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Bettie Higgs

Co-Director and Academic Coordinator of Support For Teaching and Learning
Teaching & Learning Centre
Ionad Bairre
West Lodge
Main Camous
UCC

T: +353 21 4205118/2919
E: b.higgs@ucc.ie
Senior Lecturer
Geology
School of BEES
Butler Building, Distillery Fields
University College Cork

T: +353 21 490 4578
E: b.higgs@ucc.ie

A native of the NE of England and a graduate of University of Sheffield, Bettie worked for the Geological Survey of Ireland in Dublin before joining UCC almost 30 years ago. Bettie is a Senior Lecturer in Geology in the School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences (BEES).  

Bettie is also the Co-Director of Ionad Bairre, UCC’s Teaching and Learning Centre and since 2002 has coordinated activities designed to support staff in their teaching and learning role in UCC.  During 2013-14 Bettie was Acting Vice-President for Teaching & Learning.  A past recipient of a UCC President’s Award for Teaching and later, in 2012, the recipient of a President’s Award for Enhancing the Student Experience, Bettie is interested in the nature of learning, and the public understanding of science.  Bettie was a 2005 Carnegie Scholar at the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching.

Bettie is also an associate lecturer for The Open University, and for many years taught on the Geology evening programmes delivered in the Centre for Adult and Continuing Education, UCC.  In her spare time, Bettie is an active member of the Cork Geological Association (CGA), an organisation that brings together lay members of the general public who have an interest in earth sciences. The CGA meets at UCC for monthly lectures and goes on local, national and international field-trips.  Bettie has also given guest lectures to the Cork Astronomy Club, another lay group that meets monthly on UCC campus.  

Research Interests

My research interests are primarily in the fields of geophysics and geodynamics, and in the teaching of Geoscience. These  include:

  • Shallow subsurface geophysical studies for resource evaluation, investigation of karstification and engineering applications
  • Saline incursions in coastal areas
  • Lunar tides in the past
  • The investigation of the nature of sea-floor spreading mechanisms in the Krafla Volcanic area of Iceland
  • The use of satellite imagery in the detection and nature of buried heat sources
  • History of geological science
  • Integrative learning and threshold concepts
  • Field-based learning

Research Grants

 ProjectFunding
Body		Start DateEnd DateAward
ePrePP Preparing for Professional PracticeHigher Education Authority (HEA)02-NOV-1401-NOV-16€250,000.00
Scholarship of Teaching for TransitionsHigher Education Authority (HEA)01-DEC-1422-MAY-15€25,000.00

Books

YearPublication
(2015)Integrative Learning: International Research and Practice.
Blackshields, D, Cronin, J., Higgs, B., Kilcommins, S., McCarthy, M., Ryan, A. (2015) Integrative Learning: International Research and Practice. London: Routledge. [Details]
(2014)Threshold Concepts: from personal practice to communities of practice. Proceedings of the National Academy’s 6th Annual Conference and the 4th Biennial Threshold Concepts Conference.
O’Mahony, C., Buchanan, A., O’Rourke, M., and Higgs, B. (2014) Threshold Concepts: from personal practice to communities of practice. Proceedings of the National Academy’s 6th Annual Conference and the 4th Biennial Threshold Concepts Conference. Cork: NAIRTL. Globe icon [Details]
(2010)In at the Deep End: Postgraduate Students' Experiences of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education.
Cronin, J., Higgs, B., McCarthy, M. and McKeon, J. ; (2010) In at the Deep End: Postgraduate Students' Experiences of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education. University College Cork: National Academy for the Integration of Research, Teaching and Learning. [Details]

