UQ Physics Club shoots for the stars

The University of Queensland’s physics club is gearing up for their annual Astro Camp, a weekend of astronomy open to all students.

The Physics Club (PAIN) President Carolyn Wood said students are encouraged to learn about physics and astronomy in a fun, social setting and indulge their curiosity about the natural world.

“Astronomy is very accessible as it doesn’t require mathematical knowledge or other training,” Ms Wood said.

“The Astro Camp will be held at the Stanley River Field Study Centre near Somerset Dam, where we can escape the city and see the Milky Way, nebulae and individual planets with telescopes from the Brisbane Astronomical Society.

“It’s also common to see several shooting stars in a night.

“People who don’t get away from the lights of the city much are amazed by how much they can see.”

Ms Wood has an infectious enthusiasm for physics and took home a $1000 prize at last year’s UQ Undergraduate Research Conference for her poster presentation.

“Everywhere we look we see something that can be explained by physics, whether it's something in the natural world, or a piece of technology we use every day,” Ms Wood said.

In addition to the Astro Camp, the 300-member club holds weekly meetings called ‘error bars’.

“Error bars include career talks, experiments such as looking for subatomic particles in a cloud chamber, philosophical discussions, documentary screenings and visits to the Planetarium,” Ms Wood said.

“Physics doesn't have to be ridiculously complicated.

“By getting involved with a club like PAIN you can have fun, do experiments and ask questions, without needing a lot of background knowledge.”

The Bachelor of Science (Honours) student said that rather than distracting from studies, club involvement can add to the learning experience and reinvigorate students’ commitment to their degree and career development.

“Since becoming President I’m more organised, take on increased responsibilities and am more confident when speaking to crowds,” Ms Wood said.

“Highlights from my involvement in the club include meeting so many inquisitive minds and indulging that curiosity for the world around us that we all share.”

“I intend to become a researcher in astrophysics, perhaps one day teaching at university level.”

The Astro Camp will be held on the 6th and 7th of September and will be supported by a Sponsorship Grant from the Office of Undergraduate Education.

Interested students can attend one of the weekly meetings in Parnell 7-208 (the Physics Tea Room), join the Facebook group for event updates and visit the PAIN website to find out more.

To find out more about support for student clubs and societies, visit www.uq.edu.au/undergraduate.

Media: Melanie Martin, melanie.martin@uq.edu.au, 3346 0655, or Georgia Mitchell, Georgia.mitchell@uq.edu.au, 3346 0626