![Dr Martin Barker Dr Martin Barker](/img/200x200/staffpages/uploads/agf087/avatar/XWUyGdJGazzXwk8y1L33kKx23vvMoAw93L0EeRr5.jpeg)
PG Cert Higher Education (UoA) (BSc (Hons) Biological Sciences (University of Sussex), PhD Plant Biology (University of Lancaster), PGCE (University of Exeter), Diploma in Counselling, Senior Fellow Higher Education Academy, MRSB
Senior Lecturer
- About
-
- Email Address
- m.barker@abdn.ac.uk
- Telephone Number
- +44 (0)1224 272697
- Office Address
+44 (0)1224 272697 School of Biological Sciences 23 St Machar Drive ('Auris Builiding') Room G21 University of Aberdeen Aberdeen AB24 3UU
- School/Department
- School of Biological Sciences
Biography
Dr Martin Barker is senior lecturer in the School of Biological Sciences, with strong teaching interests in inclusion, widening access, pastoral support, disability provisions, staff-student communication and also innovative methods in assessment and feedback. Martin’s research interests focus on plant ecophysiology and forest canopy research. He has promoted plant biology in public lectures, TV and radio. His career has in higher education has been centred (chronologically) at the universities of Sussex, Exeter, Hertfordshire, Lancaster, Brunei and Florida. Martin has also been a school teacher and has written several textbooks on biology.Since joining the University of Aberdeen in 2009 Martin has served on numerous committees, Senate (2017—2020; 2023—) and is also the honorary Quaker chaplain. Outside the university, Martin’s contributions include President of the Friends of the Cruickshank Botanic Garden, and previously Chair of Governors, Bachlaw Projects (Banff), and parent teacher associations of local schools (Aberdeen).
Qualifications
- PhD Plant Science1991 - University of Lancaster
- Diploma e-learning2014 - University of Aberdeen
- Diploma Learning and Teaching 12010 - University of Aberdeen
- Diploma Learning and Teaching 22011 - University of Aberdeen
- Diploma in Counselling Counselling1987 - University of Hertfordshire
- PG Cert Education Teaching1979 - University of Exeter
- BSc (Hons) Biloogical Sciences1978 - University of Sussex
Memberships and Affiliations
- Internal Memberships
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Senate (2016-2020 2023- )
Senior Personal Tutor (2013- )
Disabilities Coordinator (SBS) (2011- )
Honorary Chaplain (Quaker) (2016- )
President, Friends of the Cruickshank Botanic Gardens (2022- )
Chair, Feedback & Assessment Task Group (2016- 2017)
STAR assessor (2014, 2015)
Coordinator, School of Biological Sciences Teaching Swap Shop series (2013-2016)
PhD supervision
CURRENT
2022—present: Fadamoro, T. STEM lecturers’ Perception of Integration of Blended Learning into the Nigerian Education Curriculum. Supervised with Dr Rachel Shanks (PI), Dr John Mynott.
2020—present: al Onazy, D. Genetics of heart tolerance in the Bengal and Assam Aus Panel (BAAP) of rice, Co-supervised with Prof Adam Price (PI) and Dr Gareth Norton (University of Aberdeen, PhD)
COMPLETED
Abdullahi Umar J (2012-2015) The effect of drought on Acacia senegal (L) Willd. trees. [University of Aberdeen]
Porter-Bolland L (2001) Landscape ecology of apiculture in the Maya area of La Motaña, Campeche, Mexico [University of Florida]
Academic examining
2023: Hazzai, Y. Genetic and physiological investigation of nitrogen use efficiency in rice (University of Aberdeen, PhD).
2023: Mari Sumayli (Rice -arbuscular mycorrhizal associations. University of Aberdeen, PhD)
2017: Ganesan, S (The systematics, phylogeny and conservation assessment of Pterospermum in Malesia, PhD)
2016: Liliana Muñoz (Molecular approach to seaweed biodiversity of Easter Island. (University of Aberdeen, MSc)
2015: Adamu Abubakar, Z. Aquaporins as candidate genes for drought avoidance QTL on rice Chromosome 7 (University of Aberdeen, PhD)
2014: Mytikou, A. Seaweed Biodiversity around the Antarctic Convergence in the South Atlantic (University of Aberdeen, PhD)
2014: Hechenleitner, P. A synopsis of Andean Vicia (Leguminosae: Papilionoideae), and keys to their identification. ((University of Aberdeen/ Royal Botanic Gardens, Edinburgh, PhD))
2011: Dhakal, B (MSc) Protected forest under-planted with Cardamom: impacts and opportunities for conservation and livelihoods (University of Aberdeen, MSc)
2008: Barnes VR. Ecology and management of fuels in tropical forests in Ghana (University of Aberdeen, PhD)
1999: Affum-Baffoe K. Forest dynamics along an environmental gradient in Ghana (MSc, Aberdeen)
- External Memberships
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Higher Education Academy
Senior Fellow
Royal Biological Society
Member
Journal reviewing
African Journal of Ecology, Biotropica, Functional Ecology (formerly Editorial Board), Journal of Ecology, Journal of Tropical Ecology, Journal of Tropical Forest Science, International Tree Crops Journal (formerly editor), Plant Ecology, Tree Physiology, Assessment & Evaluation in Higher Education
