A new program for future nurses
The online integrated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BNI) is the big news for the start of the academic year at McGill University. “This is the DEC-bac study continuum for nurses who have completed the CEGEP portion. Excluding clinical courses [stages], all the courses in the program are given virtually on the University Learning platform in a predominantly asynchronous model to allow students to complete their work according to their schedule, ”explains Annie Chevrier, program director. BNI has been developed to provide more opportunities and flexibility to students who need to manage and balance their professional and personal responsibilities. Consisting of 65 credits to be earned over a two-year period, the BNI has the same admission requirements, and its program of study and academic calendar are identical to the program offered on campus. During their two years of training, students will focus on knowledge, skills and competencies specific to undergraduate nursing preparation: research, community and public health, and critical care. The first cohort has 75 students, a number that is expected to gradually increase to 145.
Concentration musical theater
Having a professional stage with its theater, the Centennial, Bishop’s University of Sherbrooke has decided to take advantage of this installation and to create a 30-credit certificate dedicated to the musical. “Previously, there was no option Musical Theater and our students had difficulty choosing a concentration in drama or music. This concentration has barely started and already, we feel a craze. All my dance classes are full, ”says Art Babayants, program manager. Open to all university students, this new program opens the door to a very popular cultural market on the English-speaking side. It will be possible to see the students at work since in January, they will begin their rehearsals for the presentation of the musical. Godspell, presented from March 10, 2022.
Combine biology and computer science
Offered this fall at Concordia, the bachelor’s degree in systems and information biology aims to provide a solid foundation in computer science, but also skills in the field of health and life sciences. “The big data and data analytics that characterize our time play a vital role in unraveling the mysteries surrounding both human health and disease. Using techniques and tools associated with high performance computing, machine learning and artificial intelligence, computer scientists as well as programmers perform crucial functions in the field of computer science applied to biomedical sciences and to health, ”explains Nadia Kherif, media relations advisor at the University. This program will allow students to develop algorithms for processing, visualization and apprehension of data related to biology or health. It will also be possible to design software for the health and life sciences sector while deepening notions of molecular and cellular biology, genomics and biological data science.