Professor John Barrow

Biography

EMPLOYMENT HISTORY

• 2021-Present: Professor of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
• 2020-Present: Dean for Employability & Entrepreneurship
• 2015-2021: Senior Lecturer (Scholarship) University of Aberdeen
• 2013-2015: Senior Teaching Fellow University of Aberdeen
• 2009-2013: Teaching Fellow University of Aberdeen
• 2005-2009: Postdoctoral research scientist University of Aberdeen

External Memberships

Reviewer for:

• Oxford University Press
• W.H. Freeman textbooks
• Wiley-Blackwell textbooks
• Journal of Molecular Endocrinology

PhD External Examiner for:

• Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Medical College, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
• National University of Sciences & Technology, Rawalpindi, Pakistan

Research Overview

I still maintain an interest in my research background of gene regulation, particularly linked to the pancreas and development of the islets of Langerhans, but most of my research is now centered on developing innovative ways of delivering biochemistry and molecular biology teaching to students.

My focus and interests now reside in teaching biochemistry and molecular biology, with specific interests in:

• gamification
• molecular visualisation
• augmented and virtual reality
• digital technology in education
• laboratory class teaching

Current Research

Currently, I am involved in collaborative projects to deliver augmented and virtual reality visualisation of molecular processes, and science communication activities centred around the use of Minecraft for understanding diabetes.

Click on this link for a news story highlighting some of my educational research using augmented reality and this link for a news story on the use of Minecraft.

There are also YouTube videos here showing how we have used Minecraft to teach students about diabetes.

Collaborations

Dr Will Hurst (Wageningen University & Research, Netherlands)

Prof March Lorch (University of Hull, UK)

Dr Laura Hobbs (University of the West of England Bristol, UK)

Funding and Grants

Current grants:

MINE-ABDN: A PROJECT TO CREATE A VIRTUAL UNIVERSITY CAMPUS
Barrow, J.
£4,980, University of Aberdeen Development Trust

EXPLORING THE MOLECULAR BASIS OF DIABETES WITH MINECRAFT
Hobbs, L., Stevens, C., Hartley, J., Bentley, S., Barrow, J., Lorch, M.
£1,776, Royal Society of Chemistry’s Outreach Fund

AUGMENTED CELL BIOLOGY
Barrow, J.
£9,900, The Physiological Society David Jordan Teacing Award

STUDENT TRANSITIONS: THE ROLE OF STUDENT SUPPORT STRUCTURES
Poobalan, A. S., Cleland, J., Foster, K. & Barrow, J.
£1,200, University of Aberdeen Learning and Teaching Fund

THE ROLE OF STUDENT SUPPORT STRUCTURES IN STUDENT TRANSITIONS: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW
Poobalan, A. S., Barrow, J., Foster, K. & Cleland, J.
£1,500, University of Aberdeen Medical Education Funding

Previous grants:

CELLSPLORERS - AN OUTREACH GRANT FOR PRIMARY SCHOOL ENGAGEMENT
Barrow, J.
£1,000, Biochemical Society

KOSTERLITZ FUND – DEVELOPING ILPR-BINDING LIGANDS
Barrow, J.
£15,000, University of Aberdeen Development Trust

DEVELOPING AND SUPPORTING THE CURRICULUM: SUPPORTING STUDENT RETENTION AND PROGRESSION
Barrow, J., Tucker, S. J., Rizea, M., McEwan, G. T. A., Jenkinson, A. M. & Shewan, D.
£1,200, University of Aberdeen Learning and Teaching Fund

KOSTERLITZ FUND – IN SILICO ANALYSIS OF ILPR LIGANDS
Barrow, J.
£10,000, University of Aberdeen Development Trust

GUILDFORD BENCH METHODOLOGY FUND: DEVELOPING A DECELLULARISED PROTEIN MATRIX SCAFFOLD FOR PANCREATIC BETA-CELL DEVELOPMENT.
Barrow, J.
£1,200, Biochemical Society

Teaching Responsibilities

I teach on the courses listed above and I am the Course coordinator for:

• SM1001 (Introduction to Medical Science)
• SM1501 (The Cell)
• ME2017 (Science for Medicine - 1st Year MBChB degree)
• BI25M7 (Energy for Life)

I am a tutor for MSci students when they are on their placement year (BT5007 course)

Non-course Teaching Responsibilities