Program Overview

Introduction to Operations Research 3 Unit

The Operations Research 3 unit equips students with skills in optimising real-world systems using modern operations research methods, relevant to a wide range of scientific and industrial problems. It is particularly valuable for students pursuing careers in fields that involve analysing systems that evolve over time.

Unit Details

• Unit name: Operations Research 3
• Unit code: KMA355
• Credit points: 12.5
• College/School: Sciences and Engineering
• School of Natural Sciences
• Discipline: Mathematics
• Coordinator: Associate Professor Malgorzata O'Reilly
• Available as an elective: Yes
• Level: Advanced

Availability

• Location: Hobart
• Study period: Semester 2
• Attendance options: On-campus
• Available to: Domestic students, International students

Key Dates

• Start date: 6/7/2026
• Census date: 28/7/2026
• WW date: 31/8/2026
• End date: 25/10/2026

Learning Outcomes

• Construct operations research models using Dynamic Programming, Queuing Theory, and Simulation, for real-world situations.
• Apply problem-solving and analytical techniques from Dynamic Programming, Queuing Theory, and Simulation, for the numerical analysis of real-world problems.
• Use mathematical language and notation to communicate the methodology of Operations Research to peers.
• State and use formal definitions and properties of fundamental mathematical structures of Operations Research in a rigorous manner.

Fee Information

• Field of Education:
• Commencing Student Contribution: $592.00
• Grandfathered Student Contribution: $592.00
• Domestic Full Fee: $2,919.00
• Available as a Commonwealth Supported Place
• HECS-HELP is available on this unit, depending on eligibility
• FEE-HELP is available on this unit, depending on eligibility

Requisites

Prerequisites

• Any intermediate (200 coded) KMA unit

Teaching

• Teaching Pattern: 3 x 1-hr lectures, 1 x 1-hr tutorial, 1 x 1-hr lab weekly
• Assessment: Demonstration (10%), Examination (40%), Assignment (multiple) (50%)
• Timetable: View the lecture timetable, View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

• Required: Required readings will be listed in the unit outline prior to the start of classes.
• Recommended:
  • S. M. Ross, Introduction to Probability Models.
  • Taha, H.A., Operations Research: An Introduction.
  • Winston, W. L., Operations Research: Applications and Algorithms.
  • W. Feller, An Introduction to Probability Theory and Its Applications, vol. I.

Related Units

• Research and Design Experience - Intermediate KAA307
• Probability Models 3 KMA305
• Algebra and Real Analysis KMA321
• Group Theory and Functional Analysis KMA322
• Complex Analysis and Transform Theory KMA323
• Computational Techniques 3 KMA350
• Data Handling and Statistics 3 KMA353
• Partial Differential Equations, Applications and Methods 3 KMA354
• Modern Statistical Modelling KMA356