MChem Chemistry with Medicinal Chemistry (ongoing- 4th year of 5)
University of St Andrews, GlaxoSmithKline, Royal Society of Chemistry
References are available upon request

Subjects

Interview

Which subject(s) do you teach?
I can teach chemistry and biology to A-level standard, having studied biology for 2 years at undergraduate level; I am also able teach Latin to GCSE level. Although my main interests lie in organic and inorganic chemistry, I am equally competent at teaching physical chemistry. I am strong at cell biology and biochemistry, though I also have firm understanding of physiology and ecology. For Latin, I specialise in mainly focussing on grammar and vocabulary, though I have good knowledge of a small selection of main authors (Ovid, Catullus, and Virgil).

Tell me about your qualifications.
I hold A-levels (at grade A) in Biology, Latin, and Chemistry, with AS-levels in German and Maths. I also hold Advanced Extension Awards in Chemistry and Latin. As stated, I am currently in the 4th year of a 5 year chemistry degree at St Andrews, and have worked consistently at first level throughout this course. I, and my references, can provide electronic proof of my qualifications if required, though I do not currently possess hard copies, as these were unfortunately subject to theft earlier in the year.
In addition to the above, I have 10 GCSEs at A* (6) and A (4) level, in the three sciences, Maths, English (literature and language), History, German, IT, and Latin. As for my A levels, electronic proof of these qualifications can be provided on request.

What kind of experience do you have?
I have tutored once previously, to a first year undergraduate biochemistry student in both chemistry and biology. Progressing from a basic understanding and low confidence in each subject, over the course of a few weeks of regular lessons, his competency in both subjects improved markedly to the point where he successfully passed all of the relevant resit exams he was required to take. Covering a wide range of topics in a relatively short time frame, it was pleasing to see the student's understanding develop quickly in areas he initially found highly challenging. I used the first lesson to gauge the student's initial level of understanding and confidence on a given subject area, and then tailored the tutoring around this starting point, devising exercises to reinforce newly gained concepts.

How much do you charge?
If travelling within Brighton, the tuition price incorporates any travel expenses (usually bus fares) that I will need to cover. If lessons are to take place outside of Brighton, then I will request a small additional travel fee for train fares (max. £5-10).

Where do you teach?
I don't mind teaching either at my own house or travelling to students to do so-as I live centrally in town, most areas of the city are within easy reach.

When are you available?
I am available Monday-Wednesday evenings, and all throughout Sundays. Due to sports commitments, I am not available at all on Thursday evenings, and will usually be unavailable, though not always, on Saturdays.

Which ages and levels do you teach?
I am willing to teach from 15+ years up to any age, and I welcome people of all standards.

Which qualifications do you prepare your students for?
I am highly familiar with the A-level system, and am able to prepare students for examinations at this and GCSE level. I can also offer a depth of advice with regard to university applications, personal statements, and degree choice specific to chemistry.

Do you have an up-to-date CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) disclosure certificate?
I do not currently hold an up-to-date CRB disclosure certificate; my referees may provide character references on request if necessary.

Describe your arrangements for online tutoring.
I am capable of tutoring online either through e-mail correspondence or Skype, and if online tutoring is preferred, the student can indicate what times and days are most suitable for them and I will aim to accommodate this. As part of my tutoring I prepare regular assignments to maintain understanding, and these will be e-mailed to the student-the student can then either return the finished assignment by e-mail or print out and return by post.

Do you belong to any professional organisations?
I currently work at GlaxoSmithKline, a pharmaceutical company, with a large manufacturing site based in Worthing, West Sussex. I work as a laboratory chemist to conduct lab-based investigations into problems that arise on the site's manufacturing plants, which produce 20-25 tonnes of penicillin and non-penicillin based medicinal compounds annually.

Where and with whom did you train?
I receive ongoing technical training at GSK, in addition to 3 years of laboratory training and theory-based learning at St Andrews.

Do you have a personal message for students?
I am a tutor who aims to build a strong rapport with the student-I make sure that progress is at their pace and that overly advanced concepts are not introduced at too early a stage. I highly value feedback, and encourage the student to tell me if they have any ideas of their own to help the learning process-in return, the main thing I ask for is that students try their best and aren't afraid to make mistakes, as this will achieve the best end result. I prefer to not just be accessible during lessons, but at any time a student requires help, and, most of all, to provide a relaxed and non-pressured environment in which to learn.

Articles

Flash, Bang, and a few Smoke Clouds
Subject: A-level Chemistry
Tags: explosive chemistry in the school lab, why do chemistry at a level?
Created: 26/10/2011