University of Birmingham School of Computer Science
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Programme Specification for the MSc in Multidisciplinary Optimisation

NOTE: This is a formal specification for the degree programme. If you are not yet a student in the School, you will find more appropriate information on the Taught Postgraduate Admissions pages.

Final Award MSc
Interim Awards PGCert, PGDip
Programme Title Multidisciplinary Optimisation
School/Department School of Computer Science
Banner Code 9150
Mode(s) of Study Full-time
Length of Programme 1 year
Total Credits 180
UCAS Code N/A
Awarding Institution The University of Birmingham
Teaching Institution The University of Birmingham
Designed for accreditation by -
QAA Benchmarking Groups Computing
Completed by Prof J E Rowe
Date 2 May 2012
Educational Aims of Programme

  1. This distinct programme covers the field of optimisation from a highly multi-disciplinary point of view. It includes mathematical programming methods, heuristic optimisation as well as metaheuristic optimisation. It treats optimisation holistically and provides the students with a unique set of skills that neither computer science nor mathematics could provide easily.
  2. Some (not all!) examples of the topics include linear and nonlinear programming, mixed integer programming, conic programming, heuristic optimisation, meta-heuristic optimisation (evolutionary optimisation, ant colony optimisation, tabu search, simulated annealing, ...), constraint handling, multi-objective optimisation, dynamic optimisation, machine learning, data analysis, etc.
  3. Not only will students learn about the technical knowledge, they will also get opportunities to apply them and gain first-hand experiences through project work. They will have opportunities to apply what they have learned to solve problems in different fields, and this will allow them to specialise according to their strength and interest.
  4. The programme emphasises transferable skills and has incorporated a research skills module. It will also reinforce such skills through project work. We expect the students either to move into industry or to continue their postgraduate studies (towards PhD) after they have completed this degree.
Reference Points used to inform Programme Outcomes
Computing Benchmarking Statement, the University and School Teaching and Learning Strategies.
Special features of the Programme
None.

 

Programme Outcomes and Learning, Teaching and Assessment Strategies

Knowledge & Understanding
Ref A. Students are expected to have knowledge and understanding of... Teaching, Learning & Assessment Strategies to enable outcome to be achieved and demonstrated
Learning & Teaching Methods Assessment Methods
1 Mathematical programming methods. Lectures Examination
2 Heuristic optimisation methods. Lectures Examination, Coursework
3 Meta-heuristic optimisation algorithms Mini-projects, Project, Lectures Mini-projects and Project (presentation of the projects and project reports), Examination, Coursework

Skills & Other Attributes
Ref B. Students are expected to have attained the following skills and other attributes: Teaching, Learning and Assessment Strategies to enable outcome to be achieved and demonstrated
Learning & Teaching Methods Assessment Methods
1 To formulate a complex optimisation problem. Mini-projects, Project, Lectures, Research Skills module Mini-projects and Project (presentation of the projects and project reports), Examination, Coursework
(transferable skills)
2 To solve optimisation problems using appropriate methods. Mini-projects, Project, Lectures, Research Skills module Mini-projects and Project (presentation of the projects and project reports), Examination, Coursework
3 To communicate technical and mathematical material clearly. Mini-projects, Project, Lectures, Research Skills module Mini-projects and Project (presentation of the projects and project reports), Examination, Coursework

Footnotes

  1. The Learning & Teaching and Assessment Methods above are not intended to be exclusive, but to indicate the main methods in use. Module Descriptions contain more detail.
  2. It is not intended to admit students to PGCert and PGDip programmes, although these qualifications will be available to students who have met the minimum requirements given in University Regulations.

See also: