Queensland Junior Physics Olympiad
 University of Queensland
June 29 - July 3, 2009
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.
What will I learn?
By attending the 2009 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 questions 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.
Information for 2009 Participants is available here. The credit card payment form is available here.
Public Forums
The two public lectures are taking place from 6 pm - 8 pm in Parnell
Building Lecture Theatre 222.
On Tuesday 30th June, Professor Andrew White will present "Computing with Light". We all learn to add by counting on our fingers, and today’s computers are very good at doing this very quickly. Future computers will use the weird properties of quantum mechanics – such as objects being in two places at once – to solve problems that are impossible with conventional computers. This is definitely not like counting on your fingers! This talk looks at building a quantum computer with light, explains the concepts of quantum superposition and entanglement in everyday (even culinary!) terms, and reports the very latest breakthroughs.
This lecture is aimed at the layperson or student with an interest in science, or computing, or the world in 20 years. There will be cartoons, a demonstration, and no equations!
On Thursday 2nd July, Dr Joel Gilmore will present "A Journey in a black hole". Black holes have featured in dozens of books and movies - but what would
it actually be like to travel into one? Is there any truth to the
science fiction? Does time really slow down? Could we reach other
universes? What actually is a black hole? And what exactly is
spaghettification?! Come along to find out all this, and more!
Comments and queries can be addressed to Lynelle Ross (l.ross@smp.uq.edu.au), or see
our
contact page. |
