Infra Informatics - Optimization Methods, 2.0 credits

Entry requirements

Admitted as a doctoral student.

Specific information

The course aims to

• give an overview of a variety of optimization methods, their history and applicability,
• discuss methodology, tools, and practices for applied optimization research,
• present optimization-based research projects within Infra Informatics

Learning outcomes

After completing the course, participants should be able to:

• describe and categorize various optimization methods,
• describe and discuss the suitability, possibilities, and limitations of different optimization methods in relation to certain problem settings,
• identify, select, and plan the necessary steps for conducting a successful optimization-based research project,

describe and suggest optimization-based research within Infra Informatics.

Contents

The following topics will be covered (in varying depth):

• Optimization methodology
• Mathematical programming, historic development, theoretical base, model types and approaches
• Optimal control, dynamic programming, non-linear modelling approaches
• Heuristics, search, constraint programming
• Algorithms, data science, complexity
• Logic, satisfiability, proving, machine learning
• Tools, solvers, modelling, and programming languages

Educational methods

The course is given during VT2 each year. The schedule consists of

• A half-day startup meeting, presenting the common framework for the whole course and first lectures on the course topics.
• Two full day seminar days, with lectures on the course topics and presentations by senior researchers at KTS about projects where optimization has been applied.
• An individual homework assignment.
• A half-day final meeting, with student presentations and discussions.

Examination

Responsible for the Optimization Methods course is Tomas Lidén.

The examination for the Optimization Methods course consists of:

• Mandatory participation in the four seminar occasions
• Conducting, documenting, and presenting an individual assignment

Grading

General information

The course is mandatory for all doctoral students in Infra Informatics. It is also open to doctoral students in other fields.