McGill Physics Hackathon

About

LOCATION

Virtually anywhere!

November 6 - 7, 2021

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WELCOME TO THE 6th ANNUAL McGILL PHYSICS HACKATHON!

At its core, the McGill Physics Hackathon is a friendly computer programming competition. The goal is simple: over a 24-hour period, in a team of 2-5 people, put together some project which involves scientific computing and the physical sciences! There are no themes; the goal is to have fun and be creative. We want to welcome everyone into the wonderful world of scientific computing!

Throughout the event, you'll have the opportunity to meet and learn from like-minded, curious, and passionate individuals. Experts from both academia and industry will also be present, either to help you with your projects, or just to chat!

Disciplinary knowledge is optional; curiosity is the key!

If you have any questions regarding logistics, teams, judging, or anything else, please consult the frequently asked questions (FAQs) or contact us at [email protected].

SCIENTIFIC REVOLUTIONS

In recent years, advanced scientific computing has been a powerful force in both academia and industry. Stunning scientific breakthroughs, such as the first direct image of a black hole by the Event Horizon Telescope, would be impossible without the use of computational physics to handle unprecedented quantities and kinds of data. Similar breakthroughs are occurring virtually everywhere we look, as we witness a technological revolution in which industry, the sciences, and a new digital economy are intimately linked.

JOIN US!

This year's Physics Hackathon will be the second to take place entirely online. Once again, anyone from anywhere can participate. We hope you will join us, whether you are a high school, CEGEP, undergraduate, or graduate student! Anyone with an interest in programming and the physical sciences is invited to attend and hone their programming, scientific, and communication skills.

The McGill Physics Hackathon is committed to a safe and inclusive environment for everyone. All participants, sponsors, mentors, and judges agree to our code of conduct.

Sponsor Us!

PARTNER WITH US

The Physics Hackathon would not be possible without our amazing sponsors. We invite you to partner with us! Check out our Sponsorship Prospectus for more details, and email us at [email protected]

SPONSORSHIP PROSPECTUS

codetober

INTRODUCTORY PROGRAMMING WORKSHOPS

Our October series of introductory coding workshops leading up to the event, or codetober, is back this year! Come join one or more of our five coding workshops on topics including Python, Arduinos, and machine learning!

Workshops will take place every Wednesday at 18:00 Eastern, and will last 1-1.5 hours. These workshops will be held virtually over Zoom. Come to one of them, or come to all of them - it's up to you!

If you are interested in attending one or more of these events, please sign up at this registration form! And for more information about each workshop, along with a schedule, please visit our outline!

Frequently Asked Questions

Who's invited?

Everyone interested! You can attend this virtual event from anywhere in the world. Students from any high school, CEGEP, college, or university who have an interest in the physical sciences, programming, computational arts, or data visualization are welcome!

What is the format?

Hackers will be challenged to form a team and use their scientific, programming, and artistic skills to put together a project which shows something cool in the physical sciences. This could be a simulation of some physical phenomenon, a tool for understanding or visualizing some concept, or something else we haven't thought of!

"Where" is the event taking place?

The event is entirely online, and will take place on a Discord server. On this server, you'll be able to chat with other hackers, mentors, judges, organizers, and sponsor representatives.

Is there a theme?

No! We want you to exercise your creativity. There will be special prizes for the best project involving astrophysics and the best project employing machine learning, but we encourage you to let your imagination run wild!

Do I need to code in a specific language?

No! The goal of the Hackathon is learn and have fun, and you can use any programming language you want. Many people even use the Hackathon as an opportunity to learn a new language!

Should I start coding before the event?

You are welcome to think about topics which might interest you before the event, but all of the actual programming should happen at the Hackathon itself, and not before.

What are the rules for teams?

Teams can be anywhere from 2 to 5 people, and can be made up of hackers from a mix of all levels and backgrounds. If you don't have a team, that's okay! We'll help you make one at the event.

How do I register my team?

All hackers should register individually. A link to register teams will be sent out a few days before the event. For folks who come to the Hackathon without a team, that's okay! We'll help you make one at the event.

I got an early bird ticket. When do I get my stuff?

Towards the end of October! We have ordered all of your stuff and are currently waiting to receive it.

What if I can't think of a project?

Can't think of a project right now? We've got you covered! Click here to get inspired. At the actual event, we'll have lots of experts from both academia and industry to help you put something together.

How are projects judged?

At the end of the competition, you'll have the chance to show off your work to members of both industry and academia. Projects will be judged according to technical execution (did you solve a technical problem?), communication (were you able to clearly present what you did?), and aesthetics (is the solution beautiful/polished?).

What if I can't attend the whole thing?

That's totally okay! We would love to have you there for as much as you can attend.

What if I'm under 18?

Participants under 18 will need to have a parent or guardian sign a consent form allowing you to participate.