CME 338

CME 338: Large-Scale Numerical Optimization

Research Professor Michael Saunders
Stanford University, Spring Quarter 2018–2019

Description

The main algorithms and software for constrained optimization, emphasizing the sparse-matrix methods needed for their implementation. Iterative methods for linear equations and least squares. Interior methods. The simplex method. Basis factorization and updates. The reduced-gradient method, augmented Lagrangian methods, and SQP methods.

3 units, Spring (Michael Saunders), Grading basis ABCD/NP

Prerequisites: Basic numerical linear algebra, including LU and QR factorizations, and an interest in MATLAB, sparse-matrix methods, and gradient-based algorithms for constrained optimization

Homework, etc

There will be 4 or 5 homework assignments and one somewhat more challenging project. MATLAB is used for computational exercises.

Grades will be assessed from the homework (60%) and project (40%). There is no mid-term or final exam.

PLEASE NOTE: The project should be completed by the end of spring quarter. In the past it has been common for work to continue into the summer, but this is not ideal in terms of receiving a grade and pursuing other summer activities.

There is no text book for the class, but see ‘‘references’’ for background reading and a reminder of some of the sources out there. See ‘‘notes’’ for the topics to be covered in turn. Hardcopy of each set of notes will be handed out in class as we progress.

Location

300-380F
Mon Wed 3:00–4:20pm

First class: Mon April 1, 2019
Last class: Wed June 5, 2019

Auditors are welcome

Instructor

Michael Saunders
Research Professor, MS&E
Huang Engineering Center, ICME Suite 060, Room M03
(650) 723-1875
Office Hours: Immediately after class, or most Mon, Tue, and Wed afternoons after 5pm
saunders@stanford.edu
https://engineering.stanford.edu/people/michael-saunders
http://stanford.edu/~saunders/