VVZ API is not affiliated with ETH Zurich. Data might be outdated or incorrect. Please view the official ETHZ Vorlesungsverzeichnis for binding information.
Engineering Design Optimization
Last Updated: 2026-06-03 00:07:39
Abstract
The course covers fundamentals of computational optimization methods in the context of engineering design. It develops skills to formally state and model engineering design tasks as optimization problems and select appropriate methods to solve them.
Objective
The lecture and exercises teach the fundamentals of optimization methods in the context of engineering design. After taking the course students will be able to express engineering design problems as formal optimization problems. Students will also be able to select and apply a suitable optimization method given the nature of the optimization model. They will understand the links between optimization and engineering design in order to design more efficient and performance optimized technical products. The exercises are MATLAB based.
Content
1. Optimization modeling and theory 2. Unconstrained optimization methods 2. Constrained optimization methods - linear and non-linear 4. Direct search methods 5. Stochastic and evolutionary search methods 6. Multi-objective optimization
Resources
Lecture Notes
available on Moodle
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- BSC , DR , MSC
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- end-of-semester examination
- Mode
- written 120 minutes
- Aids
- 1 A4 sheet handwritten formula
- Digital
- The exam takes place on devices provided by ETH Zurich.
Registration & Places
- Max Places
- 60
- Signup End
- 21.09.2026
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture with exercise | Engineering Design Optimization | No time listed | 4 h weekly |
Offered In
-
-
-
-
Design, Mechanics and Manufacturing (Focus Coordinator: Prof. Dennis Kochmann To achieve the required 20 credit points for the Focus Specialization Design, Mechanics and Manufacturing, all of the courses listed can be selected. If required, one course from another focus specialization or from the electives of the ME Bachelor program can be selected. For recommended courses and further information, please visit the MAVT website for Focus Specialization ( ).)
-
-
-
-
-
Core Courses (The Core Courses in the Master’s program Mechanical Engineering listed below are indicative and include courses designed by the Department at the Master's level. With the approval of the tutor, students may also select Master's-level courses offered by other departments at ETH. These courses will be marked as non-regular in the LAG, but their categorization as Core Courses is possible if included in the approved LAG.)
-
-
Doctorate Materials Science (Further information at: )
-
-
-