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227-0707-00L 3 Credits MSC D-ITET , D-MATH
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Optimization methods for engineers

Ausgewählte Optimierungsverfahren für Ingenieure

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. em. Dr. Christian Hafner
VVZ CR 3.8

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:13:58

Abstract

First half of the semester: Introduction to the main methods of numerical optimization with focus on stochastic methods such as genetic algorithms, evolutionary strategies, etc.Second half of the semester: Each participant implements a selected optimizer and applies it on a problem of practical interest.

Objective

Numerical optimization is of increasing importance for the development of devices and for the design of numerical methods. The students shall learn to select, improve, and combine appropriate procedures for efficiently solving practical problems.

Content

Typical optimization problems and their difficulties are outlined. Well-known deterministic search strategies, combinatorical minimization, and evolutionary algorithms are presented and compared. In engineering, optimization problems are often very complex. Therefore, new techniques based on the generalization and combination of known methods are discussed. To illustrate the procedure, various problems of practical interest are presented and solved with differen optimization codes.

Resources

Lecture Notes

PDF file seehttp://alphard.ethz.ch/hafner/Vorles/lect.htm

General Information

Language
German
Levels
MSC
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
session examination
Mode
oral 30 minutes

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture Ausgewählte Optimierungsverfahren für Ingenieure
Erste Semesterhälfte: Vorlesung mit Präsentation der wichtigsten deterministischen und stochastischen Methoden. Zweite Semesterhälfte: Durchführung eines kleinen Projektes mit Entwicklung eines eigenen Optimierungsprogrammes.
  • 26.10 Date 09:15-12:00 (ETZ K 91)
2 h weekly

Offered In