Book Chapters

YearPublication
(2013)'Threshold Concepts: Informing the curriculum'
Higgs, Bettie and Cronin, James G.R., (2013) 'Threshold Concepts: Informing the curriculum' In: Emerging Issues in Higher Education III: From Capacity Building to Sustainability. Athlone: EDIN. Globe icon [Details]
(2011)'Navigating Wormholes: Integrative Learning on a First Year Science Field Course'
Higgs, B. (2011) 'Navigating Wormholes: Integrative Learning on a First Year Science Field Course' In: Connected Science. Indiana: IU Press. [Details]
(2010)'Making Connections: Intentional teaching for Integrative Learning: Introduction'
Higgs, B., Kilcommins, S., Ryan, T. (2010) 'Making Connections: Intentional teaching for Integrative Learning: Introduction' In: Making Connections: Intentional teaching for Integrative Learning. Cork: NAIRTL. [Details]
(2010)'Building Student Attributes for Integrative Learning'
Higgs, B. (2010) 'Building Student Attributes for Integrative Learning' In: Making Connections: Intentional teaching for Integrative Learning. Cork: NAIRTL. [Details]
(2010)'In-at-the-deep-end:postgraduate students experiences of teaching and learning in higher education. - An Introduction'
Cronin,J.,Higgs,B.,McCarthy,M.,McKeon,J. (2010) 'In-at-the-deep-end:postgraduate students experiences of teaching and learning in higher education. - An Introduction' In: In-at-the-deep-end:postgraduate students experiences of teaching and learning in higher education. Cork: NAIRTL. [Details]
(2010)'Good Beginnings are not the measure of Success: Using an Outcomes Logic Model to track the progress of the Irish Integrative Learning Project'
Ryan CA, Higgs B, Kilcommins S (2010) 'Good Beginnings are not the measure of Success: Using an Outcomes Logic Model to track the progress of the Irish Integrative Learning Project' In: Proceedings of the Third Annual Conference of the NAIRTL October 2010. Cork: NAIRTL. [Details]
(2010)'From Dry Ice to Plutarch's Fire: The Integration of Research and Teaching & Learning'
Neville, Grace; McCarthy, Marian; Higgs, Bettie; Murphy, Jennifer; (2010) 'From Dry Ice to Plutarch's Fire: The Integration of Research and Teaching & Learning' In: Medical Education: The State of the Art. Hauppauge, New York: Nova Publishers. [Details]
(2009)'Making Connections: The Irish Integrative Learning Project'
Higgs, B., Ryan, T., Kilcommins, S. (2009) 'Making Connections: The Irish Integrative Learning Project' In: Teaching and Learning in Higher Education: Challenging Assumptions. Cork: NAIRTL. [Details]
(2008)'Introduction to Poster Presentations'
Higgs, B., McCarthy, M.; (2008) 'Introduction to Poster Presentations' In: International Perspectives on Teaching and Learning in Higher Education. Cork: NAIRTL. [Details]
(2008)'The Changing Roles and Identities of Teachers in Higher Education in Ireland: Introduction'
Higgs, B., McCarthy, M. (2008) 'The Changing Roles and Identities of Teachers in Higher Education in Ireland: Introduction' In: Emerging Issues II: The Changing Roles and Identities of Teachers and Learners in Higher Education. Cork: NAIRTL/EDIN. [Details]
(2008)'Integrating Concepts of Integrative learning'
Higgs, B., and Hall, B. (2008) 'Integrating Concepts of Integrative learning' In: Emerging Issues II:Changing Roles and Identities of Teachers and Students in Higher Education. Cork: NAIRTL. [Details]
(2008)'Promoting Integrative Learning in First-year Science'
Higgs,B. (2008) 'Promoting Integrative Learning in First-year Science' In: Emerging Issues II: The Changing Roles and Identities of Teachers and Students in Higher Education. Cork: NAIRTL. [Details]
(2007)'Fostering, Recognising and Rewarding Scholarly Teaching at University College Cork: Three Perspectives'
Hyland, A., McCarthy, M., & Higgs, B. (2007) 'Fostering, Recognising and Rewarding Scholarly Teaching at University College Cork: Three Perspectives' In: Teaching Portfolio Practice in Ireland: A Handbook. Dublin: Centre for Academic Practice and Student Learning (CAPSL). Globe icon [Details]
(2007)'The role of women in the history and development of geology: an introduction'
Burek, C.V. & Higgs, B. ; (2007) 'The role of women in the history and development of geology: an introduction' In: The Role of Women in the History of Geology. London: *Geological Society of London. [Details]
(2007)'The role of women in the history of geological studies in Ireland'
Higgs, B., Wyse Jackson, P. (2007) 'The role of women in the history of geological studies in Ireland' In: The Role of Women in the History of Geology. London: *Geological Society of London. [Details]
(2005)'The Evolution from Problem Solving to Problem-based Learning: A Case Study in Earth Sciences at University College Cork'
Higgs, B. (2005) 'The Evolution from Problem Solving to Problem-based Learning: A Case Study in Earth Sciences at University College Cork' In: Handbook of Enquiry and Problem-based Learning. *Galway: *AISHE\CELT. [Details]
(2005)'The Scholarship of Teaching and its Implications for Practice'
McCarthy, M., Higgs, B. (2005) 'The Scholarship of Teaching and its Implications for Practice' In: Emerging Issues in the Practice of University Learning and Teaching. *Dublin: *All Ireland Society for Higher Education ( AISHE). Globe icon [Details]
(2005)'Active learning from lecture theatre to field-work'
Higgs, B., McCarthy, M. (2005) 'Active learning from lecture theatre to field-work' In: Emerging issues in the practice of University Learning and Teaching. *Maynooth: *AISHE. [Details]
(2004)'The Reflective Co-Ordinator'
Higgs, B; (2004) 'The Reflective Co-Ordinator' In: The Reflective Co-Ordinator. In: University College Cork as a learning organization. A. Hyland (ed), Published by SEDC, UCC, 27-30. Published by SEDC: A. Hyland (ed). [Details]

Edited Books

YearPublication
(2011)
Higgs B, Kilcommins S , Ryan CA (Ed.). (2011) Making Connections: Intentional Teaching for Integrative Learning. Cork: NAIRTL. [Details]
(2010)
Cronin, J., Higgs, B.. Mccarthy, M., McKeon, J (Ed.). (2010) In At The Deep End: Postgraduate Students' Experiences of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education. Cork: NAIRTL. [Details]
(2010)
Higgs, B., Kilcommins, S., Ryan, T (Ed.). (2010) Making Connections: Intentional Teaching for Integrative Learning. Cork: NAIRTL. [Details]
(2010)
Higgs B, Blackshields D, Kilcommins S , Ryan CA (Ed.). (2010) Making Connections: Intentional teaching for Integrative Learning. Cork: NAIRTL. [Details]
(2009)
Murphy,J., Higgs, B (Ed.). (2009) Teaching and Learning in Higher Education: Challenging Assumptions. Cork: NAIRTL. [Details]
(2008)
Higgs, B., McCarthy, M (Ed.). (2008) Emerging Issues II: the Changing Roles and Identities of Teachers and Learners in Higher Education. Cork: NAIRTL. [Details]
(2008)
Higgs, B. and Potter, J (Ed.). (2008) In at the Deep End: Learning to Teach in Higher Education. National Academy for the Integration of Research and Teaching and Learning: National Academy for the Integration of Research and Teaching and Learning. [Details]
(2008)
Higgs, B. and McCarthy, M (Ed.). (2008) Emerging Issues: The Changing Roles and Identities of Teachers and Students in Higher Education. National Academy for the Integration of Research and Teaching and Learning: National Academy for the Integration of Research and Teaching and Learning. [Details]
(2007)
Burek, C.V. and Higgs, B (Ed.). (2007) The Role of Women in the History of Geology. London: London Geological Society. [Details]

