Sian Patterson
Associate professor, teaching stream
BSc, University of Guelph, 2003
PhD, University of Toronto, 2011
| Address | Medical Sciences Building Room 5221 1 King's College Circle University of Toronto Toronto, ON M5S 1A8 |
| Office Phone | 416-978-6921 |
| sian.patterson@utoronto.ca |
The more you learn, the more you want to learn…
My interests lie in understanding the basis of health, from the basic sciences of nutrition and biochemistry, to its application to overall health, metabolism and fitness.
I play an active role in the education of life science undergraduates, collaborating with other instructors to facilitate student learning, and provide mentorship to further their growth and future careers.
I am a strong believer in reflection, learning and building on your experiences to assist others and achieve success.
Social Media
In the News
Research Description
Undergraduate Biochemistry
When I’m not delivering a lecture, seminar or lab, I’m thinking about teaching and how we can improve on our students’ experiences in each of these modalities. My research interests lie within the field of undergraduate education, both in the basic science field of biochemistry, in lectures, labs and online.
Facilitating Student Learning
I have been involved with the coordination and evolution of the biochemistry undergraduate labs (BCH242Y, BCH370H, BCH371H and BCH471Y), as well as the lecture components of BCH210H, BCH242Y and BCH311H.
I am very much interested in active learning techniques as well as the move to online education. I was involved with the implementation of SCS2472: Biochemistry with a Medical Perspective, an online introductory biochemistry course that is now being offered by the Department of Biochemistry, and have actively moved our introductory on-campus courses online, continually working on improving the online student experience and success.
Educational Research
As an Associate Professor in the Teaching stream, I choose to do my educational research in the classroom and undergraduate laboratories. Teaching research and trying new things is the best way to improve our teaching practices, through reflection and experimentation, seeking out student feedback to improve on their university experience and develop life long learners.
Awards & Distinctions
2015 — Excellence in Undergraduate Life Sciences Teaching Award - Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto
Courses Taught
BCH242Y Introduction to Biochemistry
BCH210H Summer Biochemistry I: Proteins, Lipids and Metabolism