Professor Chris Finlay
- Professor of Life Sciences Education, Director of Education (Molecular Biosciences)
telephone:
5333
email:
Chris.Finlay@glasgow.ac.uk
pronouns:
He/him/his
Room 334, Sir James Black Building, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6079-1199Biography
Chris is a Learning and Teaching-focused member of staff, and currently Director of Education, in the School of Molecular Biosciences.
Chris joined the University of Glasgow in 2009, moving from his previous work at Ulster University, in the Department of Cancer and Ageing, and the Step-Up to Science programme. He was promoted to Professor of Life Sciences Education in 2020.
In his time at Glasgow, he has led and taught on large pre-honours courses (~800 UG students) as well as smaller Honours and PGT level courses. His collaborative pedagogical research primarily focuses on several key areas:
- Student engagement, belonging and retention
- Large class management
- Assessment and Feedback development
In addition, Chris is also the Chief Adviser for MVLS BSc degrees in Life Sciences and Psychology. Chris oversees an advisory service with more than 200 staff advisers and more than 2,300 student advisees. This role reflects his interest in student transition into, through and out of Higher Education, especially in designing systems and processes that assist students to progress and succeed in their studies.
Research interests
Research groups
Publications
2019
Latham, B., Poyade, M., Finlay, C. , Edmond, A. and McVey, M. (2019) New tools in education: development and learning effectiveness of a computer application for use in a university biology curriculum. In: Rea, Paul M. (ed.) Biomedical Visualisation, Volume 2. Series: Advances in experimental medicine and biology (1138). Springer Nature, pp. 29-46. ISBN 9783030142261 (doi: 10.1007/978-3-030-14227-8_3)
2018
Finlay, C. (2018) Keynote: Challenges to Student Success. Can Digital Approaches Help Overcome Them? ELESIG Conference 2018: Breaking Down Barriers, Aberdeen, UK, 22 Jun 2018. (Unpublished)
2017
McVey, M. and Finlay, C. (2017) Development of the Online Course for Campus Based Students: Current Directions in Life Sciences. University of Glasgow BOLD Showcase, University of Glasgow, 31 May 2017. (Unpublished)
Ballance, D., Browitt, A., Finlay, C. , Griffiths, M. and Rinaldi, C. (2017) What Works: Student Retention and Success Institutional Report. [Research Reports or Papers]
Griffiths, M. and Finlay, C. (2017) Expanding Induction and Using the VLE to Enhance Induction to First-year Life Sciences. [Research Reports or Papers]
Browitt, A., Ballance, D., Rinaldi, C., Finlay, C. and Griffiths, M. (2017) Enhancing the Student Journey: Supporting Student Retention and Success. 10th Annual University of Glasgow Learning and Teaching Conference, Glasgow, UK, 30 Mar 2017. (Unpublished)
2016
Browitt, A., Finlay, C. , Griffiths, M., Rinaldi, C. and Ballance, D. (2016) Supporting Student Retention and Success at the University of Glasgow. 13th Annual Enhancement Themes Conference, Edinburgh, UK, 09 June 2016. (Unpublished)
McVey, M. , Finlay, C. , Paschke, B. and MacIntosh, G. (2016) Development and Student Evaluation of OPENSs – an Online Pre-Entry Nursing Summer School at the University of Glasgow. ELESIG Scotland: E-Learner Experiences, Dundee, Scotland, 21 Apr 2016.
2015
Finlay, C. , McVey, M. and Paschke, B. (2015) A Pre-Entry Distance Course on Moodle: Articulating Course Expectations, Aiming to Impact on Access and Student Confidence. QAA International Enhancement Themes Conference, Glasgow, UK, 09-11 Jun 2015.
DeLeeuw, J., Weir, J., Copsey, D., Roden, C., Deeley, S. , Huston, E. , McVey, M. and Finlay, C. (2015) Developing Graduate Attributes and Improving Student Employability Through Work-based Learning: Opportunities, Successes and Challenges. 8th Annual University of Glasgow Learning and Teaching Conference, Glasgow, UK, 14 Apr 2015.
Finlay, C. , McVey, M. and Paschke, B. (2015) A Pre-Entry Distance Course on Moodle: Articulating Course Expectations, Aiming to Impact on Access and Student Confidence. 8th Annual University of Glasgow Learning and Teaching Conference, Glasgow, UK, 14 Apr 2015.
Finlay, C. (2015) Does Size Matter? Biological Sciences Review, 27(3), pp. 2-6.
McVey, M. and Finlay, C. (2015) Assessment Designed Around Graduate Attributes: Making Best Use of Available Technology to Foster Student Interaction and Support the Individual. University of Stirling Learning and Teaching Conference: Facets of Assessment, Stirling, UK, 22 Apr 2015.