Peer Reviewed Journals

YearPublication
(2011)'Undergraduate Research: an Irish Perspective'
Hanratty,O.,Higgs,B.,Tan, E. (2011) 'Undergraduate Research: an Irish Perspective'. International Journal for the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning, [Details]
(2009)'The Carnegie Catalyst: A case study in Internationalisation of SoTL'
Higgs, B. (2009) 'The Carnegie Catalyst: A case study in Internationalisation of SoTL'. International Journal for the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning, 3 (2):1-7 [Details]
(2006)'Late Pleistocene-Holocene Buried Valleys in the Cork Syncline, Ireland'
Davis, T., MacCarthy, IAJ, Allen, AR, Higgs, B. (2006) 'Late Pleistocene-Holocene Buried Valleys in the Cork Syncline, Ireland'. Journal of Maps, :79-93 [Details]
(2000)'Phanerotinus cristatus (Phillips, 1836): A Giant Flanged Gastropod from the Lower Carboniferous of Ireland. Irish Journal of Earth Sciences 18,113-122'
Wyse-Jackson, P.N., Nudds, J.R., and Higgs. B. ; (2000) 'Phanerotinus cristatus (Phillips, 1836): A Giant Flanged Gastropod from the Lower Carboniferous of Ireland. Irish Journal of Earth Sciences 18,113-122'. Irish Journal of Earth Sciences, [Details]
(1995)'Stress Generation at Ridge Axes by Plate Divergence and Magma Rise [B762]'
Jacoby, W. R.; Higgs, B.; (1995) 'Stress Generation at Ridge Axes by Plate Divergence and Magma Rise [B762]'. Journal of The Geological Society (London), 152 :1017-1021 [Details]
(1995)'On the rifting dynamics of Plate Divergence and magma accumulation at ocean ridge axes. Pure and Applied Geophysics, V. 145, No 3/4, 505-521'
Jacoby, W.R., & Higgs, B; (1995) 'On the rifting dynamics of Plate Divergence and magma accumulation at ocean ridge axes. Pure and Applied Geophysics, V. 145, No 3/4, 505-521'. Pure and Applied Geophysics, [Details]
(1994)'The Cork Geological Museum In: Nudds, J.R. (ed) Directory of British Geological Museums, Geological Society of London Miscellaneous Paper No. 18'
Higgs, B; (1994) 'The Cork Geological Museum In: Nudds, J.R. (ed) Directory of British Geological Museums, Geological Society of London Miscellaneous Paper No. 18'. Geological Society of London, [Details]

Other Journals

YearPublication
(2011)'Geoconservation: Theory and Practice'
Higgs, B., Burek, C.V. (2011) 'Geoconservation: Theory and Practice' Earth Science Ireland, 10 (10) :30-30. [Details]
(2007)'Give an Inch lose a mile'
Higgs, B; (2007) 'Give an Inch lose a mile' Earth Science Ireland, 2 (16) . [Details]
(2007)'2007 Integrating Earth Sciences into the bigger picture'
Higgs, B.; (2007) '2007 Integrating Earth Sciences into the bigger picture' Earth Science Irelamd, 1 (1) :14-16. [Details]
(2006)'Only Eight Planets in our Solar System!'
Higgs, B. (2006) 'Only Eight Planets in our Solar System!' Journal of the Cork geological Society, 9 :27-28. [Details]
(2006)'Hawai'i - Checking out a Hotspot!'
Higgs, B. (2006) 'Hawai'i - Checking out a Hotspot!' Journal of the Cork Geological Association, 9 :29-33. [Details]
(2006)'Did you hear the one about the three intrusions...?'
Higgs, B. (2006) 'Did you hear the one about the three intrusions...?' Jornal of the Cork Geological Association, 9 :18-20. [Details]
(2003)'The Iceland Plume'
Jacoby, W. and Higgs, B. ; (2003) 'The Iceland Plume' Journal of the Cork Geological Society, . [Details]
(2000)'The distance between the Moon and the Earth in the geological past - investigating models of lunar recession'
Dowdall, P., and Higgs, B. ; (2000) 'The distance between the Moon and the Earth in the geological past - investigating models of lunar recession' The Irish Scientist, . [Details]
(2000)'Iceland - Recent Earthquake Activity'
Higgs, B. ; (2000) 'Iceland - Recent Earthquake Activity' Journal of the Cork Geological Society, . [Details]
(1999)'The Geology of the Lee Tunnel, Cork'
Higgs, B. ; (1999) 'The Geology of the Lee Tunnel, Cork' Journal of the Cork Geological Association, . [Details]
(1999)'Iceland - Granite Controversy'
Higgs, B; (1999) 'Iceland - Granite Controversy' Journal of the Cork Geological Association, . [Details]
(1999)'A Dragon's tale'
Higgs, B; (1999) 'A Dragon's tale' Journal of the Cork Geological Association, . [Details]

