School

Strategic Games School

Bachelor of Operations Research

Complete a degree in operations research which teaches the mathematics of sport, gambling and conflicts. This degree teaches elementary mathematics in linear algebra, calculus, probability theory, probability models and discrete mathematics. This degree also teaches statistics and operations research methods focusing on game theory. These mathematics, statistics and operations research techniques could then be applied to real-world sport, gambling and game theory scenarios; which in turn could provide insights into industry-based problems such as defense, law and risk-taking strategies. Using mathematics learn how to make real money under ideal conditions in blackjack (as depicted in the movie ’21’), video poker, Caribbean stud poker, poker machines, tennis wagering and the stock market. By modelling lawsuits as a casino game, the famous Kelly criterion can be applied to determine when to file a lawsuit given there are risks involved if unsuccessful in court. Also learn the mathematics behind the famous Duckworth, Lewis and Stern method used in limited overs cricket and the Nash Equilibrium (as depicted in the movie ‘A Beautiful Mind’).

Objectives

• Learn mathematical, statistical and optimization concepts including Markov Chains, Binomial theorem, recursion formulas, generating functions, probability theory, distribution theory, Normal distribution, Normal Power approximation, exponential smoothing, game theory and Bayesian updating
• Become familiarized with Excel software by hands-on experience in building your own tennis calculator and other sports, which in turn assists in the understanding of probability and statistical concepts
• Apply operations research techniques to addressing real-world problems in sport and industry
• Have a greater appreciation of the sport of tennis through its history and unique scoring structure
• Become an informed consumer in risk-taking activities of gambling, lawsuits and the stock market

1st year subjects

Probability models

Probability theory

Game theory

Statistics

Operations research methods

Operations research methods 2

Calculus

Linear algebra

2nd year subjects

Probability models 2

Probability theory 2

Game theory 2 

Statistics 2

Discrete mathematics  

Non-linear programming 

Operations research in tennis

The mathematics of tennis

3rd year subjects

Probability models 3

Probability theory 3

Game theory 3

Operations research in practice

Network optimization 

Simulation modelling 

The mathematics of risk-taking games 

Operations research in sport