MSc Operational Research Programme Specification 1. Programme title MSc Operational Research 2. Awarding institution Middlesex University 3. Teaching institution Middlesex University 4. Details of accreditation by professional/statutory/regulatory body 5. Final qualification MSc Operational Research / PgDip Operational Research 6. Academic year 2014-15 7. Language of study English (UK) 8. Mode of study Full time 9. Criteria for admission to the programme An Honours degree normally classified 2.2 or above, or equivalent in a subject area with a high quantitative content. This includes, but is not limited to, Mathematical Sciences, Physical Sciences, Computer Sciences, Engineering, Economics and Finance. Alternatively, applicants may enter the programme with a suitable professional qualification with evidence of quantitative ability. Successful applicants must have competence in English language. For international applicants whose first language is not English the requirement is that they have IELTS 6.5 (with minimum 6.0 in all four components) or TOEFL internet based 87 (with at least 21 in listening & writing, 22 in speaking and 23 in reading). 10. Aims of the programme The programme aims to: provide students with a thorough grounding in the fundamental concepts, techniques and tools of operational research; develop advanced skills in critical evaluation, quantitative and statistical analysis and communication with non-specialists; develop students knowledge and understanding of the practical applications of analytic methods; provide students with the analytic and communication skills sought by employers. 1
11. Programme outcomes A. Knowledge and understanding On completion of this programme the successful student will have knowledge and understanding of: A1 key concepts and tools in operational research; A2 current theory and practice of key analytical methods in decision-making and problem solving; A3 the strengths and limitations of operational research techniques, including statistical and simulation methods; A4 the role of operational research in the external context of business, government and industry; A5 methods, techniques and theoretical perspectives deployed in relevant research and scholarship. B. Cognitive (thinking) skills On completion of this programme the successful student will be able to: B1 critically evaluate operational research concepts, theories, models and techniques; B2 select and apply appropriate operational research models and tools for real world problems and critically evaluate their impact in business, government and industry; B3 exercise critical judgement in the development of hypotheses or in analysing flaws in reasoning; B4 synthesise information from multiple sources, evaluate options and reach justifiable conclusions in relation to problem solving and decision-making; B5 analyse and develop analytical techniques and tools for organisational and operational problem solving. Teaching/learning methods Students gain knowledge and understanding through a combination of lectures, practical computer lab sessions, directed reading, independent study, coursework and research. Assessment methods Students knowledge and understanding is assessed by a combination of individual and collaborative coursework, presentations, examinations and project work. Teaching/learning methods Students learn cognitive skills through a combination of lectures, practical computer lab sessions, directed reading, independent study, facilitated discussion, coursework and research. Analyses and critical thinking are strengthened through participation in lectures and seminars, and independent study. Formative and post-assessment feedback is provided on all assessed coursework. Assessment methods Students cognitive skills are assessed by a combination of individual and collaborative coursework, presentations, examinations and project work. 2
C. Practical skills On completion of the programme the successful student will be able to: C1 formulate, analyse and solve practical organisational and operational problems using appropriate analytical, numerical, computational and comparative techniques; C2 effectively organise, present and interpret quantitative information and results of statistical analyses; C3 evaluate complex material and use it to present reasoned arguments to support decisions based on the results of analysis and modelling of data; C4 deploy a range of communication and interpersonal skills; C5 undertake substantial research in the context of operational research, problem solving and decision-making Teaching/learning methods Students learn practical skills through participation in workshops, seminars, guided discussions, individual and collaborative work and independent study.. Assessment methods Students practical skills are assessed by individual coursework, presentations, lab coursework examinations and project work. 3
