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CO 250Introduction to Optimization

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 7 of the last 7 terms. Winter 2027: scheduled, 5 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; aspects of computational complexity; geometry; linear programming duality, focusing on the development of algorithms.

Prerequisites

  • Complete all of the following
    • Complete 1 of the following
      • Must have completed at least 1 of the following:
        • MATH136 - Linear Algebra 1 for Honours Mathematics (0.50)
        • MATH146 - Linear Algebra 1 (Advanced Level) (0.50)
      • Earned a minimum grade of 70% in 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)
    • Earned a minimum cumulative overall average of 60

Antirequisites

  • Not completed nor concurrently enrolled in any of the following:
    • CO227 - Introduction to Optimization (Non-Specialist Level) (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 0016224119 / 120TTh 10:00–11:20
LEC 0026501108 / 120TTh 11:30–12:50
LEC 081660588 / 150Online or by arrangement
TUT 1016416227 / 240M 14:30–15:20
TST 2016645227 / 240Oct 26 19:00–20:50

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 00156220 / 120MW 14:30–15:50
LEC 00256230 / 120MW 11:30–12:50
LEC 08160500 / 200Online or by arrangement
LEC 7012206118 / 9999Online or by arrangement
LEC 702234227 / 9999Online or by arrangement
TUT 10161190 / 240W 16:30–17:20
TST 20162270 / 240Mar 3 18:00–19:50

Resources

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Reviewed on UW Flow

62% liked it42% easy72% useful

From 384 ratings and 114 comments on UW Flow. The most helpful comments, quoted as written, without names. Read them all on UW Flow.

  • fuck this class

    Nov 2024 · didn’t like it · 5 found this helpfulOn UW FlowRemove this

  • Probably the worst run course of the term. I don't know if it was miscommunication and poor timing, but the team running this course consistently disappointed student expectations. We had variable quiz times because the TA's were unable to set up quizzes on time, and ended up shortening quizzes by 5-10 minutes a couple of times. Once, we started 15 minutes late because the TA's did not set up on time, and it was a complete mess, lots of confusion. However, none of this compares to the final two weeks of this course, in which Piazza/Learn was basically abandoned for two weeks once finals season started. Although many students asked about final exam details/coverage on Piazza, they were…

    Apr 2026 · didn’t like it · 4 found this helpfulOn UW FlowRemove this

  • i dont wanna spread any more negativity than I already have about this course

    Apr 2026 · didn’t like it · 4 found this helpfulOn UW FlowRemove this

  • Very fun course with interesting concepts that you come across for the first time (atleast for me). Not as hard as everyone says and pretty easy to score well.

    May 2025 · liked it · 3 found this helpfulOn UW FlowRemove this

  • Horrible course notes, but if you go to the class youll learn

    Aug 2025 · liked it · 2 found this helpfulOn UW FlowRemove this

Discussed on r/uwaterloo

1,126 posts and comments in 732 threads mention CO 250, June 2011 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

Any CO course recommendations 4 points, 2 comments

u/Trollermaner: “I’m in cs and pursuing a CO minor (pause) I took CO250 this term and I enjoyed the content, I looked at CO372 and it looks pretty interesting. I’m also interested in graph theory cause of the parallel between graphs in cs. …”

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Co 250 wants me to cry 15 points, 3 comments

“Having an assignment and a quiz due next Monday and Tuesday BARELY 4 DAYS BEFORE THE FINAL is diabolical. I hate it”

u/Waterloo_advisor: “… (Idk anything about the situation in CO250, specifically, just trying to offer my thoughts from the instructor side, generally. …”

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CO 250 - Quality of Instruction 48 points, 6 comments

u/Ok-Feeling2802: “I’m doing well in the class (relatively speaking) so this is not an angry rant over my grade. I am super disappointed with the instruction in this class. I’m in the online section and the modules just aren’t comprehensive. …”

u/ChasingZephyr: “I'll tell you this so you can be prepared, but I don't think CO250 online or in-person, has ever allowed a formula sheet for the exam. You will have to remember everything... simplex, KKT, cutting planes, st-path, whatever else.”

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Check it elsewhere for Fall 2026

Calendar versions

Undergraduate Calendar