Teaching

Symon is an experienced engineering educator and has served as a lecturer for the European School of Antennas. General subject areas as follows: Engineering Communication and Design, Circuit Analysis, Electronics, Electromagnetics, Avionics, and Computer Programming.
- Symon has also assisted in the development of new design projects, laboratory experiments, tests and examinations, lecture materials, and, assignments for undergraduate and graduate curriculums.

Course Instruction

Winter 2018, 2017, & 2016 B30SQ - Communication Systems and Devices, Heriot-Watt University

Course: The course examines a variety of microwave, RF/analogue circuit technologies and components that are used extensively in communication systems, radar, and telemetry applications whilst considering noise. The building blocks of these communication systems are studied and the emphasis is placed on applications and other practical examples such as 5G, automotive radar, electormagentic compatability, and wireless power transfer. Topics include antenna basics, noise, and radio analysis, frequency synthesis, RF diode enevelope detectors and rectifiers, upconversion/downconversion and mixer design, modulators and demodulators, and, introduction to radar systems.

Activities Included: Deliver lectures and tutorials infused with YouTube videos and online animation tools. Prepare problem sets; development of the followiong labs: (1) linearly polarized antenna design lab, design, simulation, and measurement, (2) free-space transmission test considering noise, antennas, amplifiers, and spectrum analysis, (3) radar design lab. All labs are practical and hands on and use the Keysight Advanced Design Studio and SystemVue Software. Measurements are complated using USB spectrum analyzers and a 2-port vector network analyzers.

Student YouTube Video Competition (Winter 2018)

Winter 2018, 2017, & 2016 B39HF/B31HD - High Frequeny Ciruits, Heriot-Watt University

Course: This course examines the theory and design of high frequency circuits and its applications. It begins with a brief introduction to transmission line theory and wave analysis, and then proceeds to apply this theory to different practical scenarios which are related to electromagnetic engineering. Students learn about representation of wave propagation along a transmission lines, high frequency circuit design using the Smith Chart, matching circuits, network analysis, power dividers, and couplers. Emphasis will be put on related real-life examples (e.g., circuits for satellite communications, high-power transmission lines, RF circuits, HF computer circuits, etc.).

Activities Included: Deliver lectures and tutorials infused with YouTube videos and online animation tools. Prepare problem sets and development of the followiong labs: (1) time domain analysis lab of transmission lines, (2) microstrip transmission line analysis, (3) matching section design, and (4) passive hybrid couplers. All labs are practical and hands on and use the Keysight Advanced Design Studio Software. Measurements are complated using USB spectrum analyzers and 2-port vector network analyzers.

Student YouTube Video Competition (Winter 2018)

Winter 2016 B39MA - Electromagnetism, Heriot-Watt University

Course: An examination of the applications of electromagnetic engineering. The course begins with a brief overview of Maxwell's Equations and proceeds to apply this set of rules to different practical scenarios: analysis of plane waves, reflection and transmission, wave polarization, optical fibers, metallic waveguides and transmission lines, resonant cavities, wireless power transfer, and antennas. Concepts are then briefly developed to practical systems such as radar, satellite communication systems, optical fiber links, and submarine communications.

Activities Included: Deliver new lectures and tutorial problems and in-fuse class time with YouTube videos and self-developed web apps. Compare and explain new electromagnetic concepts with recent industry experiences and other practical examples. Prepare new assignments, tests, solutions, and final exam. Develop and maintain Vision website.

Winter 2015 ELEC 483 - RF & Microwave Circuit Systems, Queen’s University

Course: Investigation of the design and performance of wireless circuits and systems at RF, microwave, and millimeter-wave frequencies. Topics include: communications transceivers, imaging systems, radar, RFID, transmission lines and passive circuits, resonators, microstrip and lumped element low-pass and bandpass filters, amplifier noise and linearity, diode and transistor mixers, LC and relaxation oscillators, frequency multipliers and dividers, phase shifters, FSK QPSK and GMSK modulators and demodulators.