Conference Publications

YearPublication
(2011)Engaging Minds: Proceedings of the National Academy's 5th Annual Conference
Cronin, James G.R. with Bettie Higgs, Marian McCarthy and Jacinta McKeon; (2011) In-at-the-deep-end: graduate teaching assistants as role models in the university Engaging Minds: Proceedings of the National Academy's 5th Annual Conference Globe icon [Details]
(2011)Engaging Minds: Proceedings of the NAIRTL 5th Conference
Cronin James, G R , Bettie Higgs, Marian McCarthy and Jacinta McKeon (2011) (2011) In at the Deep End: Graduate Teaching Assistants as Role Models in the University Engaging Minds: Proceedings of the NAIRTL 5th Conference [Details]
(2011)In-at-the-deep-end: graduate teaching assistants as role models in the university
Cronin, James G.R. with Bettie Higgs, Marian McCarthy and Jacinta McKeon (2011) Engaging Minds: Proceedings of the National Academy of the Integration of Research and Teaching and Learning's 5th Annual Conference In-at-the-deep-end: graduate teaching assistants as role models in the university [Details]

Published Reports

YearPublication
(2007)UCC teaching and learning strategy for PRTLI4: 2007.
Higgs, B.; (2007) UCC teaching and learning strategy for PRTLI4: 2007. UCC teaching and learning strategy for PRTLI4: 2007, Ireland. [Details]
(2007)Developments in Graduate Studies in UCC: October 2007.
Higgs, B.; (2007) Developments in Graduate Studies in UCC: October 2007. Developments in Graduate Studies in UCC: October 2007, Ireland. [Details]
(2004)Delineation of buried valleys. Final Report HEA PRTLI2.
Davis, T., Allen, AR., MacCarthy, I.A.J. Higgs, B. (2004) Delineation of buried valleys. Final Report HEA PRTLI2. . [Details]
(1996)Field Report: A Gravity Survey of the Krafla Volcano, Northeast Iceland. In: British Mid-Ocean Ridge Initiative. G.E. Newsletter No. 10. April 1996, 58-59.
Jacoby, W.R., Bjornsson, A., Clark, J. M., Eysteinsson, H., Heinrich, R., Higgs, B., Jung-Jacoby, G., & Kracke, D; (1996) Field Report: A Gravity Survey of the Krafla Volcano, Northeast Iceland. In: British Mid-Ocean Ridge Initiative. G.E. Newsletter No. 10. April 1996, 58-59. *, *. [Details]

Articles

YearPublication
(2007)Give an Inch lose a mile. Earth Science Ireland. No. 2. p. 16.
Higgs, B. ; (2007) Give an Inch lose a mile. Earth Science Ireland. No. 2. p. 16. Articles [Details]

Invited Lectures

YearPublication
(2005)¿Time and Tide ¿ Messages from a Receding Moon.¿ Website for the Public Understanding of Science. UCC.
Higgs,B; (2005) ¿Time and Tide ¿ Messages from a Receding Moon.¿ Website for the Public Understanding of Science. UCC. Invited Lectures [Details]

Other

YearPublication
(2007)The Role of Women In The History of Geological Studies In Ireland.
Higgs, B, Jackson, PNW; (2007) The Role of Women In The History of Geological Studies In Ireland. Other [DOI] [Details]
(1995)On the rifting dynamics of plate divergence and magma accumulation at oceanic ridge axes.
Jacoby, WR,Higgs, B (1995) On the rifting dynamics of plate divergence and magma accumulation at oceanic ridge axes. Other [Details]
(1995)STRESS GENERATION AT RIDGE AXES BY PLATE DIVERGENCE AND MAGMA RISE.
JACOBY, WR,HIGGS, B (1995) STRESS GENERATION AT RIDGE AXES BY PLATE DIVERGENCE AND MAGMA RISE. Other [Details]

Unpublished Reports

YearPublication
(2004)New Energy systems for Buildings-Delineation of Buried Valleys.
Davis, T., Allen, A. MacCarthy, I. A. J. & Higgs, B.; (2004) New Energy systems for Buildings-Delineation of Buried Valleys. Unpublished Reports [Details]
(2000)The distance between the Moon and the Earth in the geological past - investigating models of lunar recession. The Irish Scientist, p.190.
Dowdall, P., and Higgs, B. ; (2000) The distance between the Moon and the Earth in the geological past - investigating models of lunar recession. The Irish Scientist, p.190. Unpublished Reports [Details]
(2000)Iceland - Recent Earthquake Activity. Journal of the Cork Geological Society, 3. pp 21-24.
Higgs, B; (2000) Iceland - Recent Earthquake Activity. Journal of the Cork Geological Society, 3. pp 21-24. Unpublished Reports [Details]

Unpublished work

YearPublication
(2006)The Iceland Plume. Journal of the Cork Geological Society. 6, pp. 16-26.
Jacoby, W. and Higgs, B; (2006) The Iceland Plume. Journal of the Cork Geological Society. 6, pp. 16-26. Unpublished work [Details]
(1999)A Dragon's tale. Journal of the Cork Geological Association, 1. pp. l6-17.
Higgs, B. ; (1999) A Dragon's tale. Journal of the Cork Geological Association, 1. pp. l6-17. Unpublished work [Details]
(1999)Iceland - Granite Controversy. Journal of the Cork Geological Association. l. pp 20-21.
Higgs, B; (1999) Iceland - Granite Controversy. Journal of the Cork Geological Association. l. pp 20-21. Unpublished work [Details]
(1999)The Geology of the Lee Tunnel, Cork. Journal of the Cork Geological Association. 1 pp. 10-11.
Higgs, B. ; (1999) The Geology of the Lee Tunnel, Cork. Journal of the Cork Geological Association. 1 pp. 10-11. Unpublished work [Details]