Reviews of scientific proposals
2001. National Science Foundation (for Prof Henry Gholz). Informal review.
Latest Publications
Live classroom teaching from the Arctic to the USA and Europe: five different case studies.- Education in the North
Education in the NorthContributions to Journals: ArticlesUnexpected effects of urban food activism on community and human wellbeing
Local Environment, vol. 29, no. 5, pp. 647-662Contributions to Journals: ArticlesBlended learning: Gain for higher education
Higher Education Teaching and Learning conference - 2023Contributions to Conferences: PostersInformality in staff-student communications: a student perspective
Higher Education Teaching and Learning conference - 2023Contributions to Conferences: PostersExtending Our Scientific Reach in Arboreal Ecosystems for Research and Management
Frontiers in Forests and Global Change, vol. 4, 712165Contributions to Journals: Articles
Prizes and Awards
- Shortlisted (2023): Teaching Excellence Awards: ‘Most Accessible Lecturer’ (University of Aberdeen)
- First Prize (2021 poster): Thriving in an online learning environment -tips from students. 12th Annual Academic Development Symposium (University of Aberdeen)
- Nominated: Teaching Excellence Awards: ‘Best Lecturer’ (2016) (University of Aberdeen)
- Nominated: Teaching Excellence Awards: ‘Mental Health Champion’ (2021) (University of Aberdeen)
- ‘Outstanding Teacher 2001-2002’, School of Forest Resources and Conservation, University of Florida, USA
- ‘Outstanding Faculty Advisor 2001-2002’, School of Forest Resources and Conservation, University of Florida, USA
- Research
-
Research Overview
Pedagogical research
My interests are focussed on the experience of students as individuals, including:
- student-staff communication styles
- iterative feedback
- adaptive assessment
- differentiated teaching and learning
- student-led teaching and learning
Discipline based research
My main interests are in the ecophysiology of trees, particularly in the tropics, including:
- Ecophysiology of leaves in different light environments
- Nutrient cycling in tropical rain forests
- Water relations of plants in desert/drought conditions
- Sampling (including access) techniques for researching forest canopies
Research Areas
Biological and Environmental Sciences
Research Specialisms
- Biological Sciences
- Biology
Our research specialisms are based on the Higher Education Classification of Subjects (HECoS) which is HESA open data, published under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International licence.
Current Research
Biological research
- Water relations of plants in desert/drought environments in NE Nigeria
Pedagogical research
- Differentiated and adaptive learning and assessment
- Formality/informality in student/staff communication
Supervision
My current supervision areas are: Education.
2022—present: Fadamoro, T. STEM lecturers’ Perception of Integration of Blended Learning into the Nigerian Education Curriculum. Supervised with Dr Rachel Shanks (PI), Dr John Mynott.
2020—present: al Onazy, D. Genetics of heart tolerance in the Bengal and Assam Aus Panel (BAAP) of rice, Co-supervised with Prof Adam Price (PI) and Dr Gareth Norton (University of Aberdeen, PhD)
2012—2015: Abdullahi J. Variation in drought tolerance and morphological plasticity in two provenances of Acacia senegal (Senegalia senegal) seedlings in North Eastern Nigeria (University of Aberdeen, PhD)
2001: Porter-Bolland L (2001) (with Prof Henry Gholz): Landscape ecology of apiculture in the Maya area of La Motaña, Campeche, Mexico (University of Florida, PhD)
- Teaching
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Teaching Responsibilities
Programme coordinator
Plant and Soil Science (BSc, Single Honours) [CD27]
Course coordinator
BI10B1 Access Biology / Access Biology SCQF Level 7 (online)
BI2018: Biological Enhanced Skills Training ('BEST')
BI25P4: Plants, People and the Environment
BI25FB The Living Landscape (field course)
PL3505 Plant-Environment Interactions
Course contributor
BI1009: Frontiers in Biological Sciences
BI1012 Diversity of Life 1
BI25F6 Filed Biology
BI29FC Field and Lab Skills in the Biosciences
BI4016 SBS: Honours Projects
BI4017/4517: SBS Honours Essays
BI4301/EV5301: Environmental Pollution
BI4019 Biologists’ School Ambassador Scheme
EK5505: Ecology, Conservation and Society
ZO3309 Animal Management and Welfare
Two-Day teaching biannual staff training course: Learning and Teaching in Higher Education
Contributor: Unit 3 'Feedback', Principles of Learning & Teaching in Higher Education
Supervision
Honours projects
Usually I supervise 3-4 projects each yearMSc projects
Usually I supervise 3-4 prohects each year
PhD projects
Currently co-supervising two PhD projects.
