Maths Summer School 2024

Congratulations to the January 2024 cohort.

Maths Summer School 2023

Congratulations to the January 2023 cohort.

Dr Vivien Challis, Director of the QUT Mathematics Summer School

Dr Challis is a Senior Lecturer in Applied and Computational Mathematics at QUT. She will be introducing students to modelling motion with differential equations and computational mathematics.

Watch video

Equations related to real world phenomena

Here are some examples of equations that are related to phenomena in the real world. Students will use some of these equations during the summer school.

Examples of how to model cell proliferation using probabilities

Cells in our body proliferate randomly and we can model this like we do other probabilities, such as how many times we expect to roll a 5 if we roll a 6-sided die 30 times.

Using mathematical games to understand cancer treatments

We model cancer cells and the effect drugs have on them using what's known as agent-based models.

Spirals are related to the Fibonacci sequence in mathematics

Attendees at the summer school will gain an appreciation for how mathematics can be used to model and understand the world around us.

Each stripe shows the average daily temperature in Queensland from 1901 to 2020

Mathematics can help us understand the changes we're seeing in our climate. Image credit: Ed Hawkins, showyourstripes.info

Key dates

Event 
17-20 January 2022
Topics available on website
early August
Applications close
18 October
Acceptance notifications
29 October

Cost

$90 per student

Are you a dedicated student who is eager to immerse yourself in the world of mathematics, keen to challenge your potential, meet fellow enthusiasts and let your passion for numbers grow?  Then this program is for you.

This summer school is not just an educational experience, it’s an opportunity to network and connect with like-minded individuals who are as passionate about mathematics as you are.

Through interactive lectures, real-life applications, and computer workshops you will gain a deeper understanding of how mathematics shapes our world and where it can take you.

Mathematics Summer School highlights

Students get a taste for how mathematics can be used in the real world over multiple days in the school holidays.

Mathematics for the real world

Mathematics students currently in Year 11 studying Specialist Mathematics (or mathematics at an equivalent level) have an opportunity to attend this summer school at QUT’s Garden Point Campus during the summer holidays.

If you enjoy mathematics and want to know more about how it can be used to model the real world, this non-residential summer school could be just right for you.

Applications will open mid-year.

Places offered by
September 2024 (TBC)
Registration fee
$130
Event dates
13-16 January 2025 (TBC)
Contact
maths.summerschool@qut.edu.au

What will I do?

Summer School attendees will be taught by staff from QUT’s School of Mathematical Sciences. The planned program includes both lectures and computer practicals. The lectures will introduce new concepts and mathematical examples, as well as give you the broader picture of why they are interesting and important. The practicals will give you an opportunity to explore these new concepts as you develop your scientific programming skills. We will be using the programming language Python, within Google’s Colaboratory platform.

What is the program?

  • The program is hosted at the QUT Gardens Point Campus.
  • 13 – 16 January 2025 (TBC), 9am-3pm each day.
  • You are expected to attend each day of the program in person.
  • Parents and carers will be invited to the summer school closing event on the last day.

What is included?

  • Morning teas and lunches will be provided each day of the summer school and are covered by the registration fee.
  • Support and guidance by expert staff during the program.
  • Access to QUT facilities just like a QUT student.

Program topics for 2025 to be confirmed. 2024 topics listed below.

When life gives you lemons… think calculus!

Dr Cate Challen
Senior Lecturer in Education (Mathematics and Technologies), School of Teacher Education and Leadership, QUT

Modelling with first-order differential equations

Dr Vivien Challis
Senior Lecturer in Applied and Computational Mathematics, School of Mathematical Sciences, QUT

Mathematics in biology with a scavenger hunt

Dr Adrianne Jenner
Lecturer, School of Mathematical Sciences, QUT

Introduction to computational mathematics with Python

Mr Jack Powers
PhD student, School of Mathematical Sciences, QUT

Introduction to probability and statistics

Dr David Warne
Lecturer in Statistical Data Science, School of Mathematical Sciences, QUT

Introduction to theory and simulation of queuing

Associate Professor Paul Corry
Associate Professor in Operations Research, School of Mathematical Sciences, QUT

The discrete logistic equation and chaos

Professor Tony Roberts
Head of School of Mathematical Sciences, QUT

Dynamics of predator/prey systems: we need derivatives and matrices!

Dr Matthew Adams
Senior Lecturer in Mathematical Sciences, School of Mathematical Sciences, QUT

Step 1: School approval

Request that your School Mathematics Teacher complete and sign the School Approval Proforma and provides you with a copy.

Download the School Approval Proforma (PDF file, 92.9 KB)

Step 2: Apply

To apply, you must have:

  • an email address that we can use to contact you about your application
  • a copy of your most recent school report
  • the completed and signed School Approval Proforma.

When to apply

Applications will open mid-year 2024.  Mark your calendar to come back regularly to check for updates.

We will consider late applications on a case-by-case basis. Contact maths.summerschool@qut.edu.au and complete the online application form and School Approval Proforma (PDF file, 92.9 KB).

What happens next?

  • At QUT we want to ensure all students prosper, regardless of their background. To foster diversity and inclusion across the Maths Summer School program, the assessment of applications will consider merit, motivations behind attending the program, and the applicant's background.
  • If your application is successful, we’ll send you an email offering you a place in the Maths Summer School.
  • To confirm your place you will be required to pay the registration fee within 5 business days.  If you are experiencing financial hardship, a waiver of this registration fee may be granted.
  • If your application is unsuccessful, we’ll also email you to let you know.

Questions

Contact maths.summerschool@qut.edu.au with any queries you have about the Mathematics Summer School, and we will get back to you within 3 business days.