Our students Luis Aja and Carlos Martínez - students of the 2nd year of Bachillerato-, with the help of his Professor Ramón PorrasThey won first and third place respectively at the Basque Country Physics Olympiad held a few weeks ago in the Basque Country. UPV Faculty of Science and Technologyand thus qualify for the National Final held in Lugo at the end of April. The event, organised by the Royal Spanish Physical SocietyIt was a great experience for our students and on this occasion our student Carlos Martínez achieved an Honourable Mention.
On their return, we had the opportunity to chat with them about their experience during these days.
What is it like to take part in a Physics Olympiad and what is the atmosphere like?
L: First of all, it is a great honour to have been able to participate and represent Gaztelueta. Competing with the best students from all over Spain has been a unique experience from which I have learned a lot. You feel a lot of pressure and competitiveness, but above all, a good atmosphere and comradeship.
C: First of all, it is both an academic and a personal opportunity. Academically because it is a challenge and personally because it allows you to share a different experience with people from all over Spain. As for the atmosphere, it is quite close and people are very open. The truth is that if anyone has the opportunity to participate in something like this, I encourage them to do so.
What does physics mean to you, is it one of your favourite subjects?
L: For me, physics is the science that studies nature. Using mathematics, it explains our environment and the phenomena that occur in it so that we can understand it and know how to take advantage of its laws to solve problems. Without a doubt, physics is one of my favourite subjects.
C: Yes, I have always liked science and when we started to teach physics in ESO I was very attracted to it, as it was basically a way of starting to see the practical side of mathematics.
Will physics be part of your university future?
L: Yes, I'm going to study biomedical engineering and physics is essential.
C: Yes, although I'm not going to study Physics as such, my intention is to study Industrial Engineering next year at the UPV, so yes, I will have Physics for a few more years in my studies.
How do you think physics can serve society?
L: In the case of biomedical engineering, the application of physics to the field of medicine entails advances that will be key to the future of healthcare and to improving our quality of life. The applications of physics to society are limitless.
C: With the whole issue of renewable energies, space exploration and, in general, all the technological advances that have been made recently, I think it is becoming increasingly clear that physics is quite relevant in our society.
