Articles

Health Matters – Glaucoma

Glaucoma Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness in the world and is the leading cause of blindness among African-Americans between the ages of 45 and 65. Estimates indicate that throughout the world approximately 100 million people are suffering from glaucoma. Even with treatment, 10 per cent of those diagnosed with glaucoma will lose… Read more »

AU Tutor Bio – Shawn Fraser

As an assistant professor in the Centre for Nursing and Health Studies since 2006, Dr. Shawn Fraser has already seen some exciting developments within the Centre. One of these is the new thesis-based Master’s program beginning this fall. ?In terms of our program,? explained Dr. Fraser, ?we have a thesis-based Master’s course That’s . …. Read more »

AU Profiles – Katie Patrick

Katie Patrick In this week’s profile we meet Katie Patrick, a 2005 graduate of AU’s Bachelor of Science program. Katie, who is currently studying naturopathic medicine at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (CCNM) in Toronto, tells how her goal of becoming a naturopathic doctor kept her focused while working on her bachelor’s degree. She… Read more »

AU Profiles – Patricia Presti

STUDENT: Patricia Presti This week we focus on Patricia Presti, a recent graduate of Athabasca University’s Master of Distance Education (MDE) program. She explains how online resources can help distance students have a better educational experience than at a traditional university, what topics MDE students study, and how the face of distance education is changing…. Read more »

Nature Notes – From the Backyard to the Biosphere. Succession

Succession: Evolving Understandings of Change in Natural Systems If there is one certain thing in a world characterized by uncertainty, it is that change is inevitable. Understandings of why and how change happens in the natural world (succession, as it is called in ecological circles) have themselves morphed over time. Once emphasizing predictability and stability,… Read more »

AU Tutor Bio – Anne Nothof

For AU tutor Anne Nothof, all the world truly is a stage. A tutor and academic with Athabasca for the past 25 years, Dr. Nothof is a specialist in the history of drama, and she has presented conference papers on theatre in such far-flung places as England, Russia, Israel, and Mexico, to name a few…. Read more »

In the Name of Honour

She is kicked again and again and again. At one point, what looks like a concrete block is thrown on her. Whether this is the fatal blow or not is unclear. What is clear with frightening certainty is that the girl, 17-year-old Du’a Khalil Aswad, lies dead, murdered in cold blood by an angry mob;… Read more »

Health Matters – Diabetes

Diabetes: A Rising Health Crisis More than two million Canadians have diabetes Diabetes was first observed in 1552 BC, when the physician Hesy-Ra recorded frequent urination as a symptom. Until the 11th century, diabetes was diagnosed by a group known as water tasters. Their job was to drink the urine of people who were thought… Read more »

Lost In Translation – Pride and Prejudice x 3

Lost In Translation: Pride and Prejudice x 3 Whenever a popular novel hits the shelves, it’s almost certain that a film version will follow. And it’s equally certain to give rise to a debate: which was better, the film or the book? While I am not a big fan of film remakes in general, there… Read more »