Dr. Simon Bates

Professor

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Biography

Simon Bates is a Professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of British Columbia. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Natural Sciences from the University of Cambridge and a Doctorate in Computational Materials Simulation from the University of Manchester. His research focuses on Physics Education, where he has significantly contributed to teaching methodologies and learning technologies. Bates has held various senior roles, including Academic Director of the Centre for Teaching and Learning Technology and Director of Institute Scholarship Teaching. Prior to joining UBC in 2012, he had a prominent tenure at the University of Edinburgh, where he was Dean of Learning and Teaching and held a Personal Chair in Physics Education. His teaching and research expertise lie in developing innovative educational approaches and technologies to enhance student learning and engagement in physics and astronomy.

Research Interests

Experience

Professor

— Present

University of British Columbia • Vancouver, BC, Canada

Senior Advisor, Teaching and Learning, Academic Director, Centre for Teaching, Learning Technology, Director, Institute Scholarship Teaching

Dean of Learning and Teaching

— Present

University of Edinburgh • Edinburgh, UK

Oversaw learning and teaching strategies within the College of Science and Engineering.

Personal Chair in Physics Education

— Present

University of Edinburgh • Edinburgh, UK

Led initiatives to improve physics education.

Senior Lecturer

— Present

University of Edinburgh • Edinburgh, UK

Promoted to Senior Lecturer after demonstrating excellence in teaching.

Lecturer

— Present

University of Edinburgh • Edinburgh, UK

Lectured in the Departments of Chemistry and Physics.

Temporary Lecturer

— Present

Trinity College Dublin • Republic of Ireland

Temporary Lecturer in the Department of Chemistry.

Requirements for University of British Columbia

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.3
IELTS
Listening
Required:6.5
Reading
Required:6.5
Writing
Required:6.5
Speaking
Required:6.5
Overall
Required:7
TOEFL
Listening
Required:22
Reading
Required:22
Writing
Required:21
Speaking
Required:21
Total
Required:100
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree in Philosophy or related field 3 credits in formal logic 6 credits at the upper level in history of philosophy 3 credits at the upper level in ethics or value theory 6 credits at the upper level in metaphysics, epistemology, or philosophy of science
Application Checklist
  • Online application form
  • Application fee
  • Transcripts from all post-secondary institutions
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Writing sample (15-20 pages)
  • Statement of intent
  • Evidence of English language proficiency
Specialization Notes

Offers course-only and thesis routes. Focus areas include philosophy of science, mind, ethics, and Asian philosophy.