Our Teachers - Physics

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We know exactly what it takes to succeed in the HSC.

Matrix teachers train students to understand key concepts behind the theory, as opposed to memorising information. Matrix Theory Booklets help students to arrive at an in-depth understanding of the syllabus material.

Matrix teachers have HSC exam marking experience and/or extensive experience in writing assessments and exams, and thus they know exactly how to maximise marks in school and HSC exams. Our students are taught the most effective exam techniques. Matrix Work Booklets consist of various exam-style questions to help students practice these skills.

Through repetition and close monitoring, Matrix teachers ensure every student understands and masters all facets of the course content.

Note: Not all academic staff are shown.

Dr Derek Muller

Physics

Position: Head of Science

Qualifications: Ph.D. Graduate, B.Sc. Eng.

Background: He completed his Bachelor of Applied Science in Mechanical Engineering and Physics at Queen's University in Canada and completed his PhD in Physics Education Research at the University of Sydney. His research explores methods of multimedia design that promote student learning of physics.

Experience: Deputy coordinator of a Department of Education grant to develop multimedia for senior high school physics topics; Twelve refereed publications on student learning in physics; Several presentations at international conferences on physics education; Two years teaching in experimental laboratories at the University of Sydney post-graduate research and coursework on physics education; Marking of assignments and exams at Queen's University.

Awards: Australian Postgraduate Award; UCFV Graduate Student Paper Prize; Chancellor's Scholarship; Queen's University Governor General's Bronze Medal as top graduating student, West Vancouver Secondary School.

Why I love to teach @Matrix: "I love teaching at Matrix both for the enjoyment of introducing students to fascinating science and for the opportunity to put into practice the theories and methods developed in my research work. Teaching is a passion fueled by the desire to pass along knowledge learned and open up a new world of understanding to curious minds."

DJ Kim

Physics

Position: Physics Teacher

Qualifications: BAE Hons

Background: DJ is the founder of Matrix Education. He has a bachelor of Aerospace Engineering from UNSW. He worked with the Australian Space Research Institute [ASRI] on "Design and Structural Analysis of Microsatellite" for his thesis. He is currently an active Member of the Australian Space Research Institute.

Experience: 12 years teaching experience in Physics and Chemistry at Secondary level; Author of Matrix Physics Course Programs, Course Materials and Assessments; Co-author of Matrix Chemistry Course Programs, Course Materials and Assessments.

Awards: 'Warwick Slade Aeronautical Society' award for design excellence.

Alex Argyros

Physics

Position: Physics Teacher

Qualifications: BSc (Advanced) Hons., PhD (Physics).

Background: Alex completed studies at the University of Sydney and currently holds a Research Fellow position there. His research is centred on the design and applications of optical fibres and he has published over 75 papers in scientific journals and national and international conferences

Experience: Alex has approximately seven years of teaching experience in total with late high school, early undergraduate students and also supervision of honours and postgraduate students. He has been with Matrix since late 2004.

Awards: His research has attracted several awards, including the Australasian Science Prize in 2005, the DuPont Australia and New Zealand Innovation Award in 2006 and the Australian Institute of Physics Bragg Medal in 2007 for the best physics PhD thesis in Australia.

Why I love to teach @ Matrix: Because it gives me the opportunity to interact with bright students and to present ideas and concepts that are new to them and that they hear from me for the first time. It’s very rewarding to see how they handle this new information and how they progress over time

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