MO2180 Mathematical Foundations for Operations Research

The objective of this course is to cover some of the mathematical tools used in operations research. These include mathematical notation and logic, an introduction to linear algebra and multivariable calculus, and convexity ideas as they are used in optimization.

Prerequisite

none

Lecture Hours

4

Lab Hours

1

Course Learning Outcomes

After successfully completing this course, the student will be able to:

• Read and write mathematical expressions using appropriate notation, including set notation and logical symbols.
• Perform mathematical operations using vector and matrix notation, and formulate and solve problems using them.
• Use a programming language such as Python to set up and solve systems of linear equations.
• Demonstrate an understanding of fundamental concepts of linear algebra including vector spaces, orthogonality, determinants and eigensystems, and matrix factorization.
• Use calculus to formulate and solve problems with differentiable functions.
• Formulate and solve basic problems in unconstrained multivariable optimization using calculus and linear algebra applied to first- and second-order optimality conditions, motivated primarily by least squares problems in statistics.
• Formulate and solve problems that require integrating functions of more than one variable, such as those arising in probability models.