Daily News

posted on April 12: $1M endowed gift supports health sciences education research

Research into health sciences education embarked on a new journey of discovery Thursday with the support of a $1-million gift from Alcan Inc. The endowed gift, which will be matched by the University, will create the John R. Evans Chair in Health Sciences Education Research. The chair is named in honour of John Evans, the founding dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences. Evans held the post from 1965 until 1972. During that time Evans was instrumental in cementing the concept of problem-based learning (PBL) where students learn through pre-assigned clinical problems, discussion and debates in small group settings and address real-life situations. The PBL approach to learning has been adopted at several academic institutions and is now an integral part of the curriculum in medical schools and health care programs worldwide. "The creation of the John R. Evans Chair in Health Science Education Research is a pivotal occasion for health sciences at McMaster," said President Peter George. "There are many of Dr. Evans's disciples scattered around the world. The John R. Evans Chair will further enhance his legacy." In accepting the donation, President George said that Alcan's gift will enable McMaster to make educational breakthroughs in how technology and computer-based learning are integrated with clinical experience to produce better doctors and health care professionals.

posted on April 11: Spring time is final exam time

If it's April - it must be exam time. This year, McMaster students write exams from Friday April 12 through to Monday April 29. (See Final Exam Timetable for a complete listing of exams.) The library is probably the most-used University facility during exams. To meet students' study needs, extended hours are offered at Mills Memorial Library and the H. G. Thode Library of Science and Engineering: Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to midnight; Saturday, 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. (Sat. April 27 only: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.); Sunday, 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. (Sun. April 28 only: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.). For the month of April, the Health Sciences Library and the Innis Library operate on their usual term schedule. The popular all-night study area will run again during the exam period, starting at midnight April 11. The Innis Library once again plays host, with the McMaster Students Union (MSU) providing student invigilators to patrol the space, ensure that the food, drink and noise policies are enforced, and take periodic head counts. Librarian Vivian Lewis reports that the service is extremely popular and well used, particularly between the hours of midnight and 3 a.m. The round-the-clock opening begins tonight (Thursday, April 11) at 11 p.m. until Saturday, April 27 at 10 a.m.. The program, run jointly by the MSU and the Department of Student Affairs, provides a quiet environment for studying, and gives students access to the collections, the computers and reference resources, as well as the photocopiers. However, no library services (borrowing, reserve pickup, etc.) are available. Two MSU services are closed during exams: the GLBT Centre and the Student Health Education Centre. All others, including MSU administration, the Info Centre, the Design and Copy Centre and the Snack Shack remain open. The Student Walk Home Attendant Team is also available during the exam period. (End of story)