2014
Finlay, C. , McVey, M. , Paschke, B., Keenan, D. and Stewart, K. (2014) Distance Learning Courses: A first attempt with perspectives on the development and day-to-day running. In: 7th Annual University of Glasgow Learning and Teaching Conference, Glasgow, UK, 10 Apr 2014,
McVey, M. and Finlay, C. (2014) Student-led Development of Biology Lab Report Writing, Poster Presentation. 7th Annual University of Glasgow Learning and Teaching Conference, Glasgow, UK, 10 Apr 2014.
Finlay, C. and McVey, M. (Eds.) (2014) Campbell Biology, Custom Textbook, University of Glasgow. Pearson. ISBN 9781784343446
Finlay, C. , Gillespie, A., McVey, M. , Reid, I., Scott, P., Tatner, M. and Tierney, A. (2014) Electronic Submission and Audio Feedback: Student and Staff Impressions. In: E-Assessment Conference, Dundee, Scotland, 5 Sept 2014,
2012
McVey, M. , Finlay, C. and Tierney, A. (2012) Moodle Lessons as Pre and Post Lab Exercises in Level 1 Biology Labs. E-Assessment Scotland Conference, Dundee, Scotland, 31 Aug 2012.
Finlay, C. , Tierney, A., McVey, M. and Gray, J. (2012) Online peer review of scientific writing - Aropa. In: 5th Annual University of Glasgow Learning and Teaching Conference: Empowering Student Learners in Higher Education, Glasgow, Scotland, 17th Apr 2012,
Griffiths, M., McVey, M. and Finlay, C. (2012) Developing e-assessment using the quiz activity within Moodle: empowering student learning. In: 5th Annual University of Glasgow Learning and Teaching Conference: Empowering Student Learners in Higher Education, Glasgow, Scotland, 17th Apr 2012, p. 15.
Scott, P.H., Finlay, C. , Gillespie, A., Reid, I., Tatner, M. and Tierney, A. (2012) Audio Feedback in a Large First Year Undergraduate Biology Class. In: Society for Experimental Biology Conference, London, UK, 2012,
2011
Cogdell, B., Finlay, C. and McVey, M. (2011) Peer-assessment of group work in a large class: development of a staff and student friendly system. In: Orsmond, Paul (ed.) Self- and Peer-Assessment: Guidance on Practice in the Biosciences. Series: Teaching Bioscience: Enhancing Learning Series. The Higher Education Academy, UK Centre for Bioscience,: Leeds, pp. 49-51. ISBN 9780956928832
Finlay, C. (2011) Review: Chemistry of the Solar System by Katharina Lodders and Bruce Fegley, Jr. Reviews: HEA Guide to Publications in the Physical Sciences, 22(12), p. 10. [Book Review]
Finlay, C. (2011) Review: Genome Duplication: Concepts, Mechanisms, Evolution and Disease by Melvin L DePamphilis and Stephen D Bell. Reviews - HEA Guide to Publications in the Physical Sciences, 22(12), p. 27. [Book Review]
O'Dell, K., Gray, J. and Finlay, C. (2011) Marking level 1 and level 2 essays via Turnitin on an industrial scale. In: 4th Annual University of Glasgow Learning and Teaching Conference: Learning in a global research-intensive university: developing graduate attributes, Glasgow, Scotland, 21st Apr 2011,
2010
Finlay, C. (2010) Review: Physics II for Dummies by Steven Holzner. Reviews: HEA Guide to Publications in the Physical Sciences, 21(11(2)), pp. 30-31. [Book Review]
Scott, P., Tierney, A. and Finlay, C. (2010) Student Attitude to Audio Versus Written Feedback. In: 3rd Annual University of Glasgow Learning and Teaching Conference: Enabling Transitions: Into, through and out of university, Glasgow, UK, 22 Apr 2010, p. 21.
2009
Finlay, C. (2009) Review of: Student Engagement in Higher Education: theoretical perspectives and practical approaches for diverse publications. In: Reviews – HEA Guide to Publications in the Physical Sciences, HEA Physical Sciences Centre. HEA, pp. 60-61.
O'Kane, D., Finlay, C. and Mooney, A. (2009) New opportunities for disadvantaged pupils: the step-up programme. In: Cook, Tony and Rushton, Brian (eds.) How to Recruit and Retain Higher Education Students: A Handbook of Good Practice. Routledge: New York, pp. 80-99. ISBN 9780415990899
2007
O'Kane, D., Finlay, C. and Mooney, A. (2007) The Goose that Laid the Golden Egg – Widening Access & Outreach Funding. Action on Access National Conference, London, UK, 11 Dec 2007.
Finlay, C. and O'Kane, D. (2007) The Vocational Pathway to Higher Education. Forum for Access and Continuing Education International Conference, London, UK, 2007.