Honours and Awards

 YearTitleAwarding Body
2012UCC President's Staff Awards - 'Enhancing the Student Experience' UCC - internal staff recognition awards
2009National Teaching Awards: Special Team Commendation National Academy for the Integration of Research, Teaching and Learning, (NAIRTL)
2005Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, Scholarship CASTL
2002UCC President's Awards for Teaching - Research into Innovative Forms of Teaching 'Geoscience - creating virtual fieldtrips' UCC - internal staff recognition awards
2004UCC President's Awards for Teaching - Research into Innovative Forms of Teaching and Learning HEA

Professional Associations

 AssociationFunctionFrom / To
Geological Survey of Ireland Consultative Committee01-JAN-98 / 01-JAN-07
FAS Excellence Through People Committee01-JAN-05 / 01-JAN-07
National Museum of Ireland Interview panel01-JAN-05 / 01-JAN-05
International Journal for the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Editorial Board01-JAN-06 / 01-JAN-08
International Journal Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Editorial Board01-JAN-03 / 01-FEB-15
Journal of the Cork Geological Association Editorial Board01-JAN-99 / 01-JAN-08
Bulletin of the Geological Survey of Ireland Editorial Board01-JAN-78 / 01-JAN-78
International Society for the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Vice President30-APR-14 / 29-APR-17