Open to self-funded applicants in a suitable discipline area - Publications
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Page 1 of 2 Results 1 to 25 of 49
Live classroom teaching from the Arctic to the USA and Europe: five different case studies.- Education in the North
Education in the NorthContributions to Journals: ArticlesUnexpected effects of urban food activism on community and human wellbeing
Local Environment, vol. 29, no. 5, pp. 647-662Contributions to Journals: ArticlesBlended learning: Gain for higher education
Higher Education Teaching and Learning conference - 2023Contributions to Conferences: PostersInformality in staff-student communications: a student perspective
Higher Education Teaching and Learning conference - 2023Contributions to Conferences: PostersExtending Our Scientific Reach in Arboreal Ecosystems for Research and Management
Frontiers in Forests and Global Change, vol. 4, 712165Contributions to Journals: ArticlesEffects of Water Deficit on Growth, Biomass Allocation and Photosynthesis of A. senegal Seedlings from Nguru and Gujba Provinces of Yobe State, North Eastern Nigeria
Journal of Applied Sciences and Environmental Management, vol. 23, no. 12, pp. 2221-2229Contributions to Journals: ArticlesCanopy research: onwards and upwards [Review]
Contributions to Specialist Publications: Reviews of Books, Films and ArticlesClosing the feedback loop? Iterative feedback between tutor and student in coursework assessments
Assessment and Evaluation in Higher Education, vol. 39, no. 8, pp. 899-915Contributions to Journals: Articles- [ONLINE] DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/02602938.2013.875985
- [ONLINE] View publication in Scopus
Introductory Statistics [Review]
n/aContributions to Journals: Reviews of Books, Films and ArticlesTutorials for enhancing skills development in first year students taking biological sciences
Bioscience Education, vol. 20, pp. 68-83Contributions to Journals: Articles- [ONLINE] DOI: https://doi.org/10.11120/beej.2012.20000068
- [ONLINE] View publication in Scopus
Allometry and shade tolerance in pole-sized trees of two contrasting dipterocarp species in Sabah, Malaysia
Biotropica, vol. 38, no. 3, pp. 437-440Contributions to Journals: Articles- [ONLINE] DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1744-7429.2006.00145.x
Special issue: contributions of non-timber forest products to socio-economic development (editorial)
International Tree Crops Journal, vol. 10, pp. 267Contributions to Journals: EditorialsEffect of intercropping distance on crop yield in a paulownia-wheat agroforestry system in the huang-huai-hai plain, china
Forests Trees and Livelihoods, vol. 13, no. 1, pp. 7-16Contributions to Journals: Articles- [ONLINE] DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/14728028.2003.9752441
- [ONLINE] View publication in Scopus
Plant ecophysiology and nutrient cycling
The Global Canopy Handbook: Techniques of Access and Study in the Forest Roof. Mitchell, A. W., Secoy, K., Jackson, T. (eds.). Global Canopy Programme (GCP), pp. 200-208Chapters in Books, Reports and Conference Proceedings: ChaptersRopes as a mechanism for canopy access
The Global Canopy Handbook: Techniques of Access and Study in the Forest Roof. Mitchell, A. W., Secoy, K., Jackson, T. (eds.). Global Canopy Programme (GCP), pp. 13-23Chapters in Books, Reports and Conference Proceedings: ChaptersForest canopy research: sampling problems and some solutions
Plant Ecology, vol. 153, pp. 23-38Contributions to Journals: Articles- [ONLINE] DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1017584130692
A comparison of the soil water, nutrient status, and litterfall characteristics of tropical heath and mixed-dipterocarp forest sites in Brunei
Biotropica, vol. 32, no. 1, pp. 2-13Contributions to Journals: Articles- [ONLINE] DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1744-7429.2000.tb00442.x
- [ONLINE] View publication in Scopus
Tropical Ecosystems: Use them or lose them?
Global Ecology and Biogeography, vol. 9, no. 1, pp. 95-97Contributions to Journals: Reviews of Books, Films and Articles- [ONLINE] DOI: https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-2699.2000.00211-3.x
Biology: Senior Secondary Guide
Sedco Publishing. 305 pagesBooks and Reports: BooksComparative water relations of mature mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla) trees with and without lianas in a subhumid, seasonally dry forest in Bolivia
Tree Physiology, vol. 20, no. 17, pp. 1167-1174Contributions to Journals: Articles- [ONLINE] DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/treephys/20.17.1167
- [ONLINE] View publication in Scopus
Effect of liana cutting on water potential and growth of adult Senna multijuga (Caesalpinioideae) trees in a Bolivian tropical forest
Oecologia, vol. 124, no. 4, pp. 469-475Contributions to Journals: Articles- [ONLINE] DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/PL00008872
- [ONLINE] View publication in Scopus
Soil disturbance and post-logging forest recovery on bulldozer paths in Sabah, Malaysia
Forest Ecology and Management, vol. 130, pp. 213-225Contributions to Journals: ArticlesLongman Homework Handbooks: Biology
LongmanBooks and Reports: BooksPhysiological plant ecology: the 39th Symposium of the British Ecological Society, held at the University of York, 7-9 September 1998
Blackwell Science. 480 pagesBooks and Reports: Books[Review] Plant Physiological Ecology
Forestry: An International Journal of Forest Research, vol. 73, no. 1, pp. 96-97Contributions to Journals: Reviews of Books, Films and Articles- [ONLINE] DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/forestry/73.1.95