Dr Pete Smith BSc, MA, PhD
Senior Lecturer in Physiology / Oral Biology; 1st BDS Teaching Lead School of Dentistry
- Work email Petesmif@liverpool.ac.uk
- Personal WebsiteLegacy teaching support and research
About
Personal Statement
Academic Background
Degrees
BSc (Zoology) University of Wales, Swansea 1980
PhD (Physiology) University of London, King's College 1984
MA (Education) University of Liverpool 2013
I have worked at the University of Liverpool since 1989, first in the Department of Physiology and since 1992 in the Dental School. For most of this time I have been involved in research into cellular physiology with a particular interest in cell membranes and signalling activity. My interest in signal transduction in exocrine acinar cells lead also to research into Sjogren's syndrome, an autoimmune condition characterised by the inability to create saliva. Sadly, I am no longer conducting physiological research.
I have always had a strong interest in teaching and I have contributed to undergraduate physiology teaching in pure science degrees as well as to dental, medical, veterinary and nursing programmes for many years. As well as anything about cell membranes and (most) aspects of cell signalling, I can teach most aspects of general physiology, at least at a basic level.
I am keen to develop and utilise teaching techniques other than the lecture. Even my lectures will eventually get dull if there are too many of them. To this end, I have been running a website since about 1996 that includes Learning Support materials to support my teaching. Most of this is static web 1.0 sort of support and I have since moved on to developing more interactive materials... The 1st BDS course involves blogs and wikis and lots and lots of interactive large group feedback sessions using poll everywhere.
I have been involved with the management of the non-clinical dental programme in various capacities over the years. I am probably the last remnant of the team that developed the PBL curriculum for dentistry and I am currently involved in re-developing this aspect of the curriculum as part of a general programme rebuild.