Conference Contributions

YearPublication
(2014)Revealing Lives: Women in Science 1830-2000,
Bettie Higgs & Cynthia Burek (2014) The Public's Perception of Female Scientists. [Oral Presentation], Revealing Lives: Women in Science 1830-2000, Royal Society, London , 22-MAY-14 - 23-MAY-14. [Details]
(2013)Critical Transitions in Teaching and Learning 10th Annual Conference of the International Society for the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning,
O'Mahony, Catherine and Higgs, Bettie (2013) Growing from local good practice to a National activity. [Oral Presentation], Critical Transitions in Teaching and Learning 10th Annual Conference of the International Society for the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA , 02-OCT-13 - 05-OCT-13. [Details]
(2013)Annual Conference of the Society for Research into Higher Education,
Catherine O'Mahony and Bettie Higgs (2013) The integration of research, teaching and learning: the impact of national and international collaborations on practice. [Invited Lectures (Conference)], Annual Conference of the Society for Research into Higher Education, Newport, Wales , 11-DEC-13 - 13-DEC-13. [Details]
(2013)10th annual conference of the International Society for the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning,
Cronin, James G.R. with Bettie Higgs, David Pace, Leah Shopkow, Joan Middendorf and Arlene Diaz (2013) Making thinking explicit: decoding historical teaching. [Invited Lectures (Workshops)], 10th annual conference of the International Society for the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA , 30-SEP-13 - 06-OCT-13. [Details]
(2013)ISSOTL (International Society for the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning),
David Pace, James Cronin, Arlene Diaz, Bettie Higgs, Joan Middendorf, Leah Shopkow (2013) Preparing the Next Generation: Placing SoTL at the Core of the Preparation of Future History Instructors. [Invited Lectures (Workshops)], ISSOTL (International Society for the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning), ISSOTL 13 (Elon University, Raleigh, North Carolina) , 04-OCT-13 - 04-OCT-13. [Details]
(2012)4th Biennial Threshold Concepts Conference and 6th NAIRTL Annual Conference,
Daniel Blackshields, Anthony Ryan, James Cronin, Bettie Higgs, Marian McCarthy, Shane Kilcommins, Deirdre Bennett, Walter O'Leary (2012) Building Capacity for Transformative Learning: Embedding Integrative Learning into Threshold Concept Pedagogical Design. [Invited Lectures (Workshops)], 4th Biennial Threshold Concepts Conference and 6th NAIRTL Annual Conference, Trinity College Dublin , 27-JUN-12 - 29-MAR-12. [Details]
(2012)Mentoring the ethical steward: how may a SoTL approach help faculty to foster habits of ethical stewardship in the formation of junior faculty members? (University College Cork),
Cronin, J. with Marian McCarthy, Bettie Higgs, Jacinta McKeon (2012) Mentoring the ethical steward. [Chair Sessions at Symposia], Mentoring the ethical steward: how may a SoTL approach help faculty to foster habits of ethical stewardship in the formation of junior faculty members? (University College Cork), ISSOTL, McMaster University, Ontario, Canada, 2012 , 23-OCT-12 - 23-NOV-12. [Details]
(2012)Conference title: Research on Teaching and Learning: Integratity Practices. McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada,
James Cronin with Jacinta McKeon, Marian McCarthy and Bettie Higgs (2012) Mentoring the ethical steward: How may a SOTL approach help faculty to foster habits of ethical stewardship in the formation of junior members? ISSOTL McMaster University, Ontario, Canada. [Oral Presentation], Conference title: Research on Teaching and Learning: Integratity Practices. McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada , 24-OCT-12 - 27-OCT-12. [Details]
(2011)In-at-the-deep-end: Postgraduate students as role models in teaching and learning in Higher Education,
Cronin, J., Higgs, B., McCarthy, M., McKeon, J. (2011) Report of development of a SIF funded module for postgraduate students who teach in Higher Education. [Oral Presentation], In-at-the-deep-end: Postgraduate students as role models in teaching and learning in Higher Education, Milwaukee, USA , 18-OCT-11 - 21-NOV-11. [Details]
(2011)Threshold Concepts Symposium,
Higgs, B (2011) Threshold Concepts: Implications for Teaching in Higher Education. [Invited Oral Presentation], Threshold Concepts Symposium, University College Cork , 27-OCT-11 - 27-OCT-11. [Details]
(2011)Models of Academic Professional Development,
Murphy,J.,Hyland,A,Higgs,B. (2011) Models of CPD that are acceptable to teachers in Higher Education. [Oral Presentation], Models of Academic Professional Development, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA , 18-OCT-11 - 21-OCT-11. [Details]
(2011)Transforming the Academy through the Theory and Practice of the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning. University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, USA,
Cronin, J. with Jacinta McKeon, Bettie Higgs and Marian McCarthy (2011) In-at-the-deep-end:graduate teaching assistants providing role models for Faculty. [Oral Presentation], Transforming the Academy through the Theory and Practice of the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning. University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, USA, Milwaukee, U.S.A , 20-OCT-11 - 22-OCT-11. [Details]
(2011)Engaging Minds. Annual Conference of National Academy for the Integration of Reseach and Teaching and Learning. NUI Galway,
Cronin, J with Bettie Higgs, Marian McCarthy, Jacinta McKeon (2011) In-at-the-Deep-End: Postgraduate Students as Role Models in the University. [Oral Presentation], Engaging Minds. Annual Conference of National Academy for the Integration of Reseach and Teaching and Learning. NUI Galway, NUI Galway, Galway , 10-JUN-11 - 10-JUN-11. [Details]
(2011)International Society for the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning,
Cronin, J. with Bettie Higgs, Marian McCarthy, Jacinta McKeon (2011) In-at-the-deep-end: graduate teaching assistants as role models in the university. [Oral Presentation], International Society for the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee , 18-OCT-11 - 25-NOV-11. [Details]
(2011)ISSOTL 11: Transforming the Academy through the Theory and Practice of SoTL,
Cronin, J., Higgs, B., McCarthy, M. and McKeon, J. ; (2011) In at the Deep End: Graduate teaching assistants providing roles models for faculty. [Invited Oral Presentation], ISSOTL 11: Transforming the Academy through the Theory and Practice of SoTL, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA , 20-OCT-11 - 23-OCT-11. [Details]
(2011)Engaging Minds: Active learning, participation and collaboration in Higher education. NAIRTL 5th Annual Conference and Galway Symposium on Higher Education,
Cronin, J with Bettie Higgs, Marian McCarthy, Jacinta McKeon (2011) In-at-the-deep-end: graduate teaching assistants as role models in the university. [Oral Presentation], Engaging Minds: Active learning, participation and collaboration in Higher education. NAIRTL 5th Annual Conference and Galway Symposium on Higher Education, University College Galway , 08-JUN-11 - 10-JUN-11. [Details]
(2011)Perspectives on Multinational Teaching Awards,
Higgs, B. (2011) An international panel presentation and discussion. [Oral Presentation], Perspectives on Multinational Teaching Awards, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA , 18-OCT-11 - 23-OCT-11. [Details]
(2010)Assessment of Reflective Portfolios and Journals,
Cronin, J with Daniel Blackshields, Bettie Higgs, Carmal Halton (2010) Ionad Bairre Teaching and Learning Seminar. [Invited Seminars/Guest Lectures], Assessment of Reflective Portfolios and Journals, Council Room UCC , 19-NOV-10 - 19-NOV-10. [Details]
(2010)International Integrative Learning Symposium. Centre for Integrative Learning, University of Nottingham,
Cronin, J with Daniel Blackshields, Bettie Higgs, Shane Kilcommins, marian McCarthy, Walter O'Leary, Anthony Ryan (2010) Integrative learning in practice: Irish Integrative Learning Project. [Invited Oral Presentation], International Integrative Learning Symposium. Centre for Integrative Learning, University of Nottingham, University of Nottingham , 11-MAR-10 - 11-MAR-10. [Details]
(2010)The London Scholarship of Teaching and Learning 8th International Conference: Disciplines, Pedagogies and Cultures for the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning,
Bettie Higgs, Marian McCarthy and Jennifer Murphy; (2010) Conference paper and presentation on The Integration of Research, Teaching and Learning: The Missing Link?. [Invited Oral Presentation], The London Scholarship of Teaching and Learning 8th International Conference: Disciplines, Pedagogies and Cultures for the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning, London , 13-MAY-10 - 14-MAY-10. [Details]
(2010)International Integrative Learning Symposium,
Blackshields, Daniel, Higgs, Bettie, Kilcommins, Shane & Ryan, Tony.; (2010) Integrative Learning in Practice. [Invited Oral Presentation], International Integrative Learning Symposium, Centre for Integrative Learning, University of Nottingham , 11-MAR-10 - 11-MAR-10. [Details]
(2009)Graduate Studies Symposium,
Higgs, B. (2009) Organisation of conference. [Conference Organising Committee Member], Graduate Studies Symposium, UCC , 01-FEB-09 - 01-FEB-09. [Details]
(2008)Field-based Learning: Making the most of being there,
Higgs, B.; (2008) Field-based Learning: Making the most of being there. [Oral Presentation], Field-based Learning: Making the most of being there, London , 01-MAY-08 - 01-MAY-08. [Details]
(2008)National Academy for the Integration of Research and Teaching and Learning Conference,
Higgs, B.; (2008) Organisation of conference. [Conference Organising Committee Member], National Academy for the Integration of Research and Teaching and Learning Conference, Ireland , 01-JAN-08 - 01-JAN-08. [Details]
(2008)Teaching and Learning in Higher Education: Challenging Assumptions,
Higgs, B.; kilcommins,S.,Ryan, A.C. (2008) The Irish Integrative Learning Project. [Oral Presentation], Teaching and Learning in Higher Education: Challenging Assumptions, Waterford Institute of Technology , 01-NOV-08 - 01-NOV-08. [Details]
(2008)International Society for the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning,
Higgs, B.; (2008) Field Based Learning: Making the most of being there. [Oral Presentation], International Society for the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning, Edmunton , 01-OCT-08 - 01-OCT-08. [Details]
(2007)CASTL Graduate Symposium,,
Higgs, B.; (2007) Promoting Students¿ Integrative Learning on a First Year residential field course in Geoscience. [Oral Presentation], CASTL Graduate Symposium,, Cork , 01-NOV-07 - 01-NOV-07. [Details]
(2006)International Society for the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Conference,
Higgs, B.; (2006) Using a residential field-based course to promote integrative learning for first-year science students. [Oral Presentation], International Society for the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Conference, Washington DC , 01-NOV-06 - 01-NOV-06. [Details]
(2006)The Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Conference,,
Higgs, B.; (2006) Using a residential field course to promote integrative learning. [Oral Presentation], The Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Conference,, London , 01-MAY-06 - 01-MAY-06. [Details]
(2005)London Geological Society,
Higgs, B.; (2005) The Role of Women in the History of Geology. [Conference Organising Committee Member], London Geological Society, London , 01-NOV-05 - 01-NOV-05. [Details]
(2003)1st Annual Environmental Science and Engineering Day,
Gamble, J.A., Allen, A.R., Davis, T., Higgs, B., Higgs, K.T., MacCarthy, I.A.J., Meere, P.A., Reavy, R.J., Smith, J. & Wheeler, A.J.; (2003) Environmental Geology SRA: Building o the solid foundation of our past and moving forward. [Oral Presentation], 1st Annual Environmental Science and Engineering Day, Cork, Ireland , 10-DEC-03 - 10-DEC-03. [Details]
(2002)12th Irish Environmental Researchers Colloquium,
Allen, A. A. MacCarthy, I. A. J., Milenic, D., Davis, T. & Higgs, B.; (2002) Buried Valleys in the Cork Area:Location and Resource Estimation. [Oral Presentation], 12th Irish Environmental Researchers Colloquium, * , 01-FEB-02 - 30-DEC-99. [Details]
(2000)21st OUGS Symposium,
Higgs, B.; (2000) Geology at the Celtic Fringe. [Conference Organising Committee Member], 21st OUGS Symposium, Dublin , 01-JAN-00 - 01-JAN-00. [Details]
(1999)*,
Davis, T., Allen, A.A., MacCarthy, I. A. J. & Higgs, B.; (1999) Geometry and Resources of Buried Valleys in the Cork Area:Location and resource Estimation. [Poster Presentation], *, UCC 2003 , 30-DEC-99 - 30-DEC-99. [Details]
(1999)*,
Gamble, J., Allen, A., Davcis, T., Higgs, B., Higgs K. T., MacCarthy, I. A. J., Meere, P. A., Reavy, R. J., Smith, J. & Wheeler, A. J.; (1999) Environmental Geology SRA:Going Forward. [Oral Presentation], *, UCC 2003 , 30-DEC-99 - 30-DEC-99. [Details]

