M323 is the first of two introductory courses in operations research. We discuss how to form optimization models, how to solve and analyze them, and how to recognize tractable cases.
Emphasis is placed on linear programming models.
These models are well understood and are of great practical significance. Other areas of optimization are also introduced. M424 is the second introductory course. In it, operations research models having probablistic elements are studied. M211 and M212, or equivalent experience in elementary multivariate calculus, linear algebra, manipulating matrices, and representing weighted sums in matrix notation.