Rate My Professor Ian van Loosen

Dr. Ian van Loosen is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Electrical Engineering, Computing and Mathematical Sciences at Curtin University, where he serves as the Undergraduate Course Coordinator within the discipline of Mathematics and Statistics. A graduate of Curtin University, he earned a BSc in Mathematics and Computing with First Class Honours and a PhD, both from the institution. His doctoral research centered on Optimal Control and Computational Mathematics. Employed as a full-time academic at Curtin University, van Loosen was promoted to Senior Lecturer in 2018. He contributes significantly to undergraduate mathematics education, coordinating courses such as MATH1015 Linear Algebra 1 and MATH1019 Linear Algebra and Statistics for Engineers. His teaching extends to producing instructional videos for Curtin University on topics including the sine rule for non-right angled triangles, cosine rule applications, and trigonometry fundamentals, aiding students in mastering essential mathematical concepts.

Van Loosen's research interests include optimal control problems and the integration of technology in mathematics teaching. A key publication is 'Effective Algorithms for a Class of Discrete Valued Optimal Control Problems,' co-authored with Louis Caccetta and Volker Rehbock, featured in the proceedings of the International Conference on Modelling, Computation and Optimization in 2008. He has also collaborated with Vaille Dawson on 'Use of online video in a first year tertiary mathematics unit,' presented at educational forums and contributing to discussions on enhancing student engagement through digital tools. As Undergraduate Course Coordinator, he oversees the curriculum and support for first-year mathematics units studied across various disciplines, ensuring effective learning outcomes for engineering, science, and other students. His work supports the development of foundational mathematical skills critical for academic and professional success in technical fields.