Mark Magas

Biography

I am a Senior Lecturer at the University of Cumbria and Programme Leader for Biomedical Science. Additionally, I hold the roles of Subject Development Lead for Pharmacology and Prescribing at the Pears Cumbria School of Medicine, University Liaison Officer for the Institute of Biomedical Science, and serve as an academic member of the PCSM School Board.

As a Fellow of the Institute of Biomedical Science, I am also a registered pharmacist with the General Pharmaceutical Council and a member of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society. My professional affiliations extend to being an Affiliate of the British Pharmacological Society and a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.

In my role as a Module Leader at The Institute for Science and Environment, I oversee a range of modules from levels 3 to 6. These include Introductory Biochemistry, Anatomy and Physiology, Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Clinical Biochemistry. I also offer specialised support to the Institute in areas related to pharmaceuticals and medicine.

My career began in hospital pharmacy, later transitioning to a community pharmacy before joining Boots in 2001. During my time with Boots, I progressed to roles such as consultant pharmacist and pharmacist resource manager. A secondment provided me with the opportunity to teach and coordinate the professional development of pharmacy staff, sparking my passion for education and mentoring—a passion I continue to bring to my work at the University.

After completing my secondment, I decided to pursue a career in education, leaving Boots to work as a locum pharmacist while earning a postgraduate certificate in chemistry education from St Martin’s College, Lancaster, in 2003. This was followed by three years teaching secondary school science, where I developed my ability to convey complex scientific ideas in an engaging and accessible way.

I am deeply committed to healthcare and supporting clinicians in delivering accurate diagnoses, prompt treatment, and improved public health outcomes. Working alongside exceptional colleagues, I take great pride in guiding students towards their degrees in biomedical science. Biomedical Scientists play a crucial role in UK healthcare, representing just 5% of the workforce but contributing to 70% of all diagnoses. This highlights the essential contribution of biomedical science to the health and wellbeing of society across all life stages.

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

External Examiner to Univercity Centre Leeds 2024 - 2028

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