Queensland Junior Physics Olympiad

News

Thursday, 5th May Thank you everyone for your applications! We still have a few places available - please contact me asap if you would still like to apply. A draft timetable for the week is now available here. I'll post details of the pracs shortly!

Friday, 4th April
One month before applications close, and I've already received the first application! Fantastic! We've got talks lined up on quantum mechanics, cosmology (including black holes!) and more, and I've got a room full of juggling equipment just waiting for some experimentation. Looking forward to reading lots more applications soon!

Remember: Applications close Friday May 2nd!

Monday, 17th March
Applications are now open! I'd encourage all those interested to submit applications sooner rather than later - the more time we have to look over your application, the better! Don't forget you need to include a letter of recommendation from a teacher (and put the teacher's name on your application form) as well as any other information you think it would be good for us to have. Read all the 2008 details, then apply!

Remember: Applications close Friday May 2nd!

What is JPhO?

The Queensland Junior Physics Olympiad (JPhO) is a five day (non-residential) program for year ten and outstanding year nine students with an interest in science and mathematics. By presenting physics in a manner that complements senior physics, JPhO aims to develop problem solving skills as well as appreciation and understanding of physics.

By attending the 2008 Queensland Junior Physics Olympiad, you will be able to

• Develop your problem solving, critical thinking and communication skills
• Learn important principles of physics, preparing you for Senior Physics
• Participate in forums with University of Queensland researchers on topics such as quantum physics, special relativity and cosmology
• Tour state of the art research centres at the University of Queensland
• Talk with university students about study options and life at University
• Meet other people with similar interests to you
• And even learn to juggle! (And the physics behind it, of course!)

JPhO is about doing physics - forums, workshops, experiments and interactive discussions with your tutors make up most of the week. The majority of tutors are University students studying physics, and the student-tutor ratio is better than five to one, so tutors can respond quickly and you can work at your own pace, and still have time to ask question about what you're interested in.

At JPhO, physics is covered in a manner that complements the presentation of senior physics. Lectures and tutorials introduce participants to the formal study of physics, experiments and workshops allow students to experience physics hands-on, while forums and tours of research labs provide students with a venue to explore ideas in modern physics.

While the JPhO staff consists primarily of undergraduate physics students and former JPhO participants, our tutors come from a wide variety of backgrounds. They include engineering students, education students, postgraduate students, biophysics students, maths students, science communication students and others. During the week participants have a number of opportunities to chat with the tutors about their studies and career options.

Students who enjoy the Queensland Junior Physics Olympiad are encouraged to sit the National Qualifying Exam for the Australian Physics Olympiad (APhO). More information can be found on the Australian Science Olympiads web site.

Comments and queries can be addressed to jpho@physics.uq.edu.au, or see our contact page.