Program Overview

Introduction to Operations Research 2 Unit

The Operations Research 2 unit, coded as KMA255, is designed to equip students with the skills and techniques necessary to address practical questions arising in operations research. These questions often emerge in fields such as Engineering, Management, Finance, Economics, and Teaching. For instance, determining the expected waiting time for the next bus, optimizing product balance in a factory to maximize profit, or identifying the most efficient way to distribute electricity from power stations to homes while minimizing power loss. Operations Research encompasses the solution of optimization problems, modeling, and simulation.

Unit Details

• Unit Name: Operations Research 2
• Unit Code: KMA255
• Credit Points: 12.5
• College/School: Sciences and Engineering
• School of Natural Sciences
• Discipline: Mathematics
• Coordinator: Professor Michael Charleston
• Available as an Elective: Yes
• Delivered By: University of Tasmania
• Level: Intermediate

Availability

• Location: Hobart
• Study Period: Semester 1
• Attendance Options: On-campus
• Available To: Domestic students, international students

Key Dates

• Start Date: 23/2/2026
• Census Date: 17/3/2026
• WW Date: 20/4/2026
• End Date: 14/6/2026

Learning Outcomes

• Explain and apply fundamentals of probability and graph theory relevant to operations research.
• Analyse short- and long-term behaviour of discrete time Markov chains.
• Solve problems in linear programming using standard techniques.
• Select and apply standard heuristic methods to computationally intractable problems in operations research.
• Interpret and communicate mathematical arguments using appropriate terminology and notation, as they relate to problems in operations research.

Fee Information

• Field of Education:
• Commencing Student Contribution: $592.00
• Grandfathered Student Contribution: $592.00
• Approved Pathway Course Student Contribution: Not applicable
• Domestic Full Fee: $2,919.00

Requisites

Prerequisites

• Any KMA unit

Teaching

• Teaching Pattern: 3 x 1-hr lectures, 1 x 1-hr tutorial, 1 x 1-hr workshop/computer lab
• Assessment:
  • Quiz 1: Probability and Basics of Graphs (5%)
  • Assignment 1 (10%)
  • Assignment 2 (10%)
  • Lab exercises (10%)
  • Tutorial Exercises (10%)
  • Quiz 2: Discrete Time Markov Chains (15%)
  • Examination (40%)
• Timetable: Available upon request

Textbooks

• Required readings will be listed in the unit outline prior to the start of classes.

Note

The University reserves the right to amend or remove courses and unit availabilities as appropriate.