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DRPS : Course Catalogue : School of Mathematics : Mathematics

Postgraduate Course: Nonlinear Optimization (MATH11031)

Course Outline
SchoolSchool of Mathematics CollegeCollege of Science and Engineering
Course typeStandard AvailabilityAvailable to all students
Credit level (Normal year taken)SCQF Level 11 (Postgraduate) Credits10
Home subject areaMathematics Other subject areaOperational Research
Course website http://student.maths.ed.ac.uk Taught in Gaelic?No
Course descriptionThe solution of optimal decision-making and engineering design problems in which the objective and constraints are nonlinear functions of potentially (very) many variables is required on an everyday basis in the commercial and academic worlds. A closely-related subject is the solution of nonlinear systems of equations, also referred to as least-squares or data fitting problems that occur in almost every instance where observations or measurements are available for modelling a continuous process or phenomenon, such as in weather forecasting. The mathematical analysis of such problems and study of the classical methods for their solution are fundamental for understanding both practical methods of solution and the nature of the solution which may be obtained. Thus it imparts knowledge and insight into the optimal choice of available methods (software) or ability to develop such techniques for the practical problems at hand.

Aims :
- To introduce the analysis of nonlinear optimization problems.
- To present the classical methods for solving nonlinear optimization problems with and without constraints, and nonlinear equations.

Syllabus summary:
Linesearch and trust-region methods for unconstrained optimization problems (steepest descent, Newton's method); conjugate gradient method; linear and nonlinear least-squares. First- and second-order optimality conditions for constrained optimization problems; overview of methods for constrained problems (active-set methods, sequential quadratic programming, interior point methods, penalty methods, filter methods).
Entry Requirements (not applicable to Visiting Students)
Pre-requisites Co-requisites
Prohibited Combinations Other requirements None
Additional Costs None
Information for Visiting Students
Pre-requisitesNone
Displayed in Visiting Students Prospectus?Yes
Course Delivery Information
Delivery period: 2011/12 Block 2 (Sem 1), Not available to visiting students (SS1) WebCT enabled:  Yes Quota:  None
Location Activity Description Weeks Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
King's BuildingsLecture1-11 11:10 - 13:00
First Class First class information not currently available
Exam Information
Exam Diet Paper Name Hours:Minutes
Main Exam Diet S2 (April/May)MSc Nonlinear Optimization2:00
Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes
Understanding the construction and main solution ideas for nonlinear optimization problems. Ability to assess the quality of available methods and solutions for such problems, as well as to potentially develop such optimization techniques and implementations.
Assessment Information
Examination 100%
Special Arrangements
None
Additional Information
Academic description Not entered
Syllabus Not entered
Transferable skills Not entered
Reading list Not entered
Study Abroad Not entered
Study Pattern Not entered
KeywordsNO
Contacts
Course organiserDr Julian Hall
Tel: (0131 6)50 5075
Email: J.A.J.Hall@ed.ac.uk
Course secretaryMrs Frances Reid
Tel: (0131 6)50 4883
Email: f.c.reid@ed.ac.uk
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© Copyright 2011 The University of Edinburgh - 16 January 2012 6:25 am