Year 11 Queensland Chemistry Winter School

What’s involved

• Think and practise chemistry. Explore and solve challenges in contemporary topics in chemistry, including atomic structure, redox, acid and bases, buffers, electrophoresis and analytical chemistry (chromatography, mass spectrometry and infrared spectroscopy) through interactive workshops, practicals and lectures. Topics are aligned with subject matter in the QCE Chemistry syllabus.
• Gain scientific skills in literacy, communication, and analysis of chemical data (useful skills for QCE Internal Assessment 3: Research Investigation).
• Study with chemists who are passionate about their subject – from leading researchers to teaching specialists, and current students at the start of their research careers, all eager to share their knowledge and enthusiasm with you.
• Make friends with other students from around the state and discover how much fun it is to be around people who love chemistry.

Learning snapshot

You'll learn about:

• building on atomic structure understanding
• introductory analytical chemistry, including mass spectrometry, infrared spectroscopy and chromatography
• acids and bases, pH and buffers
• electrophoresis and amino acids.

Cost

• In-person attendance: $198 (including GST). This cost includes morning and afternoon tea and a UQ lab coat. (Note: lunch is not included.)
• If you're coming from outside the Brisbane region, you'll also need to pay for any travel and accommodation costs. Visit our temporary accommodation page to see accommodation options.

Eligibility

• Students commencing Year 11 in 2026 who have chosen to study QCE Chemistry or IB Chemistry.

How to apply

• Complete and submit the online application form by Friday 1 May 2026.
• On the form, you'll be asked to submit a personal statement about why you are interested in attending 11QCWS, and how this might support your learning beyond high school.
• Select the session you wish to attend. The content is the same across both sessions, so participants should only attend one session. There are limited places available.
• We will send out offers on Tuesday 5 May 2026. If you receive an offer, you must accept by Sunday 31 May 2026.

For more information

Email science.events@uq.edu.au