Teaching

I contribute to undergraduate and postgraduate teaching at the School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences predominantly on the MPharm course.

Past teaching experience

In 2006 I completed a post graduate certificate of education (PGCE) from the University of Leeds (Chemistry specialism), having undertaken placements at Brigshaw High School and Farnley Park High School (now The Farnley Academy). I then went on to teach, Science (GCSE), Physics (A Level), Chemistry (A Level) and Environmental Sciences (AS Level) at Liskeard School and Community College, of which I have many good memories of the staff and pupils.

In 2019 I obtained my status as a Fellow of The Higher Education Academy.

Current teaching

Undergraduate

Postgraduate

  • PhD student supervision

General reflection

I enjoy reading books about teaching, learning, behaviour, success, management and behavioural economics. Of note, Factfulness, (Hans Rosling) highlighted our drummed in misconceptions about other cultures, Bounce (Matthew Syed) describes “deliberate practice” highlighting the importance of constructive feedback, and Freakonomics (Dubner/Levitt) highlights the unintended consequences of certain actions. Management books (e.g. Maverick (Riccardo Semlar)) make it clear that reflection, feedback and continual self-improvement lie at the heart of success. In one way or another, such books add small elements to my approach to teaching, of particular note has been my collection of feedback to drive improvement.

In summary, I enjoy teaching here in the School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. My teaching portfolio includes lectures, workshops, practicals and more informal “drop in” sessions for difficult topics. I now lead module PH1121, and contribute to student assessment in other modules. Like all academic staff, I am also a personal tutor. In preparing my students for life and work beyond graduation, I encourage my small group of tutees to begin preparing a CV and thinking about both continuing professional development and creating portfolio of skills that they are developing. Through a personable and sometimes eccentric teaching style, I try to impair enthusiasm for the subject whilst remaining clear, logical and organised throughout.