All of
Duncan’s current tutoring subjects are listed at the left. You
can read more about
Duncan’s qualifications in specific subjects below.
ACT Science
Having earned a BA in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, I have gained substantial experience handling real scientific literature, and have a broad understanding of most scientific disciplines (especially physics, chemistry, biology) with substantial experience teaching high school and college level science classes (resume available upon demand). I am familiar with the format and demands of ACT-style science questions, and I understand thoroughly the demands that the standardized testing environment can make of students.
Algebra 1
I have been tutoring and teaching high school level Algebra 1 for nearly 6 years. I have extensive experience helping students learn new material, finish homework, and study for tests.
Algebra 2
I have been responsible for proctoring summer school classes for both semesters of Algebra 2 for 4 summers in the last 5 years. I have extensive experience teaching new material, helping with homework, and studying for tests in this subject.
Biochemistry
I have taken significant course material (a full year of Biochemistry, and a full year of Physical Chemistry with Biological Applications) at a college level to complete my major in Biochemistry at University of Colorado at Boulder. Additionally, I currently work part-time in a biochemical research laboratory at CU studying bacterial evolution.
Biology
I completed extensive biology coursework in the process of earning my BA in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology. However, I am also more than familiar with the standard gamut of high school and undergraduate college level material. I've proctored Biology classes every summer for the last 7 years, and have worked as a Teaching Assistant for CU Boulder's flagship Introduction to Neuroscience program. I have also taught numerous high school anatomy classes, and led live hands-on dissections on anatomical specimens.
Chemistry
In the process of completing my major in Biochemistry at the University of Colorado, Boulder, I completed the year-long basic chemistry sequence, a full year or organic chemistry, a full year of physical chemistry (with biochemical applications), and a full year of graduate level biochemistry classes, eventually earning a minor in Chemistry. I have proctored chemistry classes at the high school level in summer classes several times over the last 7 years, and have individually tutored several people on the topic on many occasions.
Genetics
I have taken numerous classes (including Genetics, Molecular Biology, Cellular Biology, Biology of the Cancer Cell, Immunology, and Developmental Biology) at a college level for my major in Molecular, Cellular, and Development Biology at the University of Colorado at Boulder. I have had extensive practice with genetics concepts and some experience teaching the material to others.
Geometry
I have proctored summer school classes for high school level geometry for 4 summers in the last 5 years and have had extensive experience helping students learn new material, finish their homework from school, and study for tests in this subject during after-school tutoring programs.
MCAT
I've taken a thorough course load of physics, organic chemistry, molecular biology, biochemistry, and philosophy as a result of achieving my BA at the University of Colorado Boulder where I completed majors in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, Biochemistry, Psychology, and a minor in Philosophy. I recently took the MCAT in fall of 2012 for the first time and scored a 37S, placing me at roughly the 98th percentile of all test takers.
Microbiology
I have completed intensive coursework in several of the core areas of microbiology (Cellular and Molecular Biology, Genetics, Biochemistry, Immunology, Developmental Biology, Neuroscience) in the progress of earning a BA at the University of Colorado at Boulder with majors in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, Biochemistry, and Psychology, with an undergraduate certificate in Neuroscience. I also worked on an independent research project in a biochemistry lab at CU Boulder, doing work concerning the biochemical mechanisms underlying the evolution of bacterial proteins (resume available upon demand).
Organic Chemistry
I graduated from the University of Colorado at Boulder with a BA in Biochemistry, and took the full year-long organic chemistry sequence as necessary to fulfill the major's requirements. I ended up finishing the second semester of the class with one of the highest grades of the section, and continued to use these skills in upper division biochemistry classes, my research experience in the biochemistry department, and various teaching jobs.
Philosophy
I have a solid background in the study of modern western philosophy (Renaissance - Modern), though I am always trying to expand my knowledge base by reading from authors from a variety of backgrounds, be they eastern, western, modern or ancient. I received a minor in philosophy from the University of Colorado at Boulder.
Physical Science
I have been tutoring and teaching middle and high school level Physical Science for nearly 7 years, both proctoring summer school classes, and assisting students individually with schoolwork. Furthermore, I have studied physics and chemistry at a college level extensively in the completion of my major in Biochemistry at the University of Colorado Boulder, and have a great deal of experience working with middle school, high school, and college students with this subject.
Physics
I have completed, and have had some experience tutoring, college-level physics.
Prealgebra
I have had about 5 years experience with tutoring middle and high school students in prealgebra during after-school tutoring sessions. I have extensive experience helping students finish homework from school and study for tests.
Psychology
I have taken substantial course material (including General Psychology, Social Psychology, Behavioral Neuroscience, Psychopathology, and the History of Psychology) at a college level for my major in Psychology at the University of Colorado at Boulder. I am especially knowledgeable with topics relating to neuroscience and biological psychology.