CSC 525 Combinatorial Optimization
Summary
Concepts and techniques for formulating and
modeling optimization problems will be introduced, and a set of
fundamental problems in combinatorial optimization will be covered.
We will study the ``computational difficulty" of this set of
problems (easy/hard to solve), and techniques for coping with
problems that are not efficiently solvable.
Texts
No textbook is required for this course.
Lecture notes will be provided on D2L.
Optional Textbooks/References
1. C. H. Papadimitriou and K. Steiglitz, Combinatorial
Optimization: Algorithms and Complexity, Dover, ISBN
0486402584, (1998).
2. U. Vazirani, Approximation Algorithms, Springer Verlag, ISBN 3540653678, (2001).
3. B. Korte and J. Vygen, Combinatorial Optimization: Theory and Algorithms (5th edition), Springer Verlag, ISBN 3642244874, (2012).
4. G. Ausiello, P. Crescenzi, G. Gambosi, V. Kann, A. Spaccamela, M. Protasi, Complexity and Approximation: Combinatorial Optimization Problems and their Approximability Properties, Spring Verlag, ISBN 3540654313, (1999).
Grading
Homework assignments --- 50%
Assignments are due on the specified due date and time. Late submissions are not accepted.
Project --- 50%
The project details will be discussed in class. Each of you will
choose a suitable problem for her/his project. You can choose the problem yourself and discuss it with me, or you can work on one of the problems that will be suggested in class. A final report of the project describing the work done is due on March 16th.
Prerequisites
Topics
1. Quick Review.
2. Maximum Flow.
3. Matching and Weighted Matching.
4. Linear Programming.
5. Approximation Algorithms.
6. Exact and Parameterized Algorithms.
This syllabus is subject to change as necessary during the quarter. If a change occurs, it will be thoroughly addressed during class, posted under Announcements in D2L and sent via email.
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