ProfessorElaine O'Reilly

My teaching philosophy is centred on creating a safe, inclusive learning environment where all students feel comfortable participating, asking questions and contributing to discussions. From the outset, I encourage students to recognise that no one—not even the lecturer—has all the answers, and that learning is a collaborative process in which we all continue to develop our knowledge and understanding. My classes are interactive, discussion-based and designed to encourage curiosity, confidence and active engagement.

The principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) are at the heart of my teaching. I believe my role as an educator is to facilitate learning rather than simply deliver content. My aim is to create an environment where students feel supported to ask questions, challenge ideas and develop confidence in their own abilities. I also believe strongly in inclusive assessment. Students have different strengths, and no single assessment allows every student to demonstrate their full potential. For this reason, I try to provide a range of authentic assessment opportunities that allow students to engage with the material in different ways.

One of the most rewarding parts of teaching is seeing students develop an interest in chemistry beyond the lecture theatre. I want students to leave my modules with more than factual knowledge, but to be curious, to think for themselves, to approach problems logically and to enjoy the challenge of finding solutions. If students finish a module feeling more confident, more inquisitive and more enthusiastic about the subject than when they started, then I believe I have achieved something worthwhile.

I teach across a range of Stage 1, Stage 2 and Stage 4 modules within the School of Chemistry, with a particular focus on Medicinal Chemistry, Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology.