uwloo

CO 227Introduction to Optimization (Non-Specialist Level)

Units
0.50
Faculty
Mathematics
Subject
Combinatorics and Optimization

When it runs

  1. F24
  2. W25
  3. S25
  4. F25
  5. W26
  6. S26
  7. F26
  8. W27
  9. S27

Ran in 5 of the last 7 terms. Winter 2027: scheduled, 2 lecture sections. Spring 2027: schedule not out yet.

A broad introduction to the field of optimization, discussing applications, and solution techniques. Mathematical models for real life applications; algorithms: simplex, cutting plane, and branch & bound; linear programming duality.

Prerequisites

  • Must have completed at least 1 of the following:
    • MATH106 - Applied Linear Algebra 1 (0.50)
    • MATH114 - Linear Algebra for Science (0.50)
    • MATH115 - Linear Algebra for Engineering (0.50)
    • MATH136 - Linear Algebra 1 for Honours Mathematics (0.50)
    • MATH146 - Linear Algebra 1 (Advanced Level) (0.50)

Antirequisites

  • Not completed nor concurrently enrolled in any of the following:
    • CO250 - Introduction to Optimization (0.50)
    • CO255 - Introduction to Optimization (Advanced Level) (0.50)

Leads to

Fall 2026 sections

Enrolment from UW Open Data, which can trail Quest by up to two days. Instructors and rooms: Schedule of Classes.
SectionClassEnrolledMeets
LEC 001595145 / 65TTh 13:00–14:20

Winter 2027 sections

Enrolment from UW Open Data, which can trail Quest by up to two days. Instructors and rooms: Schedule of Classes.
SectionClassEnrolledMeets
LEC 00157720 / 80MW 10:00–11:20
LEC 701227016 / 9999Online or by arrangement
TUT 10185090 / 80M 13:30–14:20

Reviewed on UW Flow

86% liked it81% easy92% useful

From 14 ratings and 5 comments on UW Flow. The most helpful comments, quoted as written, without names. Read them all on UW Flow.

  • final exam was genuinely brutal, henry is nice but doesn't teach very well. martin's notes helped teach me more than henry did. midterm + biweekly assignments + final exam

    Apr 2026 · didn’t like itOn UW FlowRemove this

  • Pretty interesting - widely applicable to many fields outside of mathematics. Applies to anything quantifiably really!

    Mar 2023 · liked itOn UW FlowRemove this

  • Very straightforward and interesting course, would recommend to anyone especially if taught by Martin Pei

    Dec 2022 · liked itOn UW FlowRemove this

  • EZPZ

    May 2021 · liked itOn UW FlowRemove this

  • So easy, good elective. Very VERY straightforward.

    Mar 2019 · liked itOn UW FlowRemove this

Discussed on r/uwaterloo

55 posts and comments in 48 threads mention CO 227, August 2012 to December 2024. Quoted word for word, newest first; each reply sits under the post and the comment that started its branch. Search r/uwaterloo for newer posts.

Fall 2024

Spring 2024

Winter 2024

CO 227 - Martin Pei 3 points, 1 comment

u/gooseatwaterloo: “I am about to face Mid Term CO 227 and Prof Pei is my lecture. I'm still confused some of the concepts and feel struggling. For those who had taken his CO classes, I want to ask if his exams were similar to Practice exam? How difficult would you rate his exams? Thanks.”

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Spring 2023

Winter 2023

Fall 2022

Winter 2022

Fall 2021

How to not suck at proofs?? 18 points, 7 comments

“I’m currently taking a course that’s way more heavy in proofs then I was expecting (co 227) but I’ve never taken a math course that has had any proof components in it. …”

u/79037662: “… I haven't taken CO 227 but these suggestions are pretty general.”

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Check it elsewhere for Fall 2026

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