Catherine Miller
Lecturer in Education (Biology, Chemistry)
Teaching Career
Catherine had extensive experience of teaching in secondary schools before joining the University of the West of Scotland as a Lecturer in Education in 2006. She taught both Biology and Chemistry in schools in Highland, Moray and West Dunbartonshire, including those in grant-maintained, independent and state sectors, with various levels of responsibility. She has experience as a marker for the Scottish Qualifications Authority and presented pupils at Standard Grade, CSYS, Revised Higher and all new Higher Still levels.
Academic Qualifications and Interests
She received her BSc in Biochemistry with Education and a Diploma in Education from the University of Stirling in 1993. During this time, she developed an interest in the constructivist approach to teaching and particularly conceptual challenge learning in Science. More recent interests include Cognitive Acceleration through Science Education, gender equality issues in teaching and the use of ICT in both Science and Initial Teacher Education.
Current Teaching in the School of Education
Her main responsibility is as the Module Co-ordinator for Post-Graduate Biology and Chemistry with Science. She regularly contributes to School and Professional Studies on the PGDE (Secondary) course. She also provides specialist Science and Technology input, teaching undergraduates on the BEd (Hons) course and postgraduates on the PGDE (Primary) course. She has recently relinquished the post of PGDE Secondary Programme Leader (June 2011).