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Biography
Dr Gwen Hughes is an Associate Professor in Physiology within the School of Medicine, and the Course Lead for BSc (Hons) Medical Physiology and Therapeutics.
Gwen completed a BSc (Hons) in Physiology at Queen's University Belfast and PhD studies in the physiology and pharmacology focusing on the inherent smooth muscle activity and pharmacology of the lymphatic system, within the Faculty of Life and Health Sciences at the University of Ulster. She then undertook post-doctoral research in Breast Cancer before working as a Teaching Fellow in the School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Dundee where she taught, assessed and developed curricula for pre-clinical MBChB, BDS students and Physiology students, whilst continuing research interests.
Five years later she accepted post as Lecturer, then Senior Lecturer (Teaching) at the University of Abertay Dundee to continue applied physiological education approaches that could be diversified into primarily allied health related programmes at undergraduate and postgraduate level. She set-up and led a cross Faculty degree, BSc (Hons) Health Sciences, and with the Tayside Institute of Health Studies extended health CPD study portfolio.
In 2004 she moved to Nottingham as a University Teacher in the School of Medicine tasked with creating active learning educational resources promoting contextualised, applied medical physiology and pathology understanding for the first cohort of Graduate Entry Medicine pre-clinical students. In 2010 she developed the BSc (Hons) Healthcare Science curriculum leading the course from first intake prior to its subsequent transformation into the current BSc (Hons) Medical Physiology & Therapeutics course.
Whilst holding responsibility in various leadership positions focused on enhancing student and educational experience, Gwen has been committed to helping others reach their potential and has been involved in internal and external outreach and widening participation initiatives for school pupils.
Expertise Summary
Her previous wet lab research research expertise has included techniques such isolated tissue wire and pressure myography, organ baths methods, microelectrode electrophysiological recordings in lymphatic smooth muscle, cell culture, immunohistochemistry and microscopy.
Current pedagogical interests include physiological science education in health and medical sciences, active and self- learning strategies towards academic and career skill development and authentic assessment.
Gwen has Fellowship status of The Physiology Society (2018), Institute of Biomedical Science (2013), and of Advance Higher Education (2002).
Teaching Summary
Gwen is a professional, enthusiastic Higher Education (HE) lecturer in physiological sciences across diverse scientific and medical disciplines. Committed to providing an excellent educational… read more
Gwen is a professional, enthusiastic Higher Education (HE) lecturer in physiological sciences across diverse scientific and medical disciplines. Committed to providing an excellent educational experience, she was awarded a Lord Dearing Award in 2021 and acts as assessor for Teaching and Learning Observational College and provides longstanding Faculty and Physiology Society Staff Mentorship. She is University Representative for the Physiology Society also involved in Society Education and Teaching developments.
Since 2002, she has held External Examining duties for UK and overseas programmes including Medicine BMBS and MBChB programmes with and without Foundation Gateway Pathways, allied health professional and STEM courses at undergraduate and postgraduate level.
Leadership positions
Course Lead for BSc (Hons) Medical Physiology and Therapeutics (2014 -)
Course Lead for BSc (Hons) Healthcare Science with and without a Foundation Year (2010-2014)
Quality Assurance Lead for Graduate Entry Medicine (2007-2011)
Examination officer (2016); Admissions Lead for BSc (Hons) Medical Physiology and Therapeutics (2016). Extenuating Circumstances Panel Chair (2018); Senior Tutor at the Royal Derby Hospital site (2006). Medical Physiology and Therapeutics alumni lead (2014-); School link for central University Primary and Partnership Widening Participation and Outreach events leading School Discovery Day Body and Health initiatives and public-facing events.
Personal Tutor for Graduate Entry Medicine and Medical Physiology and Therapeutics students, at all phases.
Module convening, teaching, learning and assessment
Module convenor for 4 x 20 credit modules on Graduate Entry Medicine and BSc (Hons) Medical Physiology and Therapeutics programmes. Physiological disciplines topics taught include haematology, cardiovascular, renal, endocrine and respiratory subject matter, in addition to academic and study skills.
Teaching, learning and assessment across 13 diverse Medicine and biomedical modules in the School (all study levels)
Respiratory Physiology Lead for pre-clinical Graduate Entry Medicine
Provision of undergraduate non-bench Hons research projects.