SAGE as a Source for Undergraduate Research Projects

Abstract

This article examines the use of the computer algebra system SAGE for undergraduate student research projects. After reading this article, the reader should understand the benefits of using SAGE as a source of research projects and how to commence working with SAGE. The author proposes a tiered working group model to allow maximum benefit to the students with a reasonable time requirement from the supervising faculty. Once a faculty member is familiar with the current state of SAGE functionality, it is possible to institute a long-term development plan that spans multiple years and students greatly reducing the “setup” time for new students. This model also allows the faculty member to work with a broad range of students as they can support each other. To illustrate this model, outcomes from several years of student research projects are discussed as well as the setup requirements and the process of using SAGE for research. The author worked with five different students over the course of 3 years. This resulted in two refereed undergraduate publications and 41 new additions to the SAGE code base. Of these five students, three entered graduate school, two in mathematics and one in computer science.