Mark Magas

Biography

I currently hold the position of Senior Lecturer at the University of Cumbria, where I serve as the Programme Leader for Biomedical Sciences. Additionally, I am a Fellow of the Institute of Biomedical Science. As a pharmacist, I am registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council and maintain membership with the Royal Pharmaceutical Society. Further affiliations include being an Affiliate member of the British Pharmacological Society and a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.

In recent years, I have actively collaborated with the Pears Cumbria School of Medicine, recently assuming the role of an Academic Member of the School Board.

As a Module Leader within The Institute for Science and Environment, I am responsible for guiding a suite of modules at levels 3, 4, 5, and 6. These encompass Essential Chemistry, Introductory Biochemistry, Anatomy and Physiology, Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Clinical Biochemistry. Additionally, I provide support to the Institute, specifically in areas related to medicines.

My professional journey began as a hospital pharmacist, transitioning to a small community pharmacy, and eventually securing a position with Boots in 2001. Progressing through roles such as consultant pharmacist and pharmacist resource manager. During a secondment, I played a pivotal role in teaching and coordinating the professional development of pharmacy staff. This experience fuelled my passion for education and mentoring, a commitment I continue to uphold within the Institute.

Following the conclusion of my secondment, I chose to pursue a career in teaching, leaving Boots to work as a locum while obtaining a postgraduate certificate in chemistry education at St Martin’s College, Lancaster, graduating in 2003. Subsequently, I dedicated three years to secondary school science teaching, where I honed my ability to communicate complex scientific concepts effectively and engagingly to young minds.

I am dedicated to the care of people’s health and passionate in supporting clinicians to ensure accurate diagnosis, prompt treatment, and public health improvement. Collaborating with outstanding colleagues, I take immense pride in guiding students towards achieving a degree in biomedical sciences. The pivotal role of Biomedical Scientists in the UK healthcare industry is evident, constituting just 5% of the workforce but contributing to 70% of all diagnoses. This remarkable impact underscores the invaluable contribution of the biomedical sciences to the health and wellbeing of the nation at every stage of life.

Qualifications and memberships

MSc

PGCE (Chemistry)

BPharm (Hons)

Registered member of the General Pharmaceutical Council

Fellow of the Institute of Biomedical Sciences

Member of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society

Affiliate Member of the Royal Pharmacological Society

Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy

Academic and research interests

Biomedical Science

Pharmacology

Pharmacy

Health Sciences

Life Sciences

Clinical Biochemistry

Anatomy and Physiology

Medicine

Medicines

Publications

Magas, M. (2014) Cumbria Asthma Medication Use Reviews Project Final Report. Internal NHS Cumbria Clinical Commissioning Group.

Magas, M. (2013) Technology Enhanced Learning Adoption and Spread of e-Learning (TELASE). Internal NHS report. Unpublished.

Allan, S. and Magas, M. (2012) 'The ripple effect: developing a peer network for cascading digital skills practice', 17th Annual SEDA Conference, November 2012, Aston University, Birmingham.

Magas, M., 2011, 'New Drugs and Developments in the Research into Diabetes Treatment', The Pharmaceutical Journal, 286, p.p. 311-312. https://www.pharmaceutical-journal.com/opinion/comment/new-drugs-and-developments-in-the-research-into-diabetes-treatment/11070733.article 

Magas, M., 2011, 'Flexibly Embedding Authentic Assessments Throughout the Learning Experience', Improving Students' Experience of Assessment & Feedback Event. University of Cumbria, Cumbria 11th January.

Recent external roles

External Examiner to the University of Hull 2014 - 2018

External Examiner to the University of Coventry 2016 - 2021

External Examiner to Oxford Brookes 2021 - 2025

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