URCA is an integrated 10-week summer program designed to introduce students to computational physics through original research projects in the field of high-energy astrophysics. Applications include supernovae and supernova remnants, interacting binary stars and accreting compact objects, gamma-ray bursts, accretion disks, stellar winds and jets, r-process nucleosynthesis, and neutrino astrophysics. The computational tools taught to and applied by the students include hydrodynamic and magnetohydrodynamic simulations, nuclear reaction networks, Monte-Carlo methods, spectral synthesis codes, and various data analysis techniques applied to both simulation and observational data.

Participants will spend the summer in an immersive environment that includes not only a faculty-mentored research project, but extensive training in all aspects of independent research through classroom instruction, hands-on training exercises, small group discussions, and activities with other summer programs on campus. The program ends with students giving a research talk to fellow physics students and faculty and presenting a poster at a campus-wide Undergraduate Research Symposium.

The URCA program targets undergraduate students who might not have research experience. Our intent is to provide a unique, comprehensive introduction to computational physics for undergraduate students early in their careers.

Prospective students...

• DON'T need advanced physics courses.
• DO need to have completed one year of calculus-based physics courses.
  
  
• DON'T need computing experience.
• DO need to be excited about learning how to use computers in research.
  
  
• DON'T need previous classes in astronomy.
• DO need to have looked up at the night sky and wondered what is out there.

The URCA application process opens January 1, with application review and participant selection beginning March 1 and continuing until the program is filled. Application materials and details of the process are described on the Application Page. URCA especially welcomes applications from women and under-represented minorities.

Summer research programs are an excellent opportunity for students to experience the challenges and rewards of scientific research. We will provide you a high-intensity, demanding but supportive environment in which you can immerse yourself in a project alongside other highly motivated students. Come prepared to work hard, to be excited, to learn, and to join a small group of students like yourself as you develop some of the skills and knowledge to do cutting-edge science. If you are heading to URCA or any other summer research program, you should read the article by Elisabeth Pain, "Making Your Research Internship a Good One."

For further information contact the URCA program director, Prof. John Blondin.
Email: John_Blondin@NCSU.edu