MATH 208

Operations Research

Instructor

Mark Herman

E-mail: mherman4 at ur dot rochester dot edu

Office: Hylan 1008

Lectures: TR 2:00-3:15pm, Hylan 202.

Office Hours: Wed 11:05-12:30pm, Thurs 11:30-1pm.

Teaching Assistants

Gabriel Hoag

E-mail: ghoag2 at u dot rochester dot edu

Office Hours: Wed 3:30-4:30pm in Gleason Library.

Andi Hu

E-mail: ahu18 at u dot rochester dot edu

Office Hours: Thurs 3:30-4:30pm in Gleason Library.

Text

There will be extensive notes posted in blackboard throughout the semester. We follow several chapters of:

Linear Optimization: The Simplex Workbook by Glenn H. Hurlbert.

PDF available for download from UR library. You can find the link in Course Materials on the MTH 208 blackboard site.

If you are looking for additional references I suggest:

Operations Research by Hillier and Lieberman (any edition is fine).

An Introduction to Operations Research by Hamdy A. Taha (any edition is fine).

Prerequisites

MATH 164, and MATH 165 or 173.

Grade

35% Written Homework + 5% Webwork homework + 25% Midterm + 35% Final Exam

You will NOT be permitted calculators or other electronic devices (iPhone, smart watches, etc.) on any exams. You will NOT be permitted books, notes, or “cheat sheets” on any exams.

Incomplete “I” grades are almost never given. The only justification is a documented serious medical problem or a genuine personal/family emergency. Falling behind in this course or problems with workload on other courses are not acceptable reasons.

Exams

• Midterm
  • Tuesday, Oct 22
  • Time: 2:00-3:15PM
  • Location: in class
• Final Exam
  • Monday, Dec 16
  • Time: 12:30-3:30PM
  • Location: Hylan 202

Makeup exams are typically not offered. If you have exceptional circumstances discuss it with your instructor and provide documentation verifying the situation. The Final exam is cumulative and cannot replace a midterm.

Written Homework

Written homework will be due most weeks on Friday at 2pm, starting September 15. Homework is submitted on gradescope, an online grading platform. Instructions for submitting on gradescope can be found on the homework rules page:

• Homework Schedule

• Rules for Homework

Your lowest written homework score will be dropped.

Webwork

Webwork sets will also be due some weeks on Friday at 2pm, starting September 15. Please note that extensions will only be granted in exceptional circumstances. A crowded schedule or minor illness are NOT valid reasons to ask for an extension. If you know you will be absent from school for an extended period, inform your instructor as early as possible so arrangements can be made.

Each webwork problem will be weighted equally and the lowest 5% will be dropped from your grade.

To access webwork click the Webwork link in the MTH 208 blackboard site.

Academic honesty

All assignments and activities associated with this course must be performed in accordance with the University of Rochester’s Academic Honesty Policy. More information is available at: www.rochester.edu/college/honesty.

In this class, you are encouraged to discuss homework with each other, but your work must be your own, and you may not copy someone else’s answers. The detailed policy on homework collaboration can be found on the Homework Rules page.

Also, be aware of the Dept. of Mathematics policy on unauthorized online resources: Any usage whatsoever of online solution sets or paid online resources (chegg.com or similar) is considered an academic honesty violation and will be reported to the Board on Academic Honesty. In particular, any assignment found to contain content which originated from such sources is subject to a minimum penalty of zero on the assignment and a full letter grade reduction at the end of the semester (e.g. a B would be reduced to a C). This applies even if the unauthorized content was obtained through indirect means (through a friend for instance) and/or the student is seemingly unaware that the content originated from such sources. If you have any questions about whether resources are acceptable, please check with your instructor.

Help

If you run into trouble in the course, do not hesitate to attend instructor office hours or TA office hours. You can form a study group with your friends, since talking about the material is an excellent way to increase your understanding. There are also resources in the math department and at the university level. Math study hall is on the 11th floor of Hylan Mon-Thurs from 5-8.

Disability Support

The University of Rochester respects and welcomes students of all backgrounds and abilities. In the event you encounter any barrier(s) to full participation in this course due to the impact of disability, please contact the Office of Disability Resources. The access coordinators in the Office of Disability Resources can meet with you to discuss the barriers you are experiencing and explain the eligibility process for establishing academic accommodations. You can reach the Office of Disability Resources at: (585) 275-3424; Taylor Hall. Or, visit Disability Resources.

Please note that to be granted alternate testing accommodations, you (the student) must fill out forms with Disability Resources at least seven days before each and every exam. These forms are not sent automatically. Instructors are not responsible for requesting alternative testing accommodations at Disability Resources or making accommodations on their own.

College Credit-Hour Policy

This course follows the College credit hour policy for four-credit courses. This course meets 3 academic hours per week. Students may also be expected to deepen their understanding of the course material through close examination/evaluation of the readings assigned in the course.