MA213 Half Unit
Operations Research Techniques
This information is for the 2025/26 session.
Course Convenor
Prof Gregory Sorkin
Availability
This course is available on the BSc in Accounting and Finance, BSc in Data Science, BSc in Econometrics and Mathematical Economics, BSc in Economics, BSc in Management, BSc in Mathematics and Economics, BSc in Mathematics with Data Science, BSc in Mathematics with Economics, BSc in Mathematics, Statistics and Business, Erasmus Reciprocal Programme of Study and Exchange Programme for Students from University of California, Berkeley. This course is freely available as an outside option to students on other programmes where regulations permit. It does not require permission. This course is available with permission to General Course students.
Requisites
Additional requisites:
Mathematics, Statistics and Probability Theory to the level of the courses Quantitative Methods (Mathematics) (MA107; alternatively MA100 or MA108) and Quantitative Methods (Statistics) (ST107; alternatively ST102 or ST109) is required. In particular, students should have an elementary knowledge of linear algebra and calculus, and should have covered elementary probability theory and the Poisson process.
Course content
An introduction to the main methodologies in Operations Research and their theoretical foundations. Linear Optimisation: a basic introduction, discovering the solution to small problems by graphical methods, duality, sufficient conditions for optimality, solution by the simplex method, and sensitivity analysis. Various other operational research techniques such as: Shortest Paths, Critical Path Analysis, Markov Chains, Queueing Theory, Inventory Management, and Dynamic Programming.
Teaching
20 hours of lectures and 10 hours of classes in the Autumn Term.
This course is delivered through a combination of lectures and classes, totalling a minimum of 30 hours in Autumn Term.
Formative assessment
Students will be asked to submit weekly homework consisting of 10 problem sets in the AT, on which they will receive feedback.
Indicative reading
A comprehensive pack of lecture notes will be provided.
The following books may prove useful for some aspects of the course:
- F.S. Hillier, G.J. Liebermann, Introduction to Operations Research, McGraw-Hill Series in Industrial Engineering and Management Science. 7th edition or later.
- T.H. Cormen, C.E. Leiserson, R.L. Rivest, C. Stein. Introduction to Algorithms. Any edition.
Assessment
Exam (100%), duration: 120 Minutes in the January exam period
Key facts
Department: Mathematics
Course Study Period: Autumn Term
Unit value: Half unit
FHEQ Level: Level 5
CEFR Level: Null
Total students 2024/25: 188
Average class size 2024/25: 13
Capped 2024/25: NoCourse selection videos
Some departments have produced short videos to introduce their courses. Please refer to the course selection videos index page for further information.
Personal development skills
- Self-management
- Problem solving
- Application of numeracy skills
- Commercial awareness
- Specialist skills