Qualification

Award Winners in BMO

Date

Aug. 2027 (TBD)

Location

St Catharine's College, University of Cambridge, UK

Language

EN

Age

Over 16 years old

Place

35

Program Introduction

The St Catharine’s College Cambridge Mathematics Camp, officially hosted by St Catharine’s College, Cambridge, is exclusively open to high-level Mathematics Olympiad medalists, reflecting the College’s strong emphasis on elite competition talent. This year, the programme again extends special invitations to Asian BMO awardees, offering outstandingstudents a genuine Cambridge academic experience.

Led by Dr. Sergei Taraskin, Lecturer at St Catharine’s College and Director of Studies in Mathematics for the Natural Sciences Tripos, the camp features Cambridge undergraduate-level mathematics with a focus on difference equations and their real-world applications. Through project-based learning, students apply theory to model phenomena such as epidemic spread or tumour growth, while strengthening academic writing and mathematical reasoning. Participants reside in the College, experience traditional Cambridge Formal Dinner, and gain deep insight into collegiate life. Upon completion, students receive an official completion certificate from St Catharine’s College, University of Cambridge.

Pre-Assessment

British Mathematical Olympiad Round 1 (UKMT-BMO): Nov. 19, 2026 (Thu.), Grades 10-12

Academic Highlights

Exceptional Faculty Team from Cambridge, Learn from distinguished Cambridge faculty guiding students through advanced mathematical concepts.

Curriculum Inspired by Cambridge Undergraduate Mathematics: An intensive week designed to provide a genuine experience of learning and thinking like a Cambridge undergraduate.

Hands-On Mathematics Workshops: Rare practice-oriented sessions to bridge the gap between theoretical mathematics and its practical applications.

Exclusive Top-Tier Math Camp: A highly selective program offering insights into the Cambridge application process and academic excellence.

Official Certificate from St Catharine's College, Cambridge: Earn a prestigious certificate recognizing your achievements in mathematical exploration.

Immersive Cambridge Experience: Stay at St Catharine's College, participate in a Cambridge Formal Dinner , and fully immerse yourself in the academic and cultural atmosphere of Cambridge University.

Introduction to Excellent Program Supervisor

* Reference only

Dr Sergei Taraskin

  • Lecturer at St Catharine’s College
  • Director of Studies in Mathematics for Natural Scientists
  • Director of Studies in Physical Natural Sciences
  • Director of Studies in Computer Science
MORE >
Dr Sergei Taraskin 介绍

Dr Sergei Taraskin

  • Lecturer at St Catharine’s College
  • Director of Studies in Mathematics for Natural Scientists
  • Director of Studies in Physical Natural Sciences
  • Director of Studies in Computer Science

Dr Sergei Taraskin is currently a Lecturer at St Catharine’s College, University of Cambridge. He serves as the Director of Studies in Mathematics for the Natural Sciences, while also overseeing academic guidance and coordination as the Director of Studies in Physics and Computer Science. Educated in Moscow and having been engaged in teaching and research at the University of Cambridge since 1993, Professor Taraskin’s research interests center on complex systems and non-equilibrium processes, areas closely linked to mathematical modeling and systems analysis. Over the years, he has supervised numerous interdisciplinary students across various mathematics options. He excels at integrating rigorous mathematical methodologies with real-world problems, helping students develop advanced mathematical thinking centered on modeling, analysis, and academic articulation.

Key publications: Effect of disorder on condensation in the lattice gas model on a random graph', TP Handford, A Dear, FJ Pérez-Reche, SN Taraskin, Physical Review E (2014) 90, 012144 (DOI: 10.1103/physreve.90.012144) 'Steady-state random walk on connected graph of arbitrary topology with random and non-symmetric transition rates', SN Taraskin, Physica Status Solidi B (2013) 250, 1029 For more details：https://www.caths.cam.ac.uk/directory/dr-sergei-taraskin

Ms Irena Borzym

  • Director of Studies in Mathematics
  • Sir Harvey McGrath College Associate Professor
  • Affiliated Lecturer at DAMTP
  • Research interests in relativity and Twistor Theory
MORE >
Ms Irena Borzym 介绍

Ms Irena Borzym

  • Director of Studies in Mathematics
  • Sir Harvey McGrath College Associate Professor
  • Affiliated Lecturer at DAMTP
  • Research interests in relativity and Twistor Theory

Ms. Borzym has been teaching at the University of Cambridge since 1999. She currently serves as the Director of Studies in Mathematics at St Catharine's College, University of Cambridge, and as Sir Harvey McGrath College Associate Professor. For decades, she has been dedicated to providing mathematics and physics courses for students at Cambridge and has been involved in mathematical research guidance at multiple colleges. She also focuses on researching how to improve students' mathematical literacy and is currently deeply engaged in the study of relativity and Twistor Theory.