O'Kane, D. and Finlay, C. (2007) Developing Higher Level Skills in Disadvantaged Students – the Step-Up Programme. Forum for Access and Continuing Education International Conference, London, UK, 2007.
2006
O'Kane, D. and Finlay, C. (2006) Widening Participation – a Northern Ireland Perspective. Action on Access National Conference, London, UK, 12 Dec 2006.
Articles
Finlay, C. (2015) Does Size Matter? Biological Sciences Review, 27(3), pp. 2-6.
Book Sections
Latham, B., Poyade, M., Finlay, C. , Edmond, A. and McVey, M. (2019) New tools in education: development and learning effectiveness of a computer application for use in a university biology curriculum. In: Rea, Paul M. (ed.) Biomedical Visualisation, Volume 2. Series: Advances in experimental medicine and biology (1138). Springer Nature, pp. 29-46. ISBN 9783030142261 (doi: 10.1007/978-3-030-14227-8_3)
Cogdell, B., Finlay, C. and McVey, M. (2011) Peer-assessment of group work in a large class: development of a staff and student friendly system. In: Orsmond, Paul (ed.) Self- and Peer-Assessment: Guidance on Practice in the Biosciences. Series: Teaching Bioscience: Enhancing Learning Series. The Higher Education Academy, UK Centre for Bioscience,: Leeds, pp. 49-51. ISBN 9780956928832
Finlay, C. (2009) Review of: Student Engagement in Higher Education: theoretical perspectives and practical approaches for diverse publications. In: Reviews – HEA Guide to Publications in the Physical Sciences, HEA Physical Sciences Centre. HEA, pp. 60-61.
O'Kane, D., Finlay, C. and Mooney, A. (2009) New opportunities for disadvantaged pupils: the step-up programme. In: Cook, Tony and Rushton, Brian (eds.) How to Recruit and Retain Higher Education Students: A Handbook of Good Practice. Routledge: New York, pp. 80-99. ISBN 9780415990899
Book Reviews
Finlay, C. (2011) Review: Chemistry of the Solar System by Katharina Lodders and Bruce Fegley, Jr. Reviews: HEA Guide to Publications in the Physical Sciences, 22(12), p. 10. [Book Review]
Finlay, C. (2011) Review: Genome Duplication: Concepts, Mechanisms, Evolution and Disease by Melvin L DePamphilis and Stephen D Bell. Reviews - HEA Guide to Publications in the Physical Sciences, 22(12), p. 27. [Book Review]
Finlay, C. (2010) Review: Physics II for Dummies by Steven Holzner. Reviews: HEA Guide to Publications in the Physical Sciences, 21(11(2)), pp. 30-31. [Book Review]
Edited Books
Finlay, C. and McVey, M. (Eds.) (2014) Campbell Biology, Custom Textbook, University of Glasgow. Pearson. ISBN 9781784343446
Research Reports or Papers
Ballance, D., Browitt, A., Finlay, C. , Griffiths, M. and Rinaldi, C. (2017) What Works: Student Retention and Success Institutional Report. [Research Reports or Papers]
Griffiths, M. and Finlay, C. (2017) Expanding Induction and Using the VLE to Enhance Induction to First-year Life Sciences. [Research Reports or Papers]
Conference or Workshop Item
Finlay, C. (2018) Keynote: Challenges to Student Success. Can Digital Approaches Help Overcome Them? ELESIG Conference 2018: Breaking Down Barriers, Aberdeen, UK, 22 Jun 2018. (Unpublished)
McVey, M. and Finlay, C. (2017) Development of the Online Course for Campus Based Students: Current Directions in Life Sciences. University of Glasgow BOLD Showcase, University of Glasgow, 31 May 2017. (Unpublished)
Browitt, A., Ballance, D., Rinaldi, C., Finlay, C. and Griffiths, M. (2017) Enhancing the Student Journey: Supporting Student Retention and Success. 10th Annual University of Glasgow Learning and Teaching Conference, Glasgow, UK, 30 Mar 2017. (Unpublished)
Browitt, A., Finlay, C. , Griffiths, M., Rinaldi, C. and Ballance, D. (2016) Supporting Student Retention and Success at the University of Glasgow. 13th Annual Enhancement Themes Conference, Edinburgh, UK, 09 June 2016. (Unpublished)
McVey, M. , Finlay, C. , Paschke, B. and MacIntosh, G. (2016) Development and Student Evaluation of OPENSs – an Online Pre-Entry Nursing Summer School at the University of Glasgow. ELESIG Scotland: E-Learner Experiences, Dundee, Scotland, 21 Apr 2016.
Finlay, C. , McVey, M. and Paschke, B. (2015) A Pre-Entry Distance Course on Moodle: Articulating Course Expectations, Aiming to Impact on Access and Student Confidence. QAA International Enhancement Themes Conference, Glasgow, UK, 09-11 Jun 2015.
