Dominic

I am a trained professional physicist, having studied at both undergraduate and graduate levels at two of the world`s leading universities, and currently working as a radiotherapy physicist in an NHS hospital cancer treatment centre.

I have 7 years experience in tutoring in physics and mathematics one-to-one and in small groups, with students of primary school age through to university undergraduates. I also have one year of experience working as a TEFL (teaching English as a foreign language) instructor to Japanese students.

As a professional physicist I am highly skilled and knowledgeable not only in physics, but also mathematics, statistics, computer programming and IT systems. I take a keen interest in all areas of science, and can confidently tutor in all of these subjects up to A-level.

I have always been fascinated by science, and as a high school student was initially interested in studying medicine. Unfortunately, I found myself feeling faint at the sight of blood and guts, and doubts as to my suitability for the profession began to creep into my mind. I had an amazing physics teacher at A-level, who inspired me to instead pursue physics at university. I excelled in my undergraduate studies (UCL; 1st class) and then progressed on to PhD level overseas (the Australian National University), where I undertook fundamental research in experimental nuclear physics. This involved smashing atoms together using a particle accelerator in order to understand the properties of nuclear matter, reactions such as nuclear fusion and nuclear fission, as well as to synthesise new `superheavy` chemical elements that do not exist in nature!

Funnily enough, my experience working with particle accelerators, electronics, and radiation detector technology lends itself very handily to working in the healthcare sector, both in the treatment of cancer using high energy X-rays, and in various diagnostic imaging techniques using both ionising and non-ionising radiation. So I have now come more or less full circle from my high school ambitions to work in medicine, except now I get to avoid the blood and guts!

In tutoring in my subject I hope that I can instil a curious interest in the fundamental aspects of nature such as my favourite teacher did for me, as well as keeping my own understanding of physical principles and teaching skills sharp for use in my science career.

During my GCSE years, in fact I really didn`t enjoy physics due to poor teaching at school, and strongly considered not taking the subject at A-level,- I only did so reluctantly in the belief that it would aid my application for medicine. Without the excellent teaching that was provided by my A-level teacher, I am sure I would have followed a very different and perhaps less satisfying path. When I tell people I am a physicist, I often receive replies of `Oh wow! You must be so smart!` Many people struggle with physics and maths in school, and are highly intimidated by the subject.

What if I told you that physics, based upon the fundamental rules of nature, is in fact the easiest subject in science? It is my goal as a tutor to transform their perception of physics from an intimidating subject that must be endured throughout school and then never thought of again, to a way of thinking and a toolbox of skills that will be useful for their future in many aspects of life.

Availability: Weekday evenings and weekends

Willing to travel: 10 miles

Experience: I have 7 years experience in tutoring in physics and mathematics one-to-one and in small groups, with students of primary school age through to university undergraduates. I also have one year of experience working as a TEFL (teaching English as a foreign language) instructor to Japanese students.