Activities Included: Deliver lectures and tutorials infused with YouTube videos. Development and oversight of a filter design lab and microwave amplifier design labratory for students to design, simulate, fabricate, and measure their circuits using vector network analyzers.

Transmission Test Lab (Photo 2015):

Fall 2014, 2013 & 2011, ELEC 381 - Applications of Electromagnetics, Queen’s University

Course: An examination of the applications of electromagnetics. The course begins with a brief review of Maxwell's Equations and proceeds to apply this set of rules to different practical scenarios: analysis of plane waves, reflection and transmission, wave polarization, optical fibers, metallic waveguides and transmission lines, resonant cavities, antennas, arrays, and system noise. Concepts are then developed further to practical systems such as radar, satellite communication systems, optical fiber links, submarine communications, and electronic beam steering using arrays.

Activities Included: Deliver lectures and tutorials infused with YouTube videos and self-developed web apps. Compare and explain new electromagnetic concepts with recent industry experiences and other practical examples. Prepare new assignments, tests, solutions, and final exam. Develop and maintain Moodle website.

Winter 2015, 2014 & 2013, ELEC 252 - Introduction to Electronics, Queen’s University

Course: An introduction to semiconductor electronics. The course examines operational amplifiers, DC and small signal models for diodes, principles of bipolar and field effect transistors, and analysis of electronic circuits. Concepts are further developed for device applications such as power supplies, amplifiers, and digital logic circuits.

Activities Included: Prepare new lecture material complemented by YouTube videos and animations. Make use of recent industry experiences to illustrate applications of electronics and devices. Facilitate guest speaker from CMC Microsystems; direct teaching assistants, develop and maintain Moodle website for students.

Fall 2013, APSC 200 – Engineering Design & Practice, Queen’s University

Course: A second year design course that focuses on professional engineering skills and effective communications. Students participate constructively in teams and use standard design methods and tools to solve complex, open-ended problems.

Activities Included: Deliver lectures and labs. Prepare a new robotics-based design project using Arduino kits for land mine detection and elimination while also facilitating software and hardware-based laboratory exercises for the students. Invited and facilitated guest speaker from Mines Action Canada.

Design Project Examples: Robot Demo 1 of 2, Robot Demo 2 of 2 (Fall 2014)

Winter 2010, ELEC 280 - Fundamentals of Electromagnetics, Queen’s University

Course: An introduction to electromagnetic wave phenomena. Transmission lines, time and frequency domain analysis, and wave propagation. Static field theory: Capacitance, electric potential and current. Magnetostatics. Vector calculus, coordinate systems and transformations. Maxwell’s equations and boundary conditions. The Smith Chart, matching networks, and application to RF circuits.

Activities Included: Prepare new lecture material, assignments, tests, solutions, and final exam. Marking and grade tabulation. Develop and maintain WebCT course website. Prepare supplemental tests and exams for students.

Representative Student Testimonials and Commentary:

"Professor Symon has been the most helpful professor I've yet to have in my undergraduate careers. The lecture slides are extremely helpful yet concise. And he actually keeps the students in the loop with his emails. I'd prefer if other profs also tried that hard to make sure we understood the course and did well. Thanks for a great term!"

"Dear professor,

You are the most responsible lecturer I have met this semester and it is really very nice to know you. You sacrificed lots of personal hours to help us which is very appreciated. And your problem sets and tutorials are also very helpful in understanding some concepts.

Hope to see you tomorrow at extra help session for the exam and could we take photo together? Thank you~

Best regards,"

"Hi Symon,

Just wanted to say what a pleasure it was taking ELEC 381 this year, it was a tough course for me but I think I learned a lot and the final went well. Thanks for taking the time to accommodate me so often with the one-on-one tutoring sessions after office hours.

Hope you have a relaxing break!"