Committees

 CommitteeFunctionFrom / To
Threshold Concepts Conference Committee 2012 Chair2011 / 2012
Grant Selection Committee National Academy Chair2011 / 2011
Quality Review of Teaching and Learning (Chair) Chair2011 /
Educational Developers Ireland Network Committee Member2006 / 2008
Cork Geological Association Committee Member1992 / 2011
Open University Geological Society Conference organisor 20132011 /
Geography Teachers of Ireland Association Trustee2006 /
Copper Coast UNESCO Global Geopark Committee Director2005 /
National Digital Learning Repository Oversight Committee Committee Member2011 /
Teaching and Learning Committee, School of BEES Committee Member2010 /
Cork Geological Association Chairperson2009 /
National Academy for the Integration of Research Teaching and Learning Management Board Management Board2006 /
Academic Council : Sub-Committee for E-learning (Chair) Committee Member2011 /
Cork Geological Association President2002 / 2008
Geological Survey of Ireland Consultative Committee Committee Member1997 / 1999
Student Support, Science Faculty Chairperson2004 / 1899
Irish Association for Economic Geology Committee Member2003 / 2005
Earth Science ES2k Munster Correspondent and Committe Member2004 / 1999
Open University Geological Society Committee Member1995 / 1999
Adult Continuing Education Board of Studies for UCC Science Faculty representative2004 / 1899
Learning Technologies Committee Committee member2003 / 1899
Staff Enhancement and Devlopment Committee Reporting on Support for Teaching and Learning2003 / 2011
Geology Postgraduate Committee Committee member2004 / 1899
Geology Quality Review Committee Committee member2005 / 1999
Geology Postgraduate Committee Committee member2005 / 1899
UCC Postgraduate Committee Committee member2004 / 1999
Academic Council : Student Experience Committee Nominee of VPTL2011 /
Academic Board As Interim VPTL2013 /
National Forum for the Enhancement of Teaching & Learning - Board Member Board member / IUA nominee2013 /
Academic Council Teaching & Learning Committee Ordinary member2011 /
Academic Council Ordinary member (as Interim VPTL)2013 /
NUI : Working Group on Online Learning UCC representative2014 /
Academic Council : Sub-Committee for Academic Staff Development Co-opted member2011 /
University Management Team (Strategy & Operations) As Interim VPTL2013 /
UCC International Steering Group (ISG) As Interim VPTL or to represent present VPTL2013 / 2015
International Society for the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Vice-President - European brief2014 / 2017

