Dr Kath Nicol (PhD, BSc in Biological Sciences, Cert. HE in teaching) is a Lecturer in the Dietetics, Nutrition & Biological Sciences, Physiotherapy, Podiatry & Radiography Division.
- Overview
- Research Interests
- Research Publications
- Teaching & Learning
I have been a lecturer in applied human physiology for 22 years, during which I have worked with students on a range of allied health professions and nursing degree programmes at undergraduate and postgraduate level. For the past 11 years, I have contributed to physiology, dissertation and research modules on the pre-registration and post-registration Masters in Physiotherapy programmes. I continue to work on a case-based problem solving approach in which I demonstrate links between physiological principles and clinical measurements and observations. This is to provide a foundation for development of evidence-based practice. My doctoral research programme in neuroanatomy together with my employment as an associate lecturer with the Open University underpins my main interest in physical activity and exercise as adjunct interventions for mental health conditions.
During 2014 – 2015 , I was on the development team for validation of the new BSc Physical Activity and Heath Promotion programme.
In addition to my teaching profile, I am currently joint programme leader for the MSc (pre-registration) Physiotherapy programme and the Physiotherapy subject area disability coordinator.
Affiliations/Memberships to Other Organisations:
- Associate Lecturer with the Open University
My Doctoral programme investigated structural and functional repair mechanisms in the inner ear following aminoglycoside antibiotic-induced ototoxicity.
More recently, I have worked with physiotherapy colleagues to investigate barriers to physical activity engagement in people with schizophrenia and I supervised a Masters project that investigated interventions for falls prevention in patients with moderate dementia.
Currently, I am Director of studies for an Occupational Therapy Doctoral investigation into identification and incidence of delirium in patients who have sustained stroke.
Active Research Interests:
- Barriers and facilitators to physical activity uptake in people with altered mental health states.
- Physical activity and neurogenesis
Research Methods:
- Quantitative and qualitative data collection
Kath's seminars and lectures focus on Physiology for Physiotherapy, Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy and Applied Physiology for Physiotherapy, amongst other topics. Applied physiology and pharmacology on undergraduate and postgraduate pre-registration physiotherapy programmes and physiology on the Physical Activity, Health and Wellbeing programme.
Research methods and dissertation supervision at undergraduate and postgraduate, pre-registration and post-registration level.
Physical activity and health promotion
Program Leader:
MSc (pre-registration) Physiotherapy – joint programme leader with Mrs Billie Hurst since January 2016
