Courses & Units

Operations Research 3 KMA355

Hobart

Introduction

This 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. Throughout this unit, you will develop critical problem-solving and analytical skills, gaining expertise in models and algorithms related to Dynamic Programming, Markovian Decision Processes, Queuing Theory, and Simulation. You will learn to apply a variety of operations research models to practical decision-making and planning problems, solving them with advanced numerical tools. This unit is a core unit within the Statistics and Decision Science major (Bachelor of Science).

Summary

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

Key Dates

Study Period Start date Census date WW date End date
Semester 2 21/7/2025 19/8/2025 8/9/2025 26/10/2025

* The Final WW Date is the final date from which you can withdraw from the unit without academic penalty, however you will still incur a financial liability (refer to How do I withdraw from a unit? for more information).

Unit census dates currently displaying for 2025 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2025 will be available from the 1st October 2024. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).

About Census Dates

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 1,3 Grandfathered Student Contribution 1,3 Approved Pathway Course Student Contribution 2,3 Domestic Full Fee 4
010101 $578.00 $578.00 not applicable $2,780.00
  • Available as a Commonwealth Supported Place
  • HECS-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility3
  • FEE-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility4

1 Please refer to more information on student contribution amounts.
2 Please refer to more information on eligibility and Approved Pathway courses.
3 Please refer to more information on eligibility for HECS-HELP.
4 Please refer to more information on eligibility for FEE-HELP.

If you have any questions in relation to the fees, please contact UConnect or more information is available on StudyAssist.

Please note: international students should refer to What is an indicative Fee? to get an indicative course cost.

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

AssessmentDemonstration (10%)|Examination (40%)|Assignment (multiple) (50%)
TimetableView 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.

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