"Symon, I wanted to take the time to thank you for a great course - ELEC 381. I thoroughly enjoyed learning about all of the concepts and devices we covered. Well done."

Helpful Comments and Constructive Criticisms:

Studio Seminar Leader

Fall / Winter 2011 - 2013, APSC 200 – Engineering Design & Practice, Queen’s University

Responsibilities: Prepare seminars on engineering practices and technical writing to direct and assist student groups with their design projects.

Fall 2011, APSC 100 – Engineering Practice, Queen’s University

Course: A first year course to develop the professional skills used by engineers in practice, with a focus on MATLAB programming and its engineering applications.

Responsibilities: Direct MATLAB programming seminars and deliver lectures.

Winter 2011, APSC 100 – Engineering Practice, Queen’s University

Course: A first year course to develop the professional skills used by engineers in practice. Focus is on design and creativity, project and information management, teamwork, communications, and technical writing.

Responsibilities: Direct seminars and deliver lectures on effective technical communication, proposals, formal report writing, and oral presentation skills. Marking.

Student Testimonials and Commentary:

“Super duper awesome TA, would make a phenomenal professor.”

"You are the best part of the studios/tutorials; I find them more useful than the lectures."

"Simon is an excellent TA for this course."

"Great interactions with groups."

“Nice Guy and Great TA!”

"I found the advice and suggestions you gave us very helpful and I think you worked really hard to be fair."

“Your teaching methods were great and effective.”

“Symon is awesome!"

“Talking about real world experiences made things more interesting!”

"Seems like you know your stuff."

"Very helpful at answering the questions I had. You also take time to go to each group and chat about the projects."

“Presentation of material is very practical in its approach and the information is really quite useful.”

“Nice work."

“You did a great job of trying to make the course material interesting.”

"Symon is very helpful! I am learning a lot from him!"

Helpful Comments and Constructive Criticisms:

“I find that topics written on paper when the overhead camera is on really helpful for understanding what we are actually doing in MATLAB.”

“Some of these rankings are based on my understanding that in University, one must begin to learn how to educate themselves. Given this I can't think of much that could be improved.”

Course Coordination

Fall 2008, EEE 203 – Introduction to Electric Circuits (RMC)

Course: A second year course for electrical and computer engineering students. Deals with the behavior of circuits in the time and frequency domains built from basic linear elements (resistors, capacitors, inductors, ideal operational amplifiers, dependent and independent voltage and current sources). Three-phase systems, introduction to AC-DC machines, induction motors.

Responsibilities: Prepare assignments, develop new tests, final exam, and solutions. Marking and grade tabulation. Prepare new laboratories and handouts. Supervise laboratory sessions. Develop and maintain course website. Provide supplemental tests and exams for students.

Laboratory Instructor and Coordinator

Winter 2010, EEE 381 – Aerospace Systems and Avionics (RMC)

Course: Third year undergraduate course for mechanical and aerospace engineering students. Introduction to electromagnetic wave concepts, radar systems and communications, radar cross section, polarization, antenna and arrays, electromagnetic compatibility and interference.

Responsibilities: Develop new laboratory exercises. Laboratory supervision. Topics included: antennas and arrays, radar cross section, microwave circuits, electromagnetic compatibility and interference.

Guest Lecturer

Fall 2007 / 2008 / 2009 / 2010 / 2011, EEE 543 – Introduction to Radar (RMC)

Course: A graduate level course to review electromagnetic wave concepts, antenna and arrays, the radar equation, numerical techniques, radar cross section, and computer aided analysis and design.

Responsibilities: Conduct graduate level lectures, tutorials, and laboratories. Topics included: antennas and arrays, standard and hybrid numerical techniques, simulation tools, and radar cross section.

Design Project and Thesis Adviser

Student Testimonial and Feedback:

"Hey Symon, Thanks again for all the help with the project. I'm sure I speak for everyone in the group when I say it was great working with you, and that we all learned a great deal from your experience. All the best, - - - - - "