Qualification

Award Winners in CCO / CCC by Invitation

Date

Jun. 2027 (TBD)

Location

Canada

Language

EN

Age

At least 15 years old

Place

20

Program Introduction

The Canadian Chemistry Olympiad Camp (CCO Camp) is organized by Canada to select members of the International Chemistry Olympiad IChO Canadian National Team from top Canadian citizens. The camp is officially supported by the University of British Columbia (UBC) and led by UBC Chemistry Department professors as the head coaches. Each year, Canada selects six outstanding Canadian citizens from the gold medalists of the Canadian Chemistry Olympiad (CCO) to participate in the camp at UBC, ultimately forming the Canadian Chemistry National Olympiad Team.

Starting in 2024, the Canadian Chemistry Olympiad Organizing Committee, in collaboration with ASEEDER, will open the seat in the Canadian Chemistry Olympiad Camp (CCO Camp) to outstanding Chinese awardees of the Canadian Chemistry Olympiad (CCO). These students will be trained alongside the six selective members of the Canadian National Olympiad Team at the University of British Columbia (UBC). The camp features advanced academic modules in International Chemistry Olympiad preparation and approximately 20 hours of hands-on laboratory training in UBC’s world-class chemistry facilities. Upon completion, participants will receive an official participation certificate issued by the University of British Columbia and Canadian Chemistry Olympiad Organizing Committee. Although Chinese students are not eligible to represent the Canadian team at the International Chemistry Olympiad (IChO), participation in this camp offers an exceptional international academic experience and serves as a highly authoritative recognition of their chemistry excellence.

Pre-Assessment

Canadian Chemistry Contest (CCC): Apr. 21, 2027 (Wed.) 17:00–18:00, Grades 10-12.

Pre-Assessment

Canadian Chemistry Olympiad (CCO): Sept. 19, 2026 (Sat.) 14:00-16:00, Awarded students from the CCC.

Academic Highlights

Train alongside Canada’s National team under the mentorship from Canadian Chemistry Olympiad head coach and UBC Professors
Receive personal guidance from the Head Coach of the Canadian Chemistry Olympiad National Team and professors from the University of British Columbia (UBC). Students will train together with the Canadian national team members, following the International Chemistry Olympiad (IChO) curriculum and learning directly from Canada’s most experienced and successful coaches.
Hands-on laboratory training in UBC’s world-class facilities
Students will conduct a series of multi-theme chemistry experiments inspired by IChO topics in UBC’s state-of-the-art laboratories. Through hands-on experimentation, they will observe chemical phenomena, collect and analyze data, and practice scientific reasoning just like real chemistry researchers.
Official certificate issued by UBC and Canadian Chemistry Olympiad Organizing Committee
Participants will receive an official certificate of participation issued by UBC, symbolizing international academic recognition and excellence in chemistry.
Insight into UBC Chemistry admissions
Students will gain an insider’s perspective on the UBC Chemistry major application process, such as academic profile guidance, helping them strengthen their future university applications.

Introduction to Excellent Program Supervisor

* Reference only

Dr. Guillaume Bussière

Professor of Teaching at the University of British Columbia | Canadian Chemistry Olympiad Camp Head Coach

Dr. Bussière is currently an Associate Professor of Teaching at the University of British Columbia, teaching chemistry at all levels, from high school to 4th year university students. Executive member of the Chemical Education Division of the Chemical Institute of Canada since 2013 and National Coordinator of the Canadian Chemistry Contest (CCC) since 2015, Dr.
Bussière has 10 years of experience in organizing Regional and National Chemistry Competitions. In 2019 Dr. Bussière became National Coordinator of the Canadian Chemistry Olympiad (CCO) and Director of the British Columbia Chemistry Olympiad Society. Between 2019 and 2022 he has overviewed the CCC and CCO and organized Chemistry Olympiad Camps at UBC, both in person and online. Canadian high school students have won 14 bronze and 3 silver medals in the International Chemistry Olympiad (IChO) under his supervision. 2023, Dr. Bussière has accompanied and supported the Canadian Team at the IChO in Zurich, Switzerland.

Dr. Yaoguang Luo

Canadian Chemistry Olympiad Camp Coach

He once studied under the Nobel Prize winner Professor Michael Smith. Dr. Luo is currently an overseas director of the China European and American Alumni Association, a Haizhi expert of the Chinese Association for Science and Technology, and the secretary-general of the BC Chemistry Olympic Association. Dr Luo has a tremendous experience in training young students for science competitions. Between 2019 and 2022, students under his direct supervision have won 12 medals in the Canadian Chemistry Olympiads (6 Gold, 4 silver and 2 Bronze). 2023, Dr. Luo became the Chemistry Olympiad Head Mentor and has led the Canadian Team to the International Chemistry Olympiad (IChO) in Zurich, Switzerland, where Canadians won 3 Bronze and one Silver medal.

Dr. Lara Watanabe

Canadian Chemistry Olympiad Camp Coach

During her undergraduate degree, Lara worked with Dr. Glen Briand on the development of novel bismuth compounds for their potential as catalysis for the ROP of cyclic esters. After completing her bachelor's degree, Lara did her graduate degree at the University of Windsor joining both the labs of Dr. Jeremy Rawson and Dr. Charles Macdonald, where she completed a PhD in Materials Chemistry. She was training students for the International Chemistry Olympiad (IChO) in 2021, 2022 and 2023, her students won 11 medals. (2 Silver, 9 Bronze)

Academic Module

Main academic modules (most content consistent with the International Chemistry Olympiad IChO):

  • Inorganic Chemistry: Including electronic configuration, structure, chemical calculations, isotopes, natural cycles, periodicity of physical properties, s-block, p-block, d-block, etc.;
  • Organic Chemistry: Including alkanes, cycloalkanes, alkenes, halides, alcohols and phenols, carbonyl compounds, nitrogen-containing compounds, macromolecules, etc.;
  • Physical Chemistry: Including chemical equilibrium, ionic equilibrium, electrode equilibrium, thermodynamics, homogeneous systems, etc.

