Institute of Computational Science—presented in conjunction with Shodor Education Foundation, Inc. – Durham, North Carolina

Student and Parent Guide

Program Details

  • Open to students currently enrolled in Grades 9-12
  • June 14-28, 2008
  • $3,500, lab fee included (Airfare and books not included)
  • Airport: Raleigh-Durham International (RDU)

newThe Site

Students in the Institute of Computational Science will live on the main quad of Duke University’s beautiful East Campus and will travel each day to the Shodor Education Foundation's facilities in nearby downtown Durham. Shodor is a non-profit education and research corporation dedicated to the reform and improvement of mathematics and science education, so Durham is a logical home for the foundation. Durham, North Carolina, is home to Duke University, North Carolina Central University, and the Research Triangle Park. Along with the town of Chapel Hill and the state capital of Raleigh, Durham also serves as one point of the Research Triangle - frequently recognized for its academically and intellectually charged environment, its centers of higher learning, its medical, technological, and educational research, and of course, its basketball. Interactive online Duke campus maps can be found here. »

Instructor and students with laptopsThe Course

This Institute will introduce students to the world of computational science and the application of computer programming, communication technologies, and mathematical analysis to the study of complex scientific problems. Approximately twenty-five students will learn a wide variety of computer programming and mathematical methods to create simulations of events in chemistry, physics, biology, and the environmental sciences. Students will use advanced computational science technologies, techniques, and tools to study scientific events of significance. Students will study computer model validation and verification, modify existing models, and build new models from scratch. The program culminates in a research project in which students will choose an area of scientific interest, identify an interesting program, and develop and communicate a computational solution to that problem. While this program combines hands-on and computer explorations prior programming experience is not required.