Dr Norman Ellis

Who am I?

Originally from Middlesbrough in the North East I took my first degree in mathematics at Nottingham University.  Following three years of study I moved to Manchester Metropolitan on a funded PhD which combined chemistry and mathematics through an application in the nuclear industry.  My academic career has spanned the lecturer, senior lecturer, principal lecturer and head of division grades.  My love of mathematics has never diminished throughout that time and I always enjoy showing its impact to the real world and passing my knowledge to the next generation of mathematicians.

How I’ll teach you

I have worked at Manchester Metropolitan for more than 30 years, teaching a range of courses and units including numerical methods, finite element methods, programming languages (eg Matlab, Java, Pascal and Fortran) and core pure mathematics.  My teaching is aimed at developing students' subject knowledge for their future academic career, making use of mathematical software packages such as Matlab to enliven the sessions and provide students with relevant employability skills.

Academic and professional qualifications

BSc (Hons) Mathematics, PhD Mathematics, FIMA

Other academic service (administration and management)

Over the past 30 years I have held a range of programme management roles, including programme leader for HND and BSc (Hons) Mathematics courses.  I have been extensively involved in quality assurance across the Faculty, between 2013 and 2016 chairing the Faculty Academic Quality and Standards Committee.  I have been Head of Division of Mathematics and Computation for the past 18 years.

Why study ?

External examiner roles

Mathematics external examiner, University of Derby 2004 - 2008

Mathematics external examiner, University of Northumbria 2008 - 2013

Research expertise

My PhD was entitled "Finite Element Modelling of Diffusion and Reaction in Porous Media" which constructed a mathematical model of the erosion of graphite by the coolant gas within the moderator core of an advanced gas cooled nuclear reactor.  I have also been involved in the modelling of drug release through diffusion processes and the effect of stress on the diffusion of water in underground pipework.  Another project involved the modelling of long-term electricity storage within chemical batteries.

Academic collaborations

I have had previous external collaborations with Pfizer and National Power.

Membership of professional associations

Fellow of the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications