MA208      Half Unit
Optimisation Theory

This information is for the 2021/22 session.

Teacher responsible

Prof Julia Boettcher

Availability

This course is available on the BSc in Actuarial Science, BSc in Business Mathematics and Statistics, BSc in Mathematics and Economics, BSc in Mathematics with Economics and BSc in Mathematics, Statistics and Business. This course is available as an outside option to students on other programmes where regulations permit. This course is available with permission to General Course students.

Pre-requisites

Mathematical Methods (MA100) and Introduction to Abstract Mathematics (MA103) are pre-requisites. Real Analysis (MA203) is desirable, and students who have not done MA203 should contact the teacher responsible.

Course content

Based on the relevant mathematical theory, the course describes various techniques of optimisation and shows how they can be applied. More precisely, the topics covered are: Introduction and review of mathematical background. Introduction to combinatorial optimisation; shortest paths in directed graphs; algorithms and their running time. Classical results on continuous optimisation: Weierstrass's Theorem concerning continuous functions on compact sets; optimisation of differentiable functions on open sets; Lagrange's Theorem on equality constrained optimisation; Karush, Kuhn, and Tucker's Theorem on inequality constrained optimisation. Linear programming and duality theory.

Teaching

This course is delivered through a combination of classes and lectures totalling a minimum of 30 hours across Lent Term. Depending on circumstances, lectures and/or seminars might be online.

Formative coursework

Written answers to set problems will be expected on a weekly basis.

Indicative reading

Good sources of literature are R K Sundaram, A First Course in Optimisation Theory; N L Biggs, Discrete Mathematics (2nd edition). Additional notes will be made available throughout the course.

Assessment

Exam (90%, duration: 2 hours) in the summer exam period.
Continuous assessment (10%).

Course selection videos

Some departments have produced short videos to introduce their courses. Please refer to the course selection videos index page for further information.

Important information in response to COVID-19

Please note that during 2021/22 academic year some variation to teaching and learning activities may be required to respond to changes in public health advice and/or to account for the differing needs of students in attendance on campus and those who might be studying online. For example, this may involve changes to the mode of teaching delivery and/or the format or weighting of assessments. Changes will only be made if required and students will be notified about any changes to teaching or assessment plans at the earliest opportunity.

Key facts

Department: Mathematics

Total students 2020/21: 62

Average class size 2020/21: 16

Capped 2020/21: No

Value: Half Unit

Guidelines for interpreting course guide information

Personal development skills

  • Self-management
  • Problem solving
  • Application of information skills
  • Communication
  • Application of numeracy skills
  • Specialist skills