Previous Lab Projects

* Below are introductions of past lab projects. Specific practical lab courses are subject to adjustment based on actual circumstances.

**Copper Alloy Analysis

A classic quantitative‑analysis course centered on the iodometric titration method, focusing on the accurate determination of copper content in copper‑alloy samples. It covers acid‑digestion pre‑treatment of alloys, preparation of standard solutions and redox titration, integrating metal coordination and redox theories into standardised, reproducible quantitative‑analysis workflows.

**Thin Layer Chromatography of Xanthine Alkaloids

Targeting xanthine alkaloids including caffeine, theophylline and theobromine for separation. This experiment demonstrates the complete thin‑layer chromatography (TLC) analytical workflow, covering mobile‑phase polarity selection, sample spotting, chromatogram development and UV visualisation. Qualitative identification is completed by comparing Rf values, vividly illustrating the “like‑dissolves‑like” principle and the separation mechanism of adsorption chromatography.

**Tollens' Test & Flame Test

Centred on two classic qualitative methods: Tollens’ test and the flame test. This session detects aldehyde groups and identifies characteristic flame colours of metal ions. It includes preparation of Tollens’ reagent and observation of characteristic phenomena, offering a visual demonstration of redox reactions and distinctive properties of metal ions. It serves as an essential introductory lesson for qualitative analysis.

**Determination of Vitamin C by Titration

Centred on iodometric titration, this experiment focuses on the quantitative determination of vitamin C (ascorbic‑acid) content. Key operations such as preparation of standard iodine solution and endpoint judgement using starch indicator are included. Combined with the chiral molecular structure of ascorbic acid, it unites stereochemistry with quantitative‑analysis practice.

Schedule

9:00-12:00* 13:00-18:00
I week before starts Receive academic materials for sufficient pre-study
Day 1 Departure, arrival in Canada
Day 2 Molecular Orbital Theory Experiment 1-Analysis of a copper alloy
Day 3 Thermochemistry Experiment 2-The Silver Mirror Reaction (Tollen's Test) & Flame Test
Day 4 Analytical Techniques Guest talk and Tour of UBC
Day 5 Photochemistry Experiment 3-TLC experiments with xanthine alkaloids
Day 6 Stereochemistry Experiment 4-Determination of VitaminC Concentration by Titration
Day 7 Visit of Vancouver: Where Urban Living Meets Natural Beauty
Day 8 Visit of Whistler: A World-Class Mountain Adventure Destination
Day 9 Return
* From 9:00 to 12:00, coaches/mentors will conduct lectures, group discussions, and problem-solving challenges on different chemistry topics;
* The specific schedule is subject to change and will be provided one week before the project starts along with academic materials.

Special Experience

■ Live in Orchard Commons

Orchard Commons is one of UBC's newest student residences. For students new to UBC, it is an ideal choice—offering space and time for study, a comfortable home, and a relaxed communal atmosphere that is perfect for making new friends. The building features stunning architecture and design and has earned LEED Gold certification. It is equipped with excellent dining facilities and lounges, and residents can enjoy beautiful views of Vancouver's mountains and ocean from the apartments.

■ Access Top University Chemistry Labs and Complete IChO-Level Experimental Training





■ Build a Top-Tier Social Circle with UBC Seniors and Experience Life in Vancouver as a UBC Student






Student Reflections

"After arriving here, I found that there's a lot of chemical knowledge and cutting-edge hardware equipment that I hadn't learned before. The professors supplement a great deal of information beyond the course materials. Overall, it's very interesting and has broadened my knowledge significantly."

— Student Wu

Shenzhen Senior High School

"The members of the Canadian Chemistry National Team are extremely friendly and provide a lot of help. There are also intense academic discussions, creating a very studious atmosphere."

— Student Zhang

Guangzhou Foreign Language School

"Studying with the members of the Canadian Chemistry National Team made me realize that I still have a lot of room for improvement. The overall intensity is very high."

— Student Shi

International Department, The Affiliated High School of SCNU

"The laboratory equipment is exceptionally comprehensive, and the instructors are very friendly with strong academic capabilities!"

— Student Liu

Beijing Hui wen Middle School

Participant Information

Programme Fee

Including course, chemical experiment materials and equipment, visit project, UBC university accommodation, breakfast and lunch, team leader service, and pick-up and drop-off transportation; excluding international air tickets, visa and visa service, university campus dinner and meals during the visit.

Optional Visa Service

In the case of visa rejection, eligible applicants will either receive a full refund of the visa service fee or a complimentary re-application, and the full program fee will be fully refunded, ensuring no financial loss.

Registration Deadline

3 weeks before the camp
Admission is limited and offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Unconfirmed spots by the deadline will be forfeited.

FAQ

1. REFUND POLICY
After a student has registered and paid, they may apply to withdraw due to unforeseen circumstances. If the application is submitted before the registration deadline, 25% of the registration fee will be deducted as academic materials and service fees. If the application is submitted after the registration deadline, no refund will be given.
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