Academic Module

Module1：Math for Undergraduates

Module2：Applied mathematics and practical program
In addition to theoretical mathematics, the mathematical courses at the University of Cambridge also focus on the practical application. This Camp introduces project-based learning into the class. Students will choose a math project from a list provided by coaches before the class begins. These projects are all designed to solve real-life problems, such as analyzing the spread of epidemics or tumor growth through equation modeling. Students will conduct project research and presentations in groups.

Previous Project Descriptions

* Below are descriptions of past projects. Practical lab courses are subject to adjustment according to actual conditions.

Virus Evolution

Characterize the population dynamics of two‑strain viruses during mutation and reproduction using difference equations. Employ real‑world parameters of SARS‑CoV‑2 to simulate the emergence and competition of variant strains.

Epidemics

Derive the nonlinear difference equation for the number of infected individuals starting from the SIS model. Analyze the epidemic threshold, endemic equilibrium, and the impacts of network topology on transmission dynamics.

Cancer Growth

Explain the biological mechanism behind solid tumors transitioning from exponential to linear growth — only cells in the thin outer shell proliferate actively. Establish differential equations and fit them against real experimental data.

Family Budget

Use first‑order linear difference equations to describe the evolution of loan balances under fixed interest rates. Compare pay‑off periods across multiple repayment schemes and explore optimal repayment strategies.

Gambler's Ruin

Apply second-order linear difference equations and absorbing Markov chains to derive exact formulas for ruin probability and expected game duration. Uncover how initial capital and winning probability determine long-term outcomes.

Genotype Evolution

Based on the gene‑pool concept and Mendel’s laws of inheritance, construct a generation‑recurrence model for allele frequencies under natural selection and gene mutation.

Population Evolution: Fibonacci Rabbits

Progress from the classic Fibonacci recurrence to the Logistic growth equation. Compare how exponential growth, density‑dependent reproduction and maturation delay shape population dynamics.

Weather Forecast

Adopt Markov chains as the core framework. Estimate sunshine‑rain transition probabilities from real meteorological data, and solve the difference equations and stationary distribution for weather states.

Random Walks on Lattices and Graphs

Extend from one‑dimensional lattices, two‑dimensional grids to k‑regular graphs. Investigate the mean‑square displacement, recurrence and covering time of random walks.

Schedule

* Past schedules, reference only

Date 9:00‑12:15 13:30‑17:30 19:00‑20:00
Day 1 Arrive in London Check in the St Catharine's College
Day 2 5 days academic discussion in Cambridge
Module 1：Math for Undergraduates:
Number theory | Linear Algebra | Difference equation
Module 2：Applied mathematics and practical program
Extension：Cambridge application lecture		 Preparing for math practical program
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6
Day 7 Presentation of practical program Punting Formal dinner
Day 8 Oxford Visiting
Day 9 London trip - British museum & Natural History museum
Day 10 London explore - renowned architectures
Day 11 Back to China

Unique Experience

Live in St Catharine's College, Cambridge

Live in St Catharine's College, Cambridge

St Catharine's College is a historic and academically rich college within the University of Cambridge, founded in 1473. It attracts a large number of outstanding students with its excellent academic achievements, long-standing history, and modern facilities. The college has a strong academic background and advantages, particularly excelling in interdisciplinary research. It has at least 4 Nobel laureates and is committed to nurturing future technological leaders with an innovative spirit.
Cambridge Formal Dinner

Cambridge Formal Dinner

The annual traditional formal dinner at the University of Cambridge is an integral part of the students' academic life. Dressed in formal attire, students and professors gather together to enjoy fine dining, recite poetry, and exchange ideas.
Punting in River Cam

Punting in River Cam

Punting is a unique activity in Cambridge. Gliding along in a small boat through ancient bridges and tree allows you to enjoy the tranquil waters and appreciate the classical architecture of Cambridge.
England Journey

England Journey

Highlights

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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