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Dr Joy Perkins, Country Consultant for Scotland
In 2003 I moved to the North-East of Scotland to work at the University of Aberdeen. In the School of Medical Sciences I teach undergraduate microbiology and cell biology and try to promote innovative teaching methods, especially via exploring the use of information technology in teaching and learning. I routinely embed e-learning technologies such as the Internet, virtual learning environments (VLEs), personal response systems (PRS) and computer-based assessments (Question Mark Perception) in my teaching. I also continue to extol the many benefits of work-based learning and organise the molecular bioscience industrial placement scheme. My enjoyment of teaching is further reflected in my membership of the Education & Training Group for the Society for General Microbiology (2002-2005), as part of this position I organised and chaired a symposium on undergraduate work placements at Keele University in September 2005. The symposium explored the topical issues of work placements and graduate employability. More recently at Aberdeen University I have been involved in promoting and implementing PDP in the undergraduate curriculum. As well as Higher Education teaching I also have experience of outreach work, organising and delivering microbiology workshops to Primary and Secondary Schools. My outreach activities with Primary and Secondary Schools include: delivering microbiology workshops to pupils, designing continuing professional development (CPD) events for school teachers and technicians and contributing to annual events such as National Science Week, TechFest and Chemistry at Work. I’m very pleased to be appointed the HEA Bioscience Country Consultant for Scotland and I look forward to the fruitful exchange of iinformation on teaching, learning and assessment. |
Following my undergraduate training in microbiology at Sheffield University (1986-1989), I went on to take my PhD at the University of Dundee in the Department of Biological Sciences. It was during this time that my interest in environmental microbiology developed. Having obtained my PhD I then returned to my geographical roots enjoying a short postdoctoral period on bioremediation research at the University of Liverpool. In 1994 I was offered a microbiology lectureship in the Department of Chemical & Biological Sciences, Huddersfield University and I was promoted to Senior Lecturer in 1999. During my nine years in West Yorkshire I designed and delivered teaching for a wide range of modules to a diverse range of degree programmes, from Environmental Analysis to Biochemistry. I also developed an enthusiasm for writing student study skills exercises, arranging and managing student placements and computer assisted learning (CAL).