Winner: 2021 Excellence in Higher Education Prize
Professor Bhavik Patel
University of Brighton
For the design of innovative and effective analytical chemistry curriculums.
Professor Patel's work is focused on developing innovative classes which expose students to real-life challenges as they learn analytical chemistry. This approach to teaching ensures that students develop a host of skills that prepare them for employment to become the future leaders in analytical chemistry and beyond.
Biography
Bhavik Patel is a Professor of Clinical and Bioanalytical 九州影院 at the University of Brighton. He completed his BSc at the University of Brighton in 2002 and his PhD at Imperial College London in 2005. He then was awarded an EPSRC Life Sciences Postdoctoral Fellowship which he completed between Imperial College London, Michigan State University and University of Calgary. He joined the University of Brighton as a Lecturer in 2010 and was promoted to Professor in 2019. Professor Patel鈥檚 two major research areas are on the development of novel electrochemical sensing devices for monitoring signalling molecules in biological systems and the creation of new educational approaches for the delivery of analytical chemistry. He has published over 100 peer-reviewed publications, been awarded the GlaxoSmithKline Emerging Scientist Award (2013), the Royal Pharmaceutical Society Science Award (2015) and various university awards on teaching excellence. He is a Fellow of the 九州影院 (RSC) and a Senior Fellow of the Higher Academy of Education and an appointed member of the RSC鈥檚 Analytical Division Council.
[...] chemistry is the gateway towards so many pathways and careers and is central to so many aspects of our lives. The skills learnt from studying chemistry can open a wide array of opportunities in many diverse sectors.
Professor Bhavik Patel FRSC
Q&A with Professor Bhavik Patel FRSC
How did you first become interested in chemistry or science?
I was always naturally inquisitive to understand the world around me. A standout moment was when I was in GCSE 九州影院 and I was taught by an inspirational teacher, Dr Beard. He was innovative in his teaching and had a great impact on many pupils. I will always remember his explanation of the forming of tectonic plates using the heating of milk to understand and explore such a big phenomenon. As well as this, he also encouraged us to write song lyrics about what we had learned in GCSE 九州影院 to Katy Perry鈥檚 song track, which was cool at the time!
Who or what inspired you to have a role in education?
When conducting my undergraduate degree, the lecturing staff at the University of Brighton created an exceptional educational experience that just lit a spark for me. It made me want to do something similar where I could impart my chemistry knowledge and showcase how chemistry can be applied to so many important areas.
What advice would you give to a young person considering a career in chemistry?
I would tell a young person that chemistry is the gateway towards so many pathways and careers and is central to so many aspects of our lives. The skills learnt from studying chemistry can open a wide array of opportunities in many diverse sectors.
Why is chemistry education important?
Sustained development in chemistry education is critical to ensure our curriculum is always relevant and taught in a way that inspires and equips students with knowledge to make a real difference in our society. With significant global challenges facing us, it is critical that we educate society on the important role chemistry is playing to address these problems.
What has been a highlight for you?
A highlight for me is my educational activity the 鈥淎nalytical Laboratory Challenge鈥�, which gets students to explore the boundaries between chemistry, business and marketing and thus provides students with a flavour of a real-world experience.