Introduction to optimization. Problem formulation. Linear programming. The simplex method and its variants (revised simplex method, dual simplex method). Extreme points of polyhedral sets. Theory of linear inequalities (Farkas Lemma). Complementary slackness and duality. Post-optimality analysis. Applications (elementary games, transportation problems, networks, etc.)
T R 1230-1350 online
ECHA L1-350
M 1600-1650 online T 1800-1850 online R 1000-1050 online
http://www.math.ualberta.ca/~bowman/m373
Dimitris Bertsimas and John N. Tsitsiklis, Introduction to Linear Optimization, Athena Scientific, 1997. ISBN: 978-1886529199
The material taught during the class is mainly from the first 5 chapters (BTonlyCh12345.pdf).
Homework | 10% | ||
Quiz 1 | 10% | September 24 | 12:30-13:10 ECHA L1-350 |
Quiz 2 | 10% | October 15 | 12:30-13:10 ECHA L1-350 |
Quiz 3 | 10% | November 26 | 12:30-13:10 ECHA L1-350 |
Quiz 4 | 10% | December 5 | 12:30-13:10 ECHA L1-350 |
Midterm | 20% | October 29 | 12:30-13:10 ECHA L1-350 |
Final | 30% | December 18 | 08:30-9:30 BUS B-18, B-24, B-28 |
Deferred | 30% | January 11 | 09:00-10:00 or 14:00-15:00 TBA |
In this course we will use a pyramidal learning hierarchy of homework, quizzes, and exams; each of greater weight than, and building on the material taught, in the previous level.
The homework is designed to be assessment for learning (formative), as opposed to assessment of learning (summative). There will be two kinds of homework: machine-graded eClass Homework problems and long-answer human-graded Assignments. Homework and Assignments must be completed on or before the given due date. You will be granted unlimited attempts on the eClass Homework problems up until the closing date.
Although the homework assignments only count for 10% of your grade, it is essential that you invest serious effort in solving the homework problems, as they prepare you for the four machine-graded eClass quizzes, worth 40% of your grade.
Discussion with your classmates on specific homework problems is encouraged, provided that you independently write up your own solutions.
The final letter grade will be determined from the course mark based on an absolute standard, taking into the account the difficulty of the exams. Assigned grades are unofficial until approved by the Department of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences and Faculty of Science.
On quizzes and exams, you must work independently; questions of interpretation should be directed to the instructor. There will be one 40-minute midterm examination and one 60-minute final exam.
All students will be granted double time on all quizzes and exams, so please set aside double time in your calendar!
By enrolling in this course, you agree to be available for the dates and times indicated above for the Quizzes and Exams. Your best 3 out of 4 quizzes will used to calculate your Quiz score (so each of your best 3 quizzes are in fact worth 13.3% of your grade). If in extenuating circumstances you miss the midterm, the instructor may approve a transfer of the weight of the midterm to the (generally harder) final exam, provided that the student has earned at least 50% so far on the homework.
The quizzes, midterm, and final exams will be written in a computer lab using the Stack assessment tool, powered by a symbolic algebra engine. All quizzes and exams are closed book: you may not consult any books, resources, or people during the exam. Calculators and formula sheets are not allowed. You may not access any websites other than eClass. Accessing any other URL is a violation of the Student Academic Integrity Policy. During exams, please don't use earbuds or headphones or any technology other than the desktop computer that you are using to access the quizzes and exams. The only URL you are allowed to open is the link to the eClass quiz.
Your student photo I.D. is required at exams to verify your identity. Students will not be allowed to begin an examination after it has been in progress for 30 minutes. Students must remain in the exam room until at least 30 minutes has elapsed. Electronic equipment, including cell phones, must be turned off and stored out of sight. Cell phones are to be turned off during lectures, labs, and seminars.
A student who cannot write the final examination due to incapacitating illness, severe domestic affliction, or other compelling reasons can apply for a deferred final examination. Such an application must be made to the student's Faculty office within two working days of the missed examination and must be supported by appropriate documentation or a Statutory Declaration. Deferred examinations are a privilege and not a right; there is no guarantee that a deferred examination will be granted. Misrepresentation of facts to gain a deferred examination is a serious breach of the Student Academic Integrity Policy.
There will be no deferred midterms or quizzes.
When a term assessment or final exam presents a conflict based on non-medical protected grounds, students must apply to the Academic Success Centre for accommodations via their Register for Accommodations website. Students can review their eligibility and choose the application process specific for Accommodations Based on Non-medical Protected Grounds.
Students who are absent for an extended period of time (three weeks or more) for whatever reason (medical or other) should communicate with their instructor as soon as possible. If such a situation arises, you are strongly encouraged to reach out to an academic advisor in your faculty to discuss options that may be appropriate in situations of extended absence (e.g. withdrawing from the course).
Material related to this course, including sample midterm and final exams, will be posted on the web page noted above. Additional material will be periodically sent by email to your official U of A email address. If you do not regularly read your U of A email, it is your responsibility to forward your U of A email to your preferred email account.
Audio or video recording, digital or otherwise, of lectures, labs, seminars, or any other teaching environment by students is allowed only with the prior written consent of the instructor or as a part of an approved accommodation plan. Student or instructor content, digital or otherwise, created and/or used within the context of the course is to be used solely for personal study, and is not to be used or distributed for any other purpose without prior written consent from the content author(s).
The office hours will typically be recorded and posted to eClass and deleted once the course is over. To access the recordings, click on Online Classroom and then Cloud Recordings. These recordings are made available under the following conditions:
Integrity is doing the right thing, even when no one is watching. - C.S. Lewis
The University of Alberta is committed to the highest standards of academic integrity and honesty, as well as maintaining a learning environment that fosters the safety, security, and the inherent dignity of each member of the community, ensuring students conduct themselves accordingly. Students are expected to be familiar with the standards of academic honesty and appropriate student conduct, and to uphold the policies of the University in this respect.
Students are particularly urged to familiarize themselves with the provisions of the Student Academic Integrity Policy, the Student Conduct Policy, and avoid any behaviour that could potentially result in suspicions of academic misconduct (e.g., cheating, plagiarism, misrepresentation of facts, participation in an offence) and non-academic misconduct (e.g., discrimination, harassment, physical assault). Academic and non-academic misconduct are taken very seriously and can result in suspension or expulsion from the University.
All students are expected to consult the Academic Integrity website for clarification on the various academic offences. All forms of academic dishonesty are unacceptable at the University. Unfamiliarity of the rules, procrastination or personal pressures are not acceptable excuses for committing an offence. Listen to your instructor, be a good person, ask for help when you need it, and do your own work - this will lead you toward a path to success. Any academic integrity concern in this course will be reported to the College of Natural and Applied Sciences. Suspected cases of non-academic misconduct will be reported to the Dean of Students. The College, the Faculty, and the Dean of Students are committed to student rights and responsibilities, and adhere to due process and administrative fairness, as outlined in the Student Academic Integrity Policy and Student Conduct Policy.
The College of Natural and Applied Sciences (CNAS) has created an Academic Integrity for CNAS Students eClass site. Students can self enroll and review the various resources provided, including the importance of academic integrity, examples of academic misconduct & possible sanctions, and the academic misconduct & appeal process. They can also complete assessments to test their knowledge and earn a completion certificate.
If you are experiencing harassment, discrimination, fraud, theft or any other issue and would like to get confidential advice, please contact any of these campus services: