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Techniques in Operations Research (MAST30013)
Undergraduate level 3Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
For information about the University’s phased return to campus and in-person activity in Winter and Semester 2, please refer to the on-campus subjects page.
About this subject
- Overview
- Eligibility and requirements
- Assessment
- Dates and times
- Further information
- Timetable(opens in new window)
Contact information
Semester 1
Email: lele.zhang@unimelb.edu.au
Please refer to the LMS for up-to-date subject information, including assessment and participation requirements, for subjects being offered in 2020.
Overview
Availability | Semester 1 |
---|---|
Fees | Look up fees |
This subject introduces some major techniques and algorithms for solving nonlinear optimisation problems. Unconstrained and constrained systems will be considered, for both convex and non-convex problems. The methods covered include: interval search techniques, Newton and quasi-Newton methods, penalty methods for nonlinear programs, and methods based on duality. The emphasis is both on being able to apply and implement the techniques discussed, and on understanding the underlying mathematical principles. Examples involve the formulation of operations research models for linear regression, multi-facility location analysis and network flow optimisation.
A significant part of the subject is the project, where students work in groups on a practical operations research problem.
Intended learning outcomes
On completion of this subject students should develop:
- skills in setting up operations research models;
- a knowledge of the most important techniques for solving nonlinear optimisation problems;
- an understanding of the role of algorithmic thinking in the solution of operations research problems;
- competence in the use of computer packages in operations research;
- an understanding of the factors and restrictions involved in building and using models for planning and management problems;
Generic skills
In addition to learning specific skills that will assist in their future careers in science, students 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;
- computer skills: the ability to use mathematical computing packages.
Last updated: 22 March 2024
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
MAST20018 | Discrete Maths and Operations Research | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
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: 22 March 2024
Assessment
Due to the impact of COVID-19, assessment may differ from that published in the Handbook. Students are reminded to check the subject assessment requirements published in the subject outline on the LMS
Description | Timing | Percentage |
---|---|---|
Three written assignments (due in weeks 4,7, and 10)
| From Week 4 to Week 10 | 20% |
A group project involving a written report of up to 20 pages
| End of semester | 25% |
An oral presentation
| End of semester | 5% |
A written examination
| During the examination period | 50% |
Last updated: 22 March 2024
Dates & times
- Semester 1
Principal coordinator Joyce Zhang 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 2 March 2020 to 7 June 2020 Last self-enrol date 13 March 2020 Census date 30 April 2020 Last date to withdraw without fail 5 June 2020 Assessment period ends 3 July 2020 Semester 1 contact information
Email: lele.zhang@unimelb.edu.au
Time commitment details
Estimated total time commitment of 170 hours
Last updated: 22 March 2024
Further information
- Texts
Prescribed texts
None
Recommended texts and other resources
H. A. Taha, Operations Research: An Introduction, McMillan, 5th Ed,1992.
W. L. Winston, Operations Research: Applications and Algorithms, PWS-Kent, 1987.
R. Fletcher, Practical Methods of Optimization, 2nd Ed, John Wiley & Sons, NY, 1987.
J. Nocedal and S. J. Wright, Numerical Optimisation, Springer Series in Operations Research, Springer-Verlag, New York, 1999.
- 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.
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Informal specialisation Science-credited subjects - new generation B-SCI Informal specialisation Selective subjects for B-BMED Informal specialisation Discrete Mathematics / Operations Research Informal specialisation Discrete Mathematics / Operations Research Major Discrete Mathematics / Operations Research Informal specialisation Operations Research / Discrete Mathematics specialisation - Breadth options
This subject is available as breadth in the following courses:
- Bachelor of Arts
- Bachelor of Commerce
- Bachelor of Design
- Bachelor of Environments
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Acting)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Animation)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Dance)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Film and Television)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Music Theatre)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Screenwriting)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Theatre)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Visual Art)
- Bachelor of Music
- 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.
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
This subject is available to students studying at the University from eligible overseas institutions on exchange and study abroad. Students are required to satisfy any listed requirements, such as pre- and co-requisites, for enrolment in the subject.
Last updated: 22 March 2024