Operations Research 3 unit (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	Sciences and Engineering School of Natural Sciences
Discipline	Mathematics
Coordinator	Associate Professor Malgorzata O'Reilly
Available as an elective?	Yes
Delivered By
Level	Advanced

Availability

Location	Study period	Attendance options		Available to
Hobart	Semester 2

Note

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Key Dates

Study Period	Start date	Census date	WW date	End date
Semester 2	5/7/2026	27/7/2026	30/8/2026	24/10/2026

* 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 2026 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2026 will be available from the 1st October 2025. 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	$592.00	$592.00	not applicable	$2,919.00

• 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 UniConnect 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
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.

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