The Most Popular Teachers of the Joint School: Dr Costas Loizou
| Personal information: Costas is a Lecturer in Mathematics at the University of Leeds. He is the module leader for XJFY0315 Mathematics at the SWJTU-Leeds Joint School in China and has developed and is successfully running XJFY0400 Scientific Problem Solving for its second year. His research focuses on the analysis of hyperbolic equations with multiplicities and singularities and generalised functions. He obtained a Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA) by completing the Postgraduate Certificate in Academic Practice (PGCAP) at the University of Leeds. Costas is also leading an open book project, The Academic Language of Mathematics, supported by the University of Leeds Libraries Open Books programme. This project is a collaboration between Leeds and SWJTU faculty, aiming to support students in mastering the language of mathematics.
Motto: 玉不琢，不成器 - Jade requires polishing to become a gem.
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Section 1: Teaching Experience at the Joint School
Since joining the University of Leeds in 2022, I have had the privilege of leading, designing and delivering modules such as such as XJFY0315 Mathematics and XJFY0400 Scientific Problem Solving. My teaching practice focuses on creating an accessible, inclusive, interactive and student-centred learning environment that empowers every student to reach their potential. This includes creating lecture notes in HTML format, and collaborating with colleagues to produce pedagogical resources that help students understand and communicate mathematical and engineering concepts, while fostering a stronger connection with Leeds. Beyond the Joint School I developed and deliver LISS1060 Computational Thinking, for the Leeds International Summer School - a programme that attracts many students from the Joint School.
Section 2: Research
My mathematical research area is in the Analysis of Partial Differential Equations (PDEs). In particular, hyperbolic PDEs with multiplicities and generalised functions. I am studying hyperbolic equations with multiplicities and irregular coefficients, focusing on second-order equations, seeking well-posedness results in the sense of very weak solutions. Additionally, to the well-posedness results, I investigate some specific examples from a numerical point of view, giving some further insight into the properties of such very weak solutions.
As part of my pedagogical research, I am leading an open book project funded by the University of Leeds Open Book Programme. This open-access web-book aims to support any student studying mathematics as part of their degree to learn and understand mathematical terminology and improve their ability to communicate mathematical topics. This project is a unique collaboration with Chen Shuwei, Lecturer in Mathematics at SWJTU, and Deak Kirkham, Lecturer in English for Academic Purposes at the University of Leeds.
Section 3: Reflections on the Joint School and Life in Chengdu
The Joint School is a unique collaborative environment where various disciplines unite, reflecting Chengdu’s harmonious balance of history and innovation. I have greatly enjoyed participating in events community-building events by bringing together staff and students, such as Sports Days, Countdown shows, Talent shows and various cultural celebrations. Beyond academia, I have embraced Chengdu’s vibrant culture and remarkable heritage. I have enjoyed exploring the Sanxingdui Museum; visiting the Dujiangyan irrigation system; seeing the iconic giant pandas; cycling along the scenic Greenbelt cycle path, and my personal favourite, climbing Qingcheng Shan. These adventures have deepened my appreciation for Chengdu’s unique character and serve as a constant reminder of the world’s vast beauty and cultural richness.
Final Message to Students To my students: Teachers open the door, but you must enter by yourself. 
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Editor：TSO
Reviewer：Jiuwen JIANG, Tao HUANG, Yujia LU
