BSc (Hons) 1:1 Biochemistry - UMIST (July 2007)
Ph.D Biophysics/Structural Biology - The University of Manchester (September 2010)
BBSRC - Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council
References are available upon request

Subjects

Interview

Which subject(s) do you teach?
I can deliver comprehensive teaching across the biology and chemistry courses at AS and A2 levels. I can offer substantial assistance with specific undergraduate and masters level modular courses if in the area of biophysics, biochemistry, (bio)physical chemistry and molecular biology.

I have native speaker knowledge of Spanish. Although the bulk of my educational background and teaching experience is in science, I am more than adept at supporting learners of Spanish at any level.

Tell me about your qualifications.
PhD Biophysics & Structural biology - The University of Manchester (September 2010).
BSc (Hons) First class in Biochemistry - University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology {(UMIST) July 2007}.

A levels in Biology, chemistry and Spanish (AAA) - From a comprehensive school (August 2004).

What kind of experience do you have?
I obtained a PhD in biophysics and structural biology, focusing on protein dynamics, and quantum dynamical fluctuations in protein systems using sophisticated spectroscopic techniques. I acquired this training from a world leading research group.

I acquired a first class undergraduate degree in biochemistry, whereby I covered the entire spectrum (from the atomic level to the population genetics level) of biological sciences in years 1 and 2. In my 3rd year I underwent significant specialisation and focus in (bio)physical chemistry - (protein folding, protein dynamics, structure determination, structural biology and enzymology). This interdisciplinary background covering both biological and physical sciences, enables me to confidently deliver comprehensive teaching in any area of biology and many overlapping areas of physical sciences.

In terms of formal teaching I have held a postdoctoral teaching fellowship at a leading Russel Group university since completion of my PhD. I am contracted on a 50% pro rata basis and my duties involve preparation, delivery and examination of final year modules in biophysics and biochemistry to final year life sciences and chemistry undergraduate students.

On an independent basis I have been instructing, primarily 6th formers but some undergraduates, with their A levels and specific undergraduate subjects respectively.

I also examine/moderate for a leading UK exam board since 2008.

How much do you charge?
Hourly rate of £25.

Where do you teach?
I have access to comfortable teaching facilities in the city centre, a short walk from Piccadilly train station. If preferred I am happy to visit yours, please drop me a line for discussion. When travelling, sessions would have to be for a minimum of 90 minutes and if beyond a 10 km radius of the city centre then for 2 hours. I charge for train travel if outside Greater Manchester or on the periphery of the county.

When are you available?
My teaching fellowship contracts me on a 50% FTE basis and I juggle a moderate load of students outside of this, but this load fluctuates seasonally. Please drop me an email for discussions and I am sure I can squeeze you into my schedule. I am happy to work very late in the evening too, until the last trains to accommodate students.

Which ages and levels do you teach?
GCSE, AS, A2, undergraduate and taught masters levels.

If you have specific coursework or dissertation requirements, please drop me a line for discussions with respect to how best I can assist you with specific pieces of project work.

Which qualifications do you prepare your students for?
The bulk of my students that I have taught on an independent basis have tended to be 6th formers, requiring assistance with their AS and A2 biology and chemistry courses. I have taught some GCSE level students too. Naturally I have also worked closely with undergraduate and masters level students.

Do you have an up-to-date CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) disclosure certificate?
No

Describe your arrangements for online tutoring.
I have had great success teaching online with one of my students, this turned out to be decidedly more flexible and beneficial than I had originally anticipated. I am therefore more than happy to deliver comprehensive teaching sessions online. This may be an appropriate option if you live a considerable distance away from Greater Manchester. I generate sophisticated notes and slides which I share onscreen with my student, as I concomitantly explain essential biological and/or chemical principles. I can work with msn and skype.

Do you belong to any professional organisations?
BBSRC - Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council. The leading quango for non-clinical biological science research in the UK.

Where and with whom did you train?
The University of Manchester, 2004 - 2010. (Undergraduate degree & PhD).

A run of the mill comprehensive school: 1997 - 2004. (GCSEs & A levels).

Tell me about some of your current students.
A mix of college 6th form and final year undergraduate students. My 6th form students have received extraordinarily beneficial teaching assistance from me, enabling them to secure their first choice university places.

My university students are routinely either biochemists or chemists in their final year that have required, and heavily benefited from, dedicated assistance with specific coursework projects, dissertations and essays.

Do you have a personal message for students?
I am young, energetic and extraordinarily enthusiastic about frontier science with an unparalleled background in interdisciplinary biophysical chemistry at doctoral level. If you want interesting, rigorous, highly motivating, but relaxed sessions, please drop me a line for discussion.

Best,

Clive

Articles

Protein folding and dynamics
Subject: University Biological Sciences
Tags: subject research, university biological sciences
Created: 12/11/2010