DeLeeuw, J., Weir, J., Copsey, D., Roden, C., Deeley, S. , Huston, E. , McVey, M. and Finlay, C. (2015) Developing Graduate Attributes and Improving Student Employability Through Work-based Learning: Opportunities, Successes and Challenges. 8th Annual University of Glasgow Learning and Teaching Conference, Glasgow, UK, 14 Apr 2015.
Finlay, C. , McVey, M. and Paschke, B. (2015) A Pre-Entry Distance Course on Moodle: Articulating Course Expectations, Aiming to Impact on Access and Student Confidence. 8th Annual University of Glasgow Learning and Teaching Conference, Glasgow, UK, 14 Apr 2015.
McVey, M. and Finlay, C. (2015) Assessment Designed Around Graduate Attributes: Making Best Use of Available Technology to Foster Student Interaction and Support the Individual. University of Stirling Learning and Teaching Conference: Facets of Assessment, Stirling, UK, 22 Apr 2015.
McVey, M. and Finlay, C. (2014) Student-led Development of Biology Lab Report Writing, Poster Presentation. 7th Annual University of Glasgow Learning and Teaching Conference, Glasgow, UK, 10 Apr 2014.
McVey, M. , Finlay, C. and Tierney, A. (2012) Moodle Lessons as Pre and Post Lab Exercises in Level 1 Biology Labs. E-Assessment Scotland Conference, Dundee, Scotland, 31 Aug 2012.
O'Kane, D., Finlay, C. and Mooney, A. (2007) The Goose that Laid the Golden Egg – Widening Access & Outreach Funding. Action on Access National Conference, London, UK, 11 Dec 2007.
Finlay, C. and O'Kane, D. (2007) The Vocational Pathway to Higher Education. Forum for Access and Continuing Education International Conference, London, UK, 2007.
O'Kane, D. and Finlay, C. (2007) Developing Higher Level Skills in Disadvantaged Students – the Step-Up Programme. Forum for Access and Continuing Education International Conference, London, UK, 2007.
O'Kane, D. and Finlay, C. (2006) Widening Participation – a Northern Ireland Perspective. Action on Access National Conference, London, UK, 12 Dec 2006.
Conference Proceedings
Finlay, C. , McVey, M. , Paschke, B., Keenan, D. and Stewart, K. (2014) Distance Learning Courses: A first attempt with perspectives on the development and day-to-day running. In: 7th Annual University of Glasgow Learning and Teaching Conference, Glasgow, UK, 10 Apr 2014,
Finlay, C. , Gillespie, A., McVey, M. , Reid, I., Scott, P., Tatner, M. and Tierney, A. (2014) Electronic Submission and Audio Feedback: Student and Staff Impressions. In: E-Assessment Conference, Dundee, Scotland, 5 Sept 2014,
Finlay, C. , Tierney, A., McVey, M. and Gray, J. (2012) Online peer review of scientific writing - Aropa. In: 5th Annual University of Glasgow Learning and Teaching Conference: Empowering Student Learners in Higher Education, Glasgow, Scotland, 17th Apr 2012,
Griffiths, M., McVey, M. and Finlay, C. (2012) Developing e-assessment using the quiz activity within Moodle: empowering student learning. In: 5th Annual University of Glasgow Learning and Teaching Conference: Empowering Student Learners in Higher Education, Glasgow, Scotland, 17th Apr 2012, p. 15.
Scott, P.H., Finlay, C. , Gillespie, A., Reid, I., Tatner, M. and Tierney, A. (2012) Audio Feedback in a Large First Year Undergraduate Biology Class. In: Society for Experimental Biology Conference, London, UK, 2012,
O'Dell, K., Gray, J. and Finlay, C. (2011) Marking level 1 and level 2 essays via Turnitin on an industrial scale. In: 4th Annual University of Glasgow Learning and Teaching Conference: Learning in a global research-intensive university: developing graduate attributes, Glasgow, Scotland, 21st Apr 2011,
Scott, P., Tierney, A. and Finlay, C. (2010) Student Attitude to Audio Versus Written Feedback. In: 3rd Annual University of Glasgow Learning and Teaching Conference: Enabling Transitions: Into, through and out of university, Glasgow, UK, 22 Apr 2010, p. 21.
Professional activities & recognition
Editorial boards
- 2014 - ongoing: Pearson: Editorial Review Board, Campbells Biology Textbook
- 2015 - ongoing: Pearson: Editorial Review Board, Concepts of Genetics Textbook
- 2012 - 2015: Frontiers in Education: Editorial Board
- 2013 - 2016: Bioscience Horizons: reviewer
Professional & learned societies
- 2012 - ongoing: Fellow, Higher Education Academy
