VVZ API is not affiliated with ETH Zurich. Data might be outdated or incorrect. Please view the official ETHZ Vorlesungsverzeichnis for binding information.

401-3940-76L 4 Credits BSC , MSC D-MATH

Student Seminar on Mathematics of Data Science: Efficient Sampling of Quadratic Gibbs Measures

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Dr. Afonso Sousa Bandeira
Number of participants limited to 12.
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-07-21 00:37:07

Abstract

This seminar will focus on sampling high dimensional distributions over the hypercube {-1,1}^n. Of particular interest are algorithms that sample efficiently, meaning in time polynomial in n.

Content

This seminar will focus on sampling high dimensional distributions over the hypercube ( x \in {-1,+1}^n ). Of particular interest are algorithms that sample efficiently, meaning in time polynomial in n (even though the distribution has support of size 2^n). We focus on distribution whose density is proportional to exp( x^T J x + h^T x ) for a matrix J and a vector h (called quadratic Gibbs). These distributions arise in many important settings, such as statistical physics (including important models such as the Ising, Sherrington-Kirkpatrick, and Curie-Weiss, models) and statistical estimation where it arises as the posterior distribution of signal-in-noise models (such as community detection and Z2 synchronization). We will also develop the spectral graph theory needed to study Markov Chain Monte Carlo algorithms. Some of the many open question that remain in this field will be discussed.

General Information

Language
English
Levels
BSC , MSC
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
ungraded semester performance

Registration & Places

Limited places (Special selection)
Signup End
30.08.2026

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
seminar Student Seminar on Mathematics of Data Science: Efficient Sampling of Quadratic Gibbs Measures
Number of participants limited to 12. Advisor: Almut Rödder
No time listed 2 h weekly

Offered In

      • Seminars (Seminar placement is determined by waiting lists and is not on a first-come, first-served basis. You can add yourself directly to the waiting list for your preferred seminar via myStudies.. We recommend that you specify a second and third priority using the placeholder course “Generic Seminar – Second Priority / Third Priority.” Please register for your desired waiting list(s) by Sunday, August 2, 2026, if possible, as the selection process begins shortly thereafter.)
      • Seminars (Seminar placement is determined by waiting lists and is not on a first-come, first-served basis. You can add yourself directly to the waiting list for your preferred seminar via myStudies.. We recommend that you specify a second and third priority using the placeholder course “Generic Seminar – Second Priority / Third Priority.” Please register for your desired waiting list(s) by Sunday, August 2, 2026, if possible, as the selection process begins shortly thereafter.)