Discrete Maths and Operations Research (MAST20018)
Undergraduate level 2Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
Overview
| Availability | Semester 2 |
|---|---|
| Fees | Look up fees |
This subject introduces the essential features of Operations Research methods, and also introduces the area of Discrete Mathematics with a focus on applications. Operations Research topics include mathematical modelling, linear programming, simplex methods, and duality theory. Discrete Mathematics topics include scheduling, graph theory, assignments and matchings, and fair division. The subject material has a common theme of applications of mathematics in realistic settings encountered in the business world, industry and day-to-day life.
Intended learning outcomes
On completion of this subject, students should:
- Comprehend the essential features of problems encountered in Operations Research investigations, as well as those encountered in applied Discrete Mathematics;
- Develop basic skills required to construct formal mathematical models for practical optimisation problems, and those required to analyse settings from real-world applications;
- Appreciate the extent and limitations of a number of Operations Research and Discrete Mathematics techniques for solving real-world problems.
Generic skills
In addition to learning specific skills that will assist students in their future careers in science, they will have the opportunity to develop generic skills that will assist them in any future career path. These include
- problem-solving skills: the ability to engage with unfamiliar problems and identify relevant solution strategies;
- analytical skills: the ability to construct and express logical arguments and to work in abstract or general terms to increase the clarity and efficiency of analysis;
- collaborative skills: the ability to work in a team;
- time management skills: the ability to meet regular deadlines while balancing competing commitments.
Last updated: 9 April 2025
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
One of
| Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAST10006 | Calculus 2 |
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
|
12.5 |
| MAST10009 | Accelerated Mathematics 2 | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| No longer available |
Plus one of
| Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAST10007 | Linear Algebra |
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
Summer Term (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
|
12.5 |
| MAST10008 | Accelerated Mathematics 1 | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| No longer available |
- MAST10013 UMEP Maths for High Achieving Students
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
None
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.
Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home
Last updated: 9 April 2025
Assessment
Additional details
Four written assignments due at regular intervals during semester amounting to a total of up to 50 pages (20%), and a 3-hour written examination in the examination period (80%).
Last updated: 9 April 2025
Dates & times
- Semester 2
Principal coordinator Charl Ras Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours 3 x one hour lectures per week, 1 x one hour practice class per week Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 23 July 2018 to 21 October 2018 Last self-enrol date 3 August 2018 Census date 31 August 2018 Last date to withdraw without fail 21 September 2018 Assessment period ends 16 November 2018 Semester 2 contact information
Email: cjras@unimelb.edu.au
Time commitment details
Estimated total time commitment of 170 hours
Last updated: 9 April 2025
Further information
- Texts
- Subject notes
This subject is available for science credit to students enrolled in the BSc (both pre-2008 and new degrees), BASc or a combined BSc course.
A basic knowledge of MATLAB such as would be gained by completing any of the following subjects will be assumed.
- MAST10007 Linear Algebra
- MAST10008 Accelerated Mathematics 1
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Informal specialisation Discrete Mathematics / Operations Research Major Discrete Mathematics / Operations Research Informal specialisation Selective subjects for B-BMED Informal specialisation Science-credited subjects - new generation B-SCI and B-ENG. Breadth Track Accelerated Mathematics - Breadth options
- Available through the Community Access Program
About the Community Access Program (CAP)
This subject is available through the Community Access Program (also called Single Subject Studies) which allows you to enrol in single subjects offered by the University of Melbourne, without the commitment required to complete a whole degree.
Please note Single Subject Studies via Community Access Program is not available to student visa holders or applicants
Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.
- Available to Study Abroad and/or Study Exchange Students
Last updated: 9 April 2025