MG408      Half Unit
Combinatorial Optimisation (formerly OR408)

This information is for the 2015/16 session.

Teacher responsible

Dr Katerina Papadaki NAB 3.14

Availability

This course is available on the MSc in Applicable Mathematics and MSc in Management Science (Operational Research). This course is available as an outside option to students on other programmes where regulations permit.

Pre-requisites

Some familiarity with graph theory and some knowledge of programming could be desirable.

Course content

The course is intended as an introduction to discrete and combinatorial techniques for solving optimisation problems, mainly involving graphs and networks, as described under the headings of the lecture course below. MG4C6.1 “Foundations of Mathematical Programming”. is an introduction to the mathematical foundations of mathematical programming. MG408 “Combinatorial Optimisation” covers the topics: minimum spanning trees with a brief introduction to matroids, shortest path algorithms, maximum flow algorithms, minimum cost flow problems and matching problems and a choice of two other topics such as NP-completeness or approximation algorithms.

Teaching

20 hours of lectures and 15 hours of seminars in the LT. 3 hours of lectures in the ST.

MG4C6.1 -  four LT; MG4C6.1A two x 1.5 LT.

MG408 - sixteen LT; MG408A eight x 1.5 LT and one revision session.

A reading week will take place in W6. There will be no teaching during this week.

Formative coursework

Lecture notes will be supplied for most topics otherwise reading from books will be indicated. Weekly exercises will be given that will be solved and discussed during the seminars.

Indicative reading

Most of the lectures will be based on topics from:Network Flows, Ahuja, Magnanti and Orlin

Also topics on NP-compleness and approximation algorithms if covered will be covered from the book: The Design of Approximation Algorithms, by David P. Williamson and David B. Shmoys

Assessment

Exam (100%, duration: 3 hours) in the main exam period.

Key facts

Department: Management

Total students 2014/15: Unavailable

Average class size 2014/15: Unavailable

Controlled access 2014/15: No

Value: Half Unit

Guidelines for interpreting course guide information

Personal development skills

  • Problem solving
  • Application of numeracy skills
  • Specialist skills