About Dr. Dot
Meet Dr. Dorothy “Dot” MacDonald
Hi! I’m Dorothy MacDonald — but you can call me Dr. Dot.
I’m a Ph.D.-qualified scientist, educator, and passionate advocate for student growth. Over the past 17 years, I’ve taught in some of the UK’s top schools and colleges, supporting students aged 10 to 18+ in mastering Biology, Human Health, Chemistry, and more.
I love helping learners feel confident and capable — even when they thought science wasn’t “their thing.”
Why I Teach Online
I founded my online tutoring service to bring personalised science education to students around the globe.
Whether you’re preparing for IB, SQA, A-Level exams, or just need a bit of help cracking mitosis, I’ll meet you with a smile, a strategy, and a clear explanation.
Credentials
- Ph.D. in Immunology
- BSc (Hons) in Physiology, First Class
- PGDE in Biology with General Science
- SQA Marker and IB Internal Assessment Supervisor
- Former Assistant Year Head, CAS mentor, and UCAS coach
A Few Fun Facts
- I love science clubs, Duke of Edinburgh hikes, and nutrition challenges.
- I bake a mean brownie and tell terrible science jokes.
- My favourite cell organelle is… yes, the mitochondrion.
Let’s work together to build your confidence and get results — with curiosity and kindness at the heart.
Academic Qualifications
| Qualification | Subject | Institution | Dates | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PGDE (Secondary) | Biology with Science | University of Strathclyde | Sep 2006 – Jun 2007 | Merit in 4 out of 7 courses |
| Ph.D. | Immunology | University of Glasgow | Nov 2002 – Nov 2006 | |
| M.Res. | Molecular Functions in Disease | University of Glasgow | Nov 2001 – Nov 2002 | |
| B.Sc. (Hons) | Physiology | Queen’s University, Belfast | Sep 1998 – Jun 2001 | First Class |
| A-Levels | Biology, Chemistry, Physics | Limavady Grammar School | Jun 1997 |
Employment History
| Role | Employer | Dates | Subjects Taught |
|---|---|---|---|
| Teacher of Biology, Year Head, Natural Sciences Coord. | Lomond School, Helensburgh | Aug 2022 – Aug 2025 | International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme Sports, Exercise and Health Science Higher, National 4 & National 5 Biology, National 5 Chemistry, S2–S3 Science |
| Teacher of Biology | St Columba’s School, Kilmacolm | Aug 2019 – Aug 2022 | Higher, National 5 Biology, National 5 Physics, S2 Science |
| Teacher of Biology | Williamwood High School | Oct 2016 – Jun 2017 | BGE Science, National 4/National 5 Biology, Environmental Science |
| Lecturer in Biology | Clyde College (Langside Campus) | Aug 2012 – Jun 2014 | Higher, Higher Human, Advanced Higher Biology |
| Teacher of Biology | The High School of Glasgow | Aug 2010 – Feb 2011 | Standard Grade, Higher Human, Advanced Higher Biology |
| Teacher of Biology | St Margaret’s School, Edinburgh | Aug 2008 – Jun 2010 | Standard Grade Physics, Standard Grade, Higher & Advanced Higher Biology |
| Probationer Teacher of Biology | Biggar High School, South Lanarkshire | Aug 2007 – Aug 2008 | Standard Grade Science/Biology, Intermediate 2, Higher Human Biology |