Employment

 EmployerPositionFrom / To
Geology, UCC Senior Lecturer01-SEP-87 / 31-DEC-10
University College Cork Lecturer (part-time)01-SEP-87 / 01-SEP-08
The Open University Associate Lecturer (part-time)01-SEP-92 / 01-SEP-08
Petroconsultants Geologist (part-time)01-SEP-84 / 01-SEP-86
Geological Survey of Ireland, Dublin Geologist (part-time)01-SEP-82 / 01-SEP-83
Geological Survey of Ireland, Dublin Geologist (full-time)01-SEP-76 / 01-SEP-81
Institute of Geological Sciences (BGS) Geologist (full-time)01-SEP-74 / 01-SEP-75
UCC Interim Vice-President for Teaching & Learning04-MAR-13 / 30-MAY-14
UCC Co-Director of Ionad Bairre and Academic Coordinator of Support for Teaching and Learning01-JAN-02 /

Education

 YearInstitutionQualificationSubject
2007University College Cork MATeaching and Learning in H.E.
1971University of Sheffield BScGeology
1976University of Sheffield PhD
2002The Open University Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching and Learning in Higher Ed.
2004The Open University Postgraduate Certificate in Professional Studies in Education

Consultancy

 ClientDescription
Undisclosed

Investigation of Pollution in the Cork Harbour area, using geophysical techniques

Undisclosed

Investigation of Buried Topography and Evaluation of Resources in East Cork using geophysical techniques

Undisclosed

Archaeogeophysical surveying

Outreach Activities

 Description

Leading field trips, organising events for the Cork Geological Association. This is a group of amateur Geologists, mainly from the Cork area, who are interested in learning more about the Earth as a planet. 

Copper Coast UNESCO Global Geopark - initially running courses for the local amateur geologists - now organising committee Director.
 

Journal Activities

 JournalRoleTo / From
The International Journal For The Scholarship Of Teaching And Learning Referee-
Journal Of The Open University Geological Society Referee-

Other Activities

 Description

Visits Abroad

2004 - Harvard, Mass. US. Researching Geoscience Education for July 8 days
2005 - CFAT, Stanford, California, US. Researching Geoscience Education for June 10 days
2005 - Harvard, Mass. US. Researching Geoscience Education for July 8 days
2006 - CFAT, Stanford, California, US. Researching Geoscience Education for January 5 days
2006 - CFAT, Stanford, California, US. Researching Geoscience Education for June 10 days


Research Talks

2000 - UCC Women's Association - invited speaker 'A Geological Tour of Iceland' 20002001 - Cork Geological Association - invited lecture and open debate. - 'The Science Behind Global Warming'2002 - Geophysical Association of Ireland Symposium, Applications of Electrical Resistivity in the Cork area2003 - ¿Science for the Public' public lecture series in UCC - invited lecturer ¿Earth-Moon System through time: tidal messages from a receding moon'2003 - Cork Geological Association Invited Speaker 'The geological evolution of southwest Cyprus'2005 - Irish Geological Association ¿New Year Lecture' Trinity College Dublin 

Teaching Interests


Applied geophysics and environmental geophysics
Planetary geology
Plate tectonics
Computer applications in geology and earth science
Remote sensing
Public Understanding of Science
Geoeducation
Integrative learning
Threshold Concepts

I teach on the following additional modules: 

ER1006  An Introduction to Earth Science
GL20XX Field Course to the Dingle Peninsula
GL4009 Final Year project
ER4007 Final Year Project
PG6003 Teaching & Learning Module for Graduate Studies
PG6012 Scholarly Approaches to Teaching & Learning in Higher Education
TL6001 Research Methodologies relating to Teaching and Learning in H.E.
TL6002 Teaching and Learning Dissertation
TL6003 Theories of teaching, learning and Assessment
TL6004 Practice Approaches to Teaching and Learning in Higher Education
TL6005 Disciplinary Approaches to teaching and Learning in Higher Education
TL6006 Diversity in Student Learning
TLWT   Teaching and Learning with Technology (Pilot Course)

Modules Taught

 Term (ID))TitleLinkSubject
2015Teaching and Learning Module for Graduate Studies PG6003Teaching and Learning Module for Graduate Studies
2015Introduction to Geology GL1001Introduction to Geology
2015Applied Geophysics GL4003Applied Geophysics
2015Plate Tectonics and Global Geophysics GL2018Plate Tectonics and Global Geophysics
2015Geoscience Field Studies (Geology/Earth Science) GL1004Geoscience Field Studies (Geology/Earth Science)
2015Introduction to Geology I GL1800Introduction to Geology I
2015Geological Work Placement GL4020Geological Work Placement
2015Scholarly Approaches to Teaching and Learning in Higher Education PG6012Scholarly Approaches to Teaching and Learning in Higher Education
2015Earth and Life GL2800Earth and Life
2015Easter Field Course GL2016Easter Field Course
2015Applied Geology, Resources and Environment GL2801Applied Geology, Resources and Environment

Internal Collaborators

 NameInstituteCountry
Prof Henry Smithson General Practice College of Medicine and HealthIRELAND
Catherine O'Mahony Vice-President Teaching and LearningIRELAND

External Collaborators

 NameOrganisation/ InstitutionCountry
Joanna Rec-Roe University of Central EuropeHUNGARY
Geraldine O'Neill University College DublinIRELAND
Katarina Martenson University of LundSWEDEN
Joelle Fangnanal University College LondonENGLAND
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