FAQs about the Science Olympiads
- What are the International Science Olympiads?
- When was the first Science Olympiad?
- Where are the Science Olympiads held?
- How many Australians have competed, and how many medals have we won?
- Who runs the Science Olympiads?
- What sort of experiences will I gain from becoming an Science Olympian?
- What is it like competing in the Science Olympiads overseas?
- How do students compete against each other at the Science Olympiads?
- How do students get selected for the Science Olympiad teams?
- What is involved in the NQEs?
- How do I register for the NQEs, and is there any charge?
- What is the Science Summer School?
- How will I know if I have been selected for the Summer Science School?
- Do I have to do any preparatory reading, and what should I bring?
- Do I have to pay to go to the Science Summer School?
- How many are in each Olympiad team and how are they selected?
- What is the Final Selection Exam?
- What training do the teams do, once they are selected?
- Do I have to pay for the April training?
- Do I have to pay to attend the Science Olympiads if I am selected in the team?
- How are the Science Olympiad Teams announced?
- Who sponsors Australian Science Innovations?
1. What are the International Science Olympiads?
The International Science Olympiads (ISO) are regarded as the "Olympic Games for Science Students". Team members compete with students from about 80 different countries to win a gold, silver or bronze medal, or an honourable mention.
2. When was the first Science Olympiad?
Physics was the first Science Olympiads, and began in 1967. The first Australian team competed in 1987 (physics), followed in 1988 (chemistry) and 1992 (biology).
3. Where are the Science Olympiads held?
The Olympiads are held in a different country each year. In 2010 they will be hosted by Korea (Biology), Japan (Chemistry) and Croatia (Physics).
4. How many Australians have competed, and how many medals have we won?
Australia currently enters three teams, in biology, chemistry and physics. Up to 2009, 267 Australians have competed at the Olympiads, winning 30 gold, 82 silver and 102 bronze medals, and 43 honourable mentions or certificates.
5. Who runs the Science Olympiads?
Australian Science Innovations selects, trains and enters the Australian teams. A non-profit organisation based in Canberra, ASI is supported by the Commonwealth Government and a number of sponsors. The international competitions are run by separate international committees for biology, chemistry and physics.
6. What sort of experiences will I gain from becoming an Science Olympian?
The main advantage for all Olympians is a huge head start in launching a possible career in science. You will compete overseas against the best students of your age in the world, in both theory and laboratory tests, as well as experiencing the culture of the host country through trips and events.
7. What is it like competing in the Olympiads overseas?
Olympians are treated as VIPs by the host countries and meet senior members of government and Heads of State. You will meet students from other countries who are also passionate about science. When teams return to Australia, members often find themselves targeted for prestigious university courses, prizes and scholarships.
8. How do students compete against each other at the Olympiads?
There are slight variations between biology, chemistry and physics, but generally students sit two 4-6 hour exams, one in theory and one practical. The top ten per cent win gold medals, with the next 40 percent winning silver or bronze.
9. How do I get selected for the Australian Olympiad teams?
The first step is to register for the National Qualifying Exams (NQE). Students who do exceptionally well in the NQEs are invited to attend the Summer Science School at Monash University. This is held in January and organised by ASI.
10. What is involved in the NQEs?
Separate NQEs is held in Biology, Chemistry and Physics, each one on a different day.
They test your ability to solve problems as well as your understanding of science concepts. The NQE lasts about two hours and must be carried out under strict supervision and examination conditions. They are open to all students in Year 11 or younger.
11. How do I register for the NQEs, and is there any charge?
Speak with your science teachers. Teachers must register students to participate, and they do this by completing an online registration. Registrations open in February 2010. Each entry costs $7.99 (including GST).
12. What is the Science Summer School?
The Science Summer School is an accelerated science course for students in Grade 10 and 11, running for two weeks in January at Monash University. It is an opportunity for 72 talented students to cover the equivalent of first year university-level studies in biology, chemistry or physics.
13. How will I know if I have been selected for the Summer Science School?
In October, ASI will contact the schools and teachers of those students who have been selected, and then speak directly to students. Names of successful students will be listed on the ASI web site.
14. Do I have to do any preparatory reading, and what should I bring?
Students participating in the Summer School will be sent course material to study in advance. This study may require some weeks effort to complete. You may need to buy text books referenced by the course material, and to provide your own lab coat and safety goggles.
15. Do I have to pay to go to the Science Summer School?
Yes. The cost to students in 2009 and in 2010 was $1,500. This helps pay for the training program, meals, accommodation and transport in Melbourne. The support of our sponsors keeps our fees as low as possible.
16. How many are in each Olympiad team and how are they selected?
The Biology and Chemistry teams have four members, and the Physics team has five. Team members are chosen on the basis of the work they do at the Science Summer School, and the results they achieve at a Final selection Exam held in March.
17. What is the Final Selection Exam?
This exam is for all the students who attended the Science Summer School. They are similar to exams that Olympiad teams face when they compete internationally – about 5 hours long, with extended written answers to problems.
What training do the teams do, once they are selected?
The three teams all come to Monash University for a 4-6 day training session in April. This is organised by the Program Directors and their staff. There is another shorter training session just before the Olympiads Competitions in July. This may be in Australia, or it may be in the country hosting the Olympiads that year.
18. Do I have to pay for the April training?
No. ASI meets all your costs: flights, accommodation and meals at Monash University, and all costs of staff and equipment.
19. Do I have to pay to attend the Olympiads if I am selected in the team?
Yes. ASI meets most of the costs of your domestic and international travel, registration, meals, accommodation and general expenses, but we still need to charge team members $2,000 to help with these costs.
20. How are the Olympiad Teams announced?
The teams are announced in May, at the Blazer Presentation Ceremony at Parliament House in Canberra. The Minister is invited to present teams with blazers and ASI issues a media release. Parents and friends are welcome to attend this event.
21. What is the Asian Physics Olympiads?
The Asian Physics Olympiad (APhO) is an annual competition for high school students from Asia and Oceania. The first APhO was held in Indonesia in 2000. Australia competed in this event in 2007.
22. Who sponsors Australian Science Innovations?
The Commonwealth Government, Monash University, Merck Sharp & Dohme and Orica sponsor the Olympiads. Rio Tinto and the Australian National University sponsor other activities of ASI.
