UnitLevel 5Postgraduate

FIT5216 Modelling discrete optimisation problems

Faculty of Information Technology

FIT5216 Modelling discrete optimisation problems is a level 5, 6-credit-point, postgraduate unit from the Faculty of Information Technology, offered in 2023 in Semester 1 at Clayton and Suzhou (SEU). It needs FIT9131, FIT9133 or FIT9136.

Credit points
6
Offered in 2023
Semester 1
Clayton, Suzhou (SEU)
Assessment
Exam 40%
and 5 other tasks
Workload
144 hours
per semester

This is the 2023 handbook entry. See the 2027 entry.

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Requisites

After FIT5216

No unit lists FIT5216 as a prerequisite in the 2023 handbook.

Enrolment rules

Prerequisite: For students enrolled in E3001, E3002, E3005, E3010, E3011, E3007 completing the Software Engineering specialisation: FIT2099

Prerequisite: For C6007 students who commended in 2020: None

Overview

This unit introduces the fundamentals of modelling for discrete optimisation, focusing on how to rigorously express a discrete optimisation problem in a manner that is can be solved. Topics covered will include decision variables, basic constraints, modelling with sets, modelling with functions, multiple modelling viewpoints, modelling time, common modelling patterns, model translation, and debugging discrete optimisation models. We will examine complex real world problems and see how they can be translated so that they can be solved by modern discrete optimisation technology.

Offerings in 2023

Teaching periodCampusMode
First semesterClaytonOn campus
First semesterSuzhou (SEU)On campus

Assessment

  • In class participationParticipationThreshold hurdle
    10%
  • Assignment 1AssignmentThreshold hurdle
    5%
  • Assignment 2AssignmentThreshold hurdle
    15%
  • Mid-semester testOtherThreshold hurdle
    5%
  • Assignment 3AssignmentThreshold hurdle
    25%
  • Scheduled final assessment (2 hours and 10 minutes)ExamThreshold hurdle
    40%

Learning outcomes

When you finish this unit, you should be able to:

  1. 1

    model a discrete optimisation problem using a mix of basic and more advanced modelling techniques in a high level modelling language;

  2. 2

    interpret and explain models written by others;

  3. 3

    explain how models are mapped to solver-level input;

  4. 4

    identify and fix errors in models;

  5. 5

    evaluate the limitations, appropriateness and benefits of different modelling patterns for common problem classes;

  6. 6

    evaluate and improve the efficiency of models by applying different model transformations.

Workload and teaching

  • Workshops24 hours
  • Laboratories24 hours
  • Teaching approachActive learning

Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of scheduled online and face to face learning activities and independent study. Independent study may include associated reading and preparation for scheduled teaching activities.

Learning resources

Technology resources

All code examples, lab tasks and assignments use the MiniZinc constraint modelling language. MiniZinc is available free from https://www.minizinc.org for Windows, Linux and macOS. We recommend that you install MiniZinc on your own laptop, however you can also access it on MoVE at https://move.monash.edu.

Where it fits

FIT5216 is part of 2 areas of study in the 2023 handbook.

Contacts

Chief Examiners
Professor Peter Stuckey

Common questions

What are the prerequisites for FIT5216?

You need FIT9131, FIT9133 or FIT9136 before you enrol. Enrolment rules also apply.

When is FIT5216 offered?

In 2023, FIT5216 runs in Semester 1 at Clayton and Suzhou (SEU).

How much work is FIT5216?

The handbook expects about 144 hours of study across the semester. No students have rated its difficulty yet.

Does FIT5216 have an exam?

Yes. The exam is worth 40% of the final mark, alongside 5 other tasks.

Which majors and minors include FIT5216?

FIT5216 is part of Computational science and Software engineering.

More details

Credit points
6
Level
5
Study level
Postgraduate
Faculty
Faculty of Information Technology
Type
Coursework
EFTSL
0.125
Student contribution
SCA Band 2
Study abroad
Available