A Case Study in Scheduling Courses

A frequent problem that college students face is that of scheduling their courses. Part of the problem stems from required courses being offered at conflicting times. To rectify the problem, Spelman students rearrange their schedules by taking a course at another Atlanta University Center School (Morehouse College, Clark Atlanta University, or Morris Brown College); postpone taking a course during a particular semester, thus prolonging their suggested course sequence; or take courses out of sequence, which is not always academically advisable. A system is needed to help resolve the problem of course conflicts. Through an investigation of Spelman requirements and major requirements within the Natural Sciences, we developed a mathematical model for scheduling courses that minimizes undesired course conflicts.