Mr Nick Adams

Professional biography

Role at the OU
In my role as Senior Manager (Curriculum & Teaching) I work closely with academic and support teams in managing and delivering our RSB interim accredited BSc (Hons) in Biology programme and biology specialism in our BSc (Hons) Natural Sciences degree. I also manage our new BSc (Hons) Biomedical Sciences, BSc (Hons) Health Sciences and postgraduate MSc in Mental Health Science programmes in the School of Life, Health and Chemical Sciences. I previously managed the BSc (Hons) in Combined STEM degree in the Open programme.

I oversee presentation of the second stage Masters in Mental Health Science module, SD816 Core topics in mental health science: psychosis and dementia as Curriculum Manager.

I have worked at the OU since 2008, helping to develop and deliver science curriculum across a range of FHEQ levels. I previously served as Curriculum Manager on the production and first presentation of the multidisciplinary Stage 1 science module S112 Science: concepts and practice and a range of other modules up to PG Level (including the first stage of the Mental Health Science programme, S826 Introduction to mental health science).

Education

• Master of Biology, MBiol (Hons) in Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Bath (2004-08), First
• Master of Education (Leadership and Management), The Open University (2014-2017)
• Master of Science (Open), The Open University (2014-2021), Distinction
• APMP (APM Project Management, IPMA Level D, SCQF Level 7, June 2014), Pass

Research interests

My particular interests are around leadership in higher education, online learning pedagogy and technology-enhanced learning, the role of peer review in distance education and the use of social media to engage students and enquirers. 

Teaching interests

• Qualification Manager for undergraduate biology, biomedical sciences, health sciences and postgraduate mental health science
• SD816 Core topics in mental health science: psychosis and dementia - Curriculum Manager
• Previously managed: S112 Science: concepts and practice - production and first presentation; S826 Introduction to mental health science, Science Short Modules / Science Non-accredited learning and a range of other undergraduate modules in Science; BSc (Hons) Combined STEM 
• eSTEeM project with Prof Jim Iley investigating the S112 assessment strategy: student behaviours and subsequent success in higher level study.
• General interest in learning and teaching of life sciences.