Physics and Math (high school, gymnasium, university exams)
From 201 C$ /h
I am a PhD physicist and teacher known for being able to explain the most complex topics in the simplest way, from Newton's laws to the high-school student, to quantum physics to the university student.
Teaching focus:
- Fundamental theory: most difficulty in solving exam problems does not come from the complexity of the problem but from the student not being comfortable with the theory.
- Problem solving: breaking a question down into its simplest parts, visualising the physics involved.
Format:
- Lessons at my home where I have a whiteboard and desk set up for teaching
- Online via Google meet
- Lessons at the student home (depending on distance, possible surcharge)
Exams: Any pre-university examination, including Matura, PAM, IB, A-levels. The type of exam is not as important as the topics being studied.
What students say:
- "I had to repeat the first semester of medical school because of physics, and after working with Ralph, physics actually became one of my best subjects. He explained the theory incredibly clearly and went through the exercises step by step. I could ask questions at any time, and I was also able to decide what pace we wanted to work at during our lessons." (Helena, UZH student)
Personal accomplishments:
- Gold medalist at the International Astronomy Olympiad (Beijing 2005)
- Lecturer at ETH Zurich 2020-2024
- Phd in Theoretical Physics, University of Bristol
- B.Tech. in Engineering Physics, IIT Bombay
Teaching focus:
- Fundamental theory: most difficulty in solving exam problems does not come from the complexity of the problem but from the student not being comfortable with the theory.
- Problem solving: breaking a question down into its simplest parts, visualising the physics involved.
Format:
- Lessons at my home where I have a whiteboard and desk set up for teaching
- Online via Google meet
- Lessons at the student home (depending on distance, possible surcharge)
Exams: Any pre-university examination, including Matura, PAM, IB, A-levels. The type of exam is not as important as the topics being studied.
What students say:
- "I had to repeat the first semester of medical school because of physics, and after working with Ralph, physics actually became one of my best subjects. He explained the theory incredibly clearly and went through the exercises step by step. I could ask questions at any time, and I was also able to decide what pace we wanted to work at during our lessons." (Helena, UZH student)
Personal accomplishments:
- Gold medalist at the International Astronomy Olympiad (Beijing 2005)
- Lecturer at ETH Zurich 2020-2024
- Phd in Theoretical Physics, University of Bristol
- B.Tech. in Engineering Physics, IIT Bombay
Location
At student's location :
- Around Zurich, Switzerland
At teacher's location :
- Fallender Brunnenhof, 8057 Zürich, Switzerland
Online from Switzerland
About Me
As a student, researcher and teacher of physics, the two most incredible feelings I have experienced are:
1. when I understand something for the first time, and
2. when I get another person to understand it too.
There is nothing better than watching someone make that mental step from curious to enlightened, and no higher feeling of accomplishment than knowing it was your explanation that led them there.
Math and physics are especially significant subjects because they rely not on rote memorisation but logical reasoning, a skill that extends to all facets of life. I'm not teaching what to think, I'm teaching how to think, which is far more interesting — and important!
Above all, doing physics and math has been a source of joy all of my life, and I'd really like it to be that for everyone. If taught well, I believe it can be.
1. when I understand something for the first time, and
2. when I get another person to understand it too.
There is nothing better than watching someone make that mental step from curious to enlightened, and no higher feeling of accomplishment than knowing it was your explanation that led them there.
Math and physics are especially significant subjects because they rely not on rote memorisation but logical reasoning, a skill that extends to all facets of life. I'm not teaching what to think, I'm teaching how to think, which is far more interesting — and important!
Above all, doing physics and math has been a source of joy all of my life, and I'd really like it to be that for everyone. If taught well, I believe it can be.
Education
PhD, Theoretical Physics, University of Bristol (2015)
B.Tech, Engineering Physics, IIT Bombay (2010)
Micromasters in Finance, MITx (2026)
8th Grade Piano, ABRSM (2004)
B.Tech, Engineering Physics, IIT Bombay (2010)
Micromasters in Finance, MITx (2026)
8th Grade Piano, ABRSM (2004)
Experience / Qualifications
Math & Physics Tutor (2024-2026)
ETH Zurich (2018-2024) - senior scientist & lecturer
University of Geneva (2015-2018) - researcher & teaching assistant
Gold medalist, International Astronomy Olympiad (Beijing 2005)
ETH Zurich (2018-2024) - senior scientist & lecturer
University of Geneva (2015-2018) - researcher & teaching assistant
Gold medalist, International Astronomy Olympiad (Beijing 2005)
Age
Teenagers (13-17 years old)
Adults (18-64 years old)
Student level
Beginner
Intermediate
Advanced
Duration
60 minutes
90 minutes
120 minutes
The class is taught in
English
Skills
Availability of a typical week
(GMT -04:00)
New York
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Sun
00-04
04-08
08-12
12-16
16-20
20-24
Good-fit Instructor Guarantee





