAB)

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get involved in a club

Western offers a wide variety of student clubs! Joining clubs is an amazing way to meet new people with similar interests. Here is a list of

just some of our science related clubs. For more information visit: westernssc.ca/clubs, OR westernu.campuslabs.ca/engage/organizations.

BACHELOR OF MEDICAL SCIENCES ASSOCIATION

BIOPHYSICS NETWORK OF STUDENTS

UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS’ COUNCIL OF EPIDEMIOLOGY AND BIOSTATISTICS

WESTERN UNDERGRADUATE NEUROSCIENCE SOCIETY

WESTERN SYNTHETIC BIOLOGY RESEARCH PROGRAM

ANATOMY AND CELL BIOLOGY CLUB

MICROBIOLOGY AND IMMUNOLOGY STUDENT ASSOCIATION

UNDERGRADUATE PATHOLOGY ALLIANCE AT WESTERN

PHYSICS AND ASTRONOMY STUDENT'S ASSOCIATION ASSOCIATION OF INTERDISCIPLINARY MEDICAL SCIENCES STUDENTS

MATH CLUB AT WESTERN

WESTERN CHEMISTRY CLUB

ACTUARIAL & STATISTICAL UNDERGRADUATE ASSOCIATION

BIOLOGY UNDERGRADUATE SOCIETY COMPUTER SCIENCE UNDERGRADUATE SOCIETY

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE ASSOCIATION

WESTERN BIOCHEMISTRY CLUB

JOIN YOUR COUNCIL

https://westernu.campuslabs.ca/engage/organizations

OUR MISSION! Striving to help each Western University science undergraduate achieve the best student experience possible.

Science Students' Council is composed of 64 members of the science community, including elected representatives that serve as your voice within our supporting Faculties, and appointed commissioners responsible for improving

You too could get involved as a first year representative or you could join one of our seven committees this fall. SSC committees include: The Current, Charity, Communications, Events, Finance, International, Research & Policy, and Wellness.

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Website: westernssc.ca Facebook: facebook.com/westernssc Instagram: @western.ssc

Snapchat: westernssc Email: info@westernssc.ca The Current: thecurrentssc.com

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various departments within the Faculty of Science and the Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry.

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your undergraduate experience. We are your link to the University Students' Council, the University Senate and the

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THE UWO

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Here is a non-exhaustive list of potential activities to do during your first year at Western University. Enjoy!

TRY A SPOKE BAGEL GET FREE MIDNIGHT BREAKFAST DURING FINAL EXAM SEASON JOIN A SCIENCE CLUB OR COUNCIL TAKE WALK ALONG THAMES RIVER VISIT THE MCINTOSH ART GALLERY PARTICIPATE IN O-WEEK ACTIVITIES WALK THROUGH AN AREA FILLED WITH GEESE WITHOUT GETTING ATTACKED

READ AN ARTICLE ON THE CURRENT GET LUNCH FROM A CAMPUS FOOD TRUCK GET WESTERN MERCH TRY SOME KARAOKE WATCH A WESTERN FOOTBALL GAME GO ON A PICNIC WITH FRIENDS MAKE IT TO A MORNING CLASS AFTER A NIGHT OUT TAKE A NAP IN THE LIBRARY USE YOUR STUDENT ID TO GET A DISCOUNT WRITE A LETTER TO YOUR FUTURE SELF GO NIGHT SLEDDING DRESS UP FOR HALLOWEEN VISIT DOWNTOWN LONDON SIGN UP FOR AN INTRAMURAL TEAM

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IMPORTANT LOCATIONS

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ONTARIO HALL

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UNIVERSITY COLLEGE

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MATERIAL SCIENCES ADDITION

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PERTH HALL

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RECREATION CENTRE

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PHYSICS AND ASTRONOMY

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CHEMISTRY BUILDING

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SPENCER ENGINEERING BUILDING

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NORTH CAMPUS BUILDING

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KRESEGE BUILDING

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LONDON HALL

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ALUMNI HALL

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MIDDLESEX COLLEGE

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DENTAL SCIENCES BUILDING

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SAUGEEN-MAITLAND HALL

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HEALTH SCIENCES BUILDING

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WESTERN SCIENCE CENTRE

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MEDICAL SCIENCES BUILDING

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BAYFIELD HALL

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SOMERVILLE HOUSE

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HEALTH SCIENCES ADDITION

LAMBTON HALL

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WELDON LIBRARY

BIOLOGICAL AND GEOLOGICAL SCIENCES

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ROBARTS RESEARCH INSTITUTE

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DELAWARE HALL

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STUDENT SERVICES

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LONDON HEALTH SCIENCES CENTRE

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UNIVERSITY COMMUNITY CENTRE (UCC)

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ALUMNI HOUSE

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SOCIAL SCIENCE BUILDING

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NATURAL SCIENCES CENTRE

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COLLIP MEDICAL RESEARCH BUILDING

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TAYLOR LIBRARY

CAMPUS MAP