GMU Undergraduate Research in Computational Mathematics
The GMU URCM program involves undergraduate students in computational mathematics research with GMU professors. For mathematics majors who are U.S citizens or permanent residents, participants may receive a stipend during the summer and academic year. This program is funded by the National Science Foundation under its Computational Science Training for Undergraduates in the Mathematical Sciences (CSUMS) initiative.
Students enter the program by an application process during Spring semester. This year's application deadline is Friday, March 22, 2013.
1. Knowledge of at least one scientific computer language, such as Python, Java, C++, FORTRAN, etc., at the CS 112 level or higher.
2. Experience with at least one high-level application language, such as Matlab (or Octave), Maple, IDL, etc.
3. Courses in computational and applied mathematics. The sequences Math 446-447 and Math 413-414 in computational and applied mathematics are especially applicable. Background in ordinary and/or partial differential equations and discrete mathematics is a plus, as are any other courses that develop computational mathematics.
4. Courses in related disciplines. Statistics, operations research, physics, chemistry, biology, computer science or engineering.
5. Strong grades in mathematics courses and strong interest in undergraduate research.
Students funded through the NSF program must be a mathematics major at George Mason University and either a U.S. citizen or Permanent Resident. The NSF stipend is $5000 during Summer session and $5000 during the academic year 2012-13. Students who do not meet the citizenship or major requirements may still apply to be matched with a mentor to do undergraduate research.
Students who are accepted into the program are expected to fulfill the following schedule.
Enroll in the Summer Session A course Math 478: Introduction to Partial Differential Equations with Numerical Methods. The course, running from May to late June 2012 (Session A) will cover the 2012 URCM theme: Partial differential equations modeling.
Meet with research mentor to assess student skills and recommend other preparatory work for the summer. Learn project area as recommended by mentor, including previous and ongoing research.
Begin research activities.
Student effort: Approx. 20 hrs./week
Enroll in Math 495: Undergraduate Research Seminar for 1 credit. The seminar will meet weekly to provide each participant an opportunity to describe his or her research to other participants. Besides improving oral communication skills, there will be outside speakers and special meetings on computational issues, software for giving talks and mathematical word processing, web design, and other issues as needed.
May enroll in Math 491: Independent Study, or Math 405 for 3 credits with the approval of research mentor.
Research poster describing students individual contribution should be completed by end of semester.
Student effort: Approx. 10-15 hrs./week
Enroll in Math 495: Undergraduate Research Seminar for 1 credit.
May enroll in Math 491: Independent Study, or Math 406 for 3 credits with the approval of research mentor.
Written thesis describing students individual contribution should be completed by end of semester.
Student effort: Approx. 10-15 hrs./week
Funds will be available for student travel to scientific conferences during the year. Students are encouraged to present a poster or to give an oral presentation of their research project.