Summer program
for high school students:
"Introduction to Quantum Physics and Research Opportunities"
This two-week camp
takes place every year in late June
(1 pm - 4 pm on weekdays).
The 2025 program dates:
June 23 - July 3
Check the program flyer
In a series of lectures on quantum physics, Oakland University Professor Evgeniy Khain discusses revolutionary ideas in physics that were developed in the beginning of the 20th century. We are focusing on the Nobel Prize-winning research of five scientists, including the work of Einstein, Rutherford, and Bohr. How do objects absorb and emit light, and what are the mysteries of the structure of the atom? Some of these intriguing questions are answered both theoretically and in lab demonstrations. Additionally, OU physics faculty present their scientific research; research opportunities for high school students might be available. Finally, the program features career talks given by recent University of Michigan graduates. The schedule of the 2024 program can be found here.
The program is intended for rising juniors, rising seniors, and graduating seniors who completed AP Calculus (or an equivalent IB math course). Knowledge of AP Physics is a plus. The program runs on Oakland University campus from 1 pm to 4 pm on weekdays, for two weeks, typically in late June; the exact dates of the 2025 program will be determined in late 2024. There is a $200 registration fee; need-based scholarships are available.
The camps are very successful, every year more than 20 students from about 12 high schools participate. Students' feedback is overwhelmingly positive. Here is what students wrote in anonymous feedback forms after the 2024 camp: "lectures were really fun and understandable", "best class ever", "particularly enjoyed how the content was taught during the lectures, very interesting and understandable", "a really great program", "really loved the enthusiasm of all speakers", "the structure of the course is awesome", "liked the enthusiasm that Professor Khain had about the topic - it made the program more enjoyable", "overall it was great!", "really liked all the talks", "really loved the lab demonstrations", "I think the program was perfect", and so on.
Important! Students must be admitted to the program before registration. Please follow this link to fill out a brief interest form (no payment required at this time), and we will contact you shortly.
2024 Summer Physics Program, June 18-28, 2024.
2023 Summer Physics Program, June 20-30, 2023.
2022 Summer Physics Program, June 27-July 8, 2022. See this Oakland News article for students' feedback.