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Exercise for the mind

11 February 2009

student
Monash sees science education and research as vital to the future growth of the country.

Australia's best and brightest young science students spent their summer holidays studying at Monash University's Clayton campus as part of the Australian Science Olympiad program.

The 56 Year 11 and 12 students spent two and a half weeks completing an entire first-year university science course, which included lab work, lectures and exams in the student's chosen speciality of biology, chemistry or physics.

From this demanding course 13 students will be selected to form teams in physics, chemistry and biology and will go on to represent Australia at the 2009 International Science Olympiads. In 2009 the International Olympiads will be hosted by Japan (Biology), England (Chemistry) and Mexico (Physics).

Monash University Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education) Professor Adam Shoemaker said the University supported enhancement studies for pre-tertiary students through contact with exemplary teachers and mentors in high-standard facilities.

"Monash also sees science education and research as a vital part of the future growth of our country," Professor Shoemaker said.

"We believe the Australian Science Olympiad program is a tangible way of enhancing students' interests in developments in science, opening them up to the future career opportunities they can provide.

"Although these students are not yet at university level, they are very much intellectually at a university level.

"We hope that in supporting the Olympiads program we can improve their pre-tertiary study experience, inspire their future choices, and help them in their transition to university life."

Australian Science Olympiads is a program run by Australian Science Innovations, a national not-for-profit organisation dedicated to promoting science and enhancing the capability of Australia's science students.

For more information visit the Australian Science Olympiads website.