Effective learning in optimization combines three core activities: studying mathematical theory, modeling real-world problems, and solving both academic and practical problems—aligned with the applied nature of the degree. While real-world optimization problems are often complex, here \"real problems\" refer to simplified scenarios based on actual situations that can be reasonably addressed within the course timeframe and that illustrate the wide applicability of optimization techniques.

Theoretical content will be delivered through recommended readings and in-class lectures.

Students will practice using dedicated modeling software when available, as well as function libraries in a general-purpose programming language aligned with their prior training. Only free and/or open-source software will be used. Students will also implement complete basic algorithms and solve specific problems using them.

The use of Artificial Intelligence tools is allowed. It should be noted that there is no guarantee that the assistance they provide is correct or useful, and the responsibility always lies with the person who uses them, both in learning concepts and in submitting assignments.

Annotation: within the schedule set by the centre or degree programme, 15 minutes of one class will be reserved for students to evaluate their lecturers and their courses or modules through questionnaires.

Evaluation Criteria

• Assignments: 20% of the final grade
• Examinations: 80% of the final grade

To pass the course, students must:

• Achieve an average of 5.0 out of 10 in the exams, with no individual exam grade below 4.0
• Obtain an overall average of 5.0 out of 10, which constitutes the final course grade

Grades not meeting these requirements may be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Each exam will have a second sitting (“resit” in the official UAB terminology). Attendance at this second sitting will automatically override the grade from the first.

Each submission will generally be graded as Pass (maximum grade) or Fail (zero), and resubmission will not be allowed. Doing things correctly the first time and following instructions is considered a merit.

A student will be considered eligible for assessment if they have submitted coursework or taken exams corresponding to at least 50% of the course, according to the weighting shown in the Assessment Activities table. Otherwise, they will be recorded as Not Assessed. For the possible awarding of Honors, grades from the second sitting will not be taken into account.

Copying or plagiarism in submissions is considered as serious as cheating in an exam and will result in an automatic fail for the course.

This course does not provide for Single Assessment.