Combinatorics and Optimization

Our Department of Combinatorics and Optimization is world famous for its concentration of expertise in applied mathematical areas intimately related to computer science. These areas include cryptography, providing security for electronic communications; graph theory, for such applications as modeling transportation networks; and optimization, for improving the efficiency of many business and scientific concerns.

The application of combinatorics and optimization is as diverse as planning the efficient layout of a factory floor, synchronizing traffic lights, and improving telecommunications signals. Formerly, such problems would be solved by imprecise methods, giving results that were both unreliable and costly. Today, these problems are subjected to rigid mathematical analysis, providing exact solutions or highly reliable estimates. Combinatorics and optimization provide many of the mathematical tools used for solving such problems.

Major areas of study within Combinatorics and Optimization include enumeration, combinatorial designs, graph theory, linear programming, nonlinear optimization, operations research, and combinatorial optimization.

Combinatorics and Optimization is offered through both the co-op and the regular systems of study. You apply to co-op when you apply to the Faculty of Mathematics. Your first work term begins in first year, and you will have the opportunity to complete six work terms.

System of study

Co-op or regular
Choose your system when you apply

Apply to

Mathematics — co-op or regular — WM

Co-op students at work

Cryptographic Security Analyst, Bank of Nova Scotia – Support bank's cryptographic security systems, develop security strategies, test and implement security systems.
Design Specialist, Clearnet – Design and implement deployment plans for PCs cell sites in Clearnet's wireless network, including site optimization and troubleshooting.

Grads at work

Business Analyst, Hutchison Telecommunications
Quality Assurance Specialist, Mortice Kern Systems Inc.
Application Systems Programmer, Royal Bank of Canada
Technical Support Assistant, Sybase Inc.

Visit the University of Waterloo Undergraduate Calendar for a list of courses and degree requirements for this program.

For more information, visit the Department of Combinatorics and Optimization.