12. Programme structure (levels, modules, credits and progression requirements) 12. 1 Overall structure of the programme Term 1 MSO4511 Optimisation theory MSO4512 Applied optimisation MSO4513 Computational complexity [15] MSO4514 Probability and stochastic modelling [15] Term 2 Option Option [30] [30] [15] [15] Term 3 MSO4991 Project [60] Options: MSO4345 Mso4351 Mso4522 Data mining Time series and forecasting Game and decision theories 12.2 Levels and modules Starting in academic year 2010/11 the University is changing the way it references modules to state the level of study in which these are delivered. This is to comply with the national Framework for Higher Education Qualifications. This implementation will be a gradual process whilst records are updated. Therefore the old coding is bracketed below. Level 7 (4) COMPULSORY OPTIONAL PROGRESSION Students must take all of the following: MSO4511 MSO4512 MSO4513 MSO4514 MSO4991 Students must also choose two from the following: MSO4345 MSO4351 MSO4522 REQUIREMENTS Students must pass 120 credits to progress to the project 4
12.3 Non-compensatable modules (note statement in 12.2 regarding FHEQ levels) Module level Module code N/A 13. Curriculum map See attached. 14. Information about assessment regulations Middlesex University Assessment Regulations apply to this programme, without exception. 15. Placement opportunities, requirements and support (if applicable) 16. Future careers (if applicable) The programme develops students knowledge, skills and capabilities to an advanced level in operational research. These attributes are sought after in a variety of public and private sector organisations, and this programme will prepare them for key positions at a strategic or decision-making level. As a result of the enhancement of students independent problems solving and decisionmaking abilities during the programme, graduates are also better equipped for entrepreneurial activity. For students who have taken a career break to continue their formal education, this programme will enhance opportunities for career progression. 17. Particular support for learning (if applicable) Dedicated mechatronics facility equipped with the latest industrial automation equipment and an integrated flexible manufacturing system Virtual Learning Environment and dedicated CAD/CAM equipment, electronics manufacturing and prototyping facilities inspiring guest speakers from industry Induction and orientation programme English Language Support and Numeracy support offered by the Learner Development Unit Access to student counsellors 18. JACS code (or other relevant coding system) G200 5
19. Relevant QAA subject benchmark group(s) Mathematics, Statistics and Operational Research 20. Reference points QAA Guidelines for programme specifications QAA Qualifications Framework Middlesex University Regulations Middlesex University Learning Framework Programme Design Guidance, 2012 21. Other information Please note programme specifications provide a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve if s/he takes full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided. More detailed information about the programme can be found in the rest of your programme handbook and the university regulations. 6
Curriculum map for MSc Operational Research This section shows the highest level at which programme outcomes are to be achieved by all graduates, and maps programme learning outcomes against the modules in which they are assessed. Programme learning outcomes Knowledge and understanding Cognitive skills Practical skills A1 A2 A3 A4 A5 B1 B2 B3 B4 B5 C1 C2 C3 C4 C5 key concepts and tools in operational research current theory and practice of key analytical methods in decision-making and problem solving the strengths and limitations of operational research techniques, including statistical and simulation methods the role of operational research in the external context of business, government and industry methods, techniques and theoretical perspectives deployed in relevant research and scholarship critically evaluate operational research concepts, theories, models and techniques select and apply appropriate operational research models and tools for real world problems and critically evaluate their impact in business, government and industry exercise critical judgement in the development of hypotheses or in analysing flaws in reasoning synthesise information from multiple sources, evaluate options and reach justifiable conclusions in relation to problem solving and decision-making analyse and develop analytical techniques and tools for organisational and operational problem solving formulate analyse and solve practical organisational and operational problems using appropriate analytical, numerical and comparative techniques effectively organise, present and interpret quantitative information and results of statistical analyses evaluate complex material and use it to present reasoned arguments to support decisions based on the results of analysis and modelling of data deploy a range of communication and interpersonal skills undertake substantial research in the context of operational research, problem solving and decision-making 6
Programme outcomes A1 A2 A3 A4 A5 B1 B2 B3 B4 B5 C1 C2 C3 C4 C5 Highest level achieved by all graduates 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 Module Title Core Module Code by Level Programme outcomes A1 A2 A3 A4 A5 B1 B2 B3 B4 B5 C1 C2 C3 C4 C5 Optimisation theory MSO4511 Applied optimisation MSO4512 Computational complexity MSO4513 Probability and stochastic modelling MSO4514 Project MSO4991 Options Data mining MSO4345 Time series and forecasting MSO4351 Game and decision theories MSO4522 7