MAST20018 Discrete Maths and Operations Research
University of Melbourne · Level 2 · 12.5 points · Runs in 2026: Semester 2.
- Final exam 75%: exam-heavy
- About 4 class hours a week
Is MAST20018 hard?
MAST20018: About average. Makes it harder: Final exam 75%. No student reviews yet — based on the Handbook only.
What you learn
Applied maths for real decisions: linear programming, the simplex method, duality, graphs, scheduling, matchings and fair division.
After it you can
- Turn a practical problem into an optimisation model
- Solve linear programs with the simplex method and duality
- Use graphs for scheduling, matching and fair division
What you need first
(MAST10006 or MAST10009 or MAST10021 or MAST10019) and (MAST10007 or MAST10008 or MAST10022 or MAST10013 or MAST10018)
- MAST10006 Calculus 2
- MAST10009 Accelerated Mathematics 2
- MAST10021 Calculus 2: Advanced
- MAST10007 Linear Algebra
- MAST10008 Accelerated Mathematics 1
- MAST10022 Linear Algebra: Advanced
What it leads to
- FNCE30001 Investments
- FNCE30006 Entrepreneurial Finance
- FNCE30007 Derivative Securities
- FNCE30011 Essentials of Corporate Valuation
How it’s assessed
Assignments 25%, Final exam 75%
Student reviews and ratings
Summarised from 7 students on StudentVIP (2015–2023)
- The subject has two halves: operations research (linear programming and the simplex method) and discrete maths (graphs, games, voting and fair division). Most found the discrete half the more interesting one.
- Reviews from 2015 to 2019 were mostly positive, calling it accessible for second-year maths. From 2020 views dropped: the operations research half was hard to follow, and a 2023 reviewer found it poorly run.
- Linear algebra background helps. Tutorials and past exams were seen as good preparation, assessment as reasonable, and keeping up each week matters so you do not fall behind.
A summary of public reviews, not scored here.
Taken this subject? Rate it anonymously (difficulty, workload, marking, would you recommend it) and leave a tip for next year's students. Rate MAST20018
Quick answers
- When is MAST20018 offered?
- Runs in 2026: Semester 2.
- What do I need before taking MAST20018?
- Needs (MAST10006 or MAST10009 or MAST10021 or MAST10019) and (MAST10007 or MAST10008 or MAST10022 or MAST10013 or MAST10018).
- Does MAST20018 have a final exam?
- Yes, the final exam is 75% of the mark. Assessment: Assignments 25%, Final exam 75%.
- Is MAST20018 hard?
- From 7 student reviews on StudentVIP: The subject has two halves: operations research (linear programming and the simplex method) and discrete maths (graphs, games, voting and fair division). Most found the discrete half the more interesting one.
- What do students say about MAST20018?
- The subject has two halves: operations research (linear programming and the simplex method) and discrete maths (graphs, games, voting and fair division). Most found the discrete half the more interesting one. Reviews from 2015 to 2019 were mostly positive, calling it accessible for second-year maths. From 2020 views dropped: the operations research half was hard to follow, and a 2023 reviewer found it poorly run. Linear algebra background helps. Tutorials and past exams were seen as good preparation, assessment as reasonable, and keeping up each week matters so you do not fall behind.
- How many class hours a week does MAST20018 have?
- 4 h a week in class
- Can I take MAST20018 as breadth?
- Yes, for: Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of Design, Bachelor of Environments, Bachelor of Fine Arts (Acting), Bachelor of Fine Arts (Animation), Bachelor of Fine Arts (Dance), Bachelor of Fine Arts (Film and Television), Bachelor of Fine Arts (Music Theatre), Bachelor of Fine Arts (Production), Bachelor of Fine Arts (Screenwriting), Bachelor of Fine Arts (Theatre), Bachelor of Fine Arts (Visual Art), Bachelor of Music.
- What can I take after MAST20018?
- 4 subjects need it first, for example FNCE30001, FNCE30006, FNCE30007, FNCE30011.
- Can I rate MAST20018?
- Yes. If you've taken it, rate it anonymously on this page (difficulty, workload, marking, would you recommend it) and leave a tip for next year's students. Averages show once 3 students have rated it; tips are checked before they appear.
Source: University of Melbourne Handbook 2025
Always confirm in the official Handbook.
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