Discrete Maths and Operations Research

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2016:

Estimated total time commitment of 170 hours

One of

Plus one of

• MAST10013 UMEP Maths for High Achieving Students

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

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.

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.

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%).

None

This subject potentially can be taken as a breadth subject component for the following courses:

• Bachelor of Arts
• Bachelor of Commerce
• Bachelor of Environments
• Bachelor of Music

You should visit learn more about breadth subjects and read the breadth requirements for your degree, and should discuss your choice with your student adviser, before deciding on your subjects.

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.

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