ORIE 3120
Practical Tools for Operations Research, Machine Learning and Data Science
Spring 2020

Catalog Description: The practical use of software tools and mathematical methods from operations research, machine learning, statistics and data science. Software tools include structured query language (SQL), geographical information systems (GIS), Excel and Visual Basic programming (VBA), and programming in a scripting language (either R or Python). Operations research methods include inventory management, discrete event simulation, and an introduction to the analysis of queuing systems. Machine learning and statistical methods include multiple linear regression, classification, logistic regression, clustering, time-series forecasting, and the design and analysis of A/B tests. These topics will be presented in the context of business applications from transportation, manufacturing, retail, and e-commerce.

Lecture: TTh 10:10-11:25am in Hollister Hall B14, starting January 21, 2020 or on Zoom

Instructors: Madeleine Udell and Frans Schalekamp

Announcements

• Tell us who’s in your project team by Monday March 23
• Fill out Time Zone questionnaire

Where do I …?

• The course website describes the course and links to important resources:
  • The course calendar provides times and locations for lecture, recitations. and office hours.
  • The course schedule shows when we’ll cover different content.
  • The course resources links to slides, readings, homework, and recitations.
  • The course policies discusses grading, how to get help, academic integrity, late homework policy, regrading, etc.
• Piazza is where announcements are posted. It also serves as a forum for students to post and answer questions. Piazza should be used to ask logistical questions and conceptual questions.
• Office hours are the right venue for detailed help with installation issues or debugging. Office hours times and locations are posted on the course calendar.
• Gradescope is where you submit assignments and receive grades.

Answers to Some Important Questions

If you have a question that isn’t answered here, please register for the course’s Piazza and ask your question there. Don’t email the instructor.

Q: Is it ok if I’m undeclared? Or if I’m majoring in something other than ORIE?
A: Yes! All majors are welcome.

Q: I want to enroll but I have a conflict with the lecture, or I have conflicts with all the discussion sections.
A: No, we won’t be approving any concurrent enrollments, and you must be able to attend a discussion section.

Q: Can I enroll for one discussion section but attend another?
A: No, you must attend the discussion section for which you are enrolled. Sections are very full and there simply is not space to allow swapping. If you must swap sections for one week (this should happen very rarely) you must make a private piazza post with this request at least 24 hours ahead of time (and receive approval). Remember, you can always submit recitations early.

Acknowledgment

This course has been built over several years by many dedicated teachers. The present instructors gratefully acknowledge Peter Jackson, Peter Frazier, John Callister, David Ruppert, and Michael Clarkson for their contributions to this course.