Undergraduate Research Activity in Simulation, Modeling and Analysis

UMSA: UNDERGRADUATE MODELING, SIMULATION AND ANALYSIS

A 3-course research opportunity for science undergraduates at William and Mary

What is UMSA?
UMSA is a research activity for undergraduates sponsored by the National Science Foundation and offered in conjunction with the College's new Computational Science Cluster, a group of departments dedicated to interdisciplinary research in the area of computational science. Students who participate will study with faculty from several disciplines and work on interdisciplinary research problems. Participating students will benefit by working closely with faculty from several departments in an exciting new opportunity and can count towards graduation all credits earned through UMSA.
Am I eligible for UMSA?
If you are a student with a strong area-III background and the ability to write software in a high-level programming language then you may be eligible. You will have to apply by filling out a simple electronic application form. Admission to UMSA is competitive with preference given to juniors and seniors and to those with significant computational experience.
What is involved in completing UMSA?
Students will have to complete the following three phases:
1. Phase A: To complete Phase A, you need to pass any ONE of the following courses (or an equivalent):
  1. CS 426: Simulation (3 credits, Fall)
  2. Math 571: Simulation (3 credits, Fall)
  3. CS 420-1: Computational Science (3 credits, Spring)
2. Phase B: To complete Phase B, you need to pass the following course: CS 420-2: UMSA Research Seminar (3 credits, Spring)
3. Phase C: To complete Phase C, you need to pass the following course: CS 420-3: UMSA Research Project (3 credits, 1st summer session). Phase C begins with the completion of Phase B and ends when the 1st summer session ends.
Thus, students need to pass three courses to complete UMSA.
Will the three courses count towards my degree?
CS concentrators: The courses CS 426, CS 420-1, 420-2, 420-3 will all be regular computer science courses and as such will count towards concentration in computer science.
Math concentrators: CS 420-2 and CS 420-3 will be cross-listed as Math 410 courses.
Others: Students with concentrations other than computer science should check with associated faculty in their departments (Physics and Applied Science: Prof. Zhang).
Why should I consider UMSA? UMSA offers students a unique opportunity to work closely with faculty from computer science, physics, applied science and mathematics on interdisciplinary research. Students will benefit in the following ways:
- This is an opportunity to experience interdisciplinary research. Since many new frontiers and hot areas in science are interdisciplinary, exposure to these kinds of problems will benefit students.
- This is an opportunity to experience computational science. Although titled "Modeling, Simulation and Analysis" UMSA is really about using computational tools in scientific research, what some people call the third way of doing science (the other two being theory and experimentation).
- This is an opportunity to work in small groups with faculty. Faculty will mentor students through phases B and C, involving both small-group and one-on-one interaction.
- The three courses count towards graduation.
- Summer stipends are available on a competitive basis.
Stipends?
10 stipends of $3000 each (including $213 in social security taxes) are available on a competitive basis. The stipends will be paid during Phase C.
Tell me more about phases B and C.
- Phase B: In the research seminar course (CS 420-2), students will be taught jointly by several faculty associated with the Computational Science Cluster in the departments of computer science, physics, applied science and mathematics. Students will study a single interdisciplinary research problem in detail, learn about the process of research and also study research papers from the literature. Students will be mentored by participating faculty.
- Phase C: In the summer research project (CS 420-3), students will complete a modest research project under the supervision of one or more of the faculty. The project will be selected both by the student and the mentor. This course will be held in the first summer session, thereby completing UMSA in late June.
  Students are encouraged to complete the three phases in a single year; however, exceptions will be made for juniors who wish to complete the three phases over two years.
How do I apply?
To apply, first get an application form: download it off the web ( Click for application form ) or send email to sonya@cs.wm.edu and request a UMSA form. Second, fill out the form and email it to the same address. You may also request forms from participating faculty (see below) and hand in application forms to one of them. The deadline is the Friday before Fall Break, October 10, 1997.
Can I talk to one of the faculty before deciding to enroll?
Profs. Steve Park ( park@cs.wm.edu ) and Rahul Simha ( simha@cs.wm.edu ) in Computer Science, Prof. Larry Leemis ( leemis@math.wm.edu ) in Mathematics, and Prof. Shiwei Zhang ( shiwei@physics.wm.edu ) in Physics and Applied Science will all be happy to tell you more about UMSA.