Dr Andy B

I have a BTEC HND in Geological Techniques, BSc (hons) Geology and PhD in Geochemistry/Geology and was employed as a University lecturer by the Earth and Planetary Science Department, Birkbeck College, University of London. After 38 years of working for the University, I took early retirement in the Summer of 2022. I have always enjoyed teaching geology/Earth sciences, in class and in the field. I'm now working as a geology tutor for GCSE, AS-Level, A-Level geology and including undergraduate/ post-graduate degree levels. Also, for the last 8 years I have been an OCR monitor for the practical endorsement for A-level geology, visiting schools and centres in the south of the country. This has given me insight into the geological topics on the A-level geology syllabus.

I specialised in teaching Foundation Geology (A-Level), Mineralogy, Igneous Petrology, Ore/Economic Geology and Geological mapping. Since leaving College, I have been teaching A-level Geology and BSc Geology online.

I enjoy helping students at all levels from A-Level Geology to BSc degree, specialising in igneous/metamorphic petrology, ore Geology and mineralogy. I believe in a student-focused approach, being flexible to students' requirements, and introducing a practical element using a large-format visualiser and a live-streaming camera when using a petrological microscope. I use an extensive collection of hand samples and thin sections I have collected over 40 years as a University lecturer and researcher. In this way, the student is better prepared for the pressure of the examination. If required, driven by the student's needs, I can focus on past papers, especially geological mapping concepts, so a degree of familiarity with the types of exam questions expected. Being dyslexic myself, I know the importance of keeping the teaching experience fun and engaging.