The deadline for deregistering expires at the end of the second week of the semester. Students who are still registered after that date, but do not attend the seminar, will officially fail the seminar.
We look into approximation algorithms for computationally hard discrete optimization problems. Their quality is measured by the approximation ratio, i.e., the worst-case ratio between the quality of the computed solution and an optimal one, depending on the input size. We explore different techniques for the design and analysis of approximation algorithms and the limits of this approach.
Learning objective
To systematically acquire an overview of the methods for the design and analysis of approxmation algorithms. To get deeper knowledge of the classification of optimization problems according to their approximability. To learn how to analyze the approximation ratio of approximation algorithms.To learn about the limits of the approximation approach.
Content
In this seminar, we discuss how approximation can help to compute satisfactory solutions for computationally hard optimization problems. In the kick-off meeting, we will give a brief overview of modeling and classifying approximation algorithms.
Then, each participant will study one aspect of this topic, following a specific scientific publication, and will give a presentation about this topic. The topics will include design methods for approximation algorithms like greedy strategies, dynamic programming, or LP-based techniques as well as the classification of optimization problems according to their approximability. The considered problems will be well-known optimization tasks like satisfiability problems, routing problems, packing problems, etc.
Literature
The literature will consist of textbook chapters and original research papers and will be provided during the kick-off meeting.
Prerequisites / Notice
The participants should be familiar with the content of the lectures "Algorithmen und Datenstrukturen" (252-0026-00) and "Theoretische Informatik" (252-0057-00).
The presentations will be given in the form of a block course in June 2023, preferrably shortly after the end of the normal lectures.
The language can be mixed in German and English in the following sense: The teaching material will be in English, but it will be possible for at least half of the participants to give their presentations and hand in their written summaries in German.
Competencies
Subject-specific Competencies
Concepts and Theories
assessed
Method-specific Competencies
Analytical Competencies
assessed
Problem-solving
assessed
Social Competencies
Communication
assessed
Self-presentation and Social Influence
assessed
Personal Competencies
Critical Thinking
fostered
Self-awareness and Self-reflection
fostered
Self-direction and Self-management
fostered
Performance assessment
Performance assessment information (valid until the course unit is held again)
Repetition only possible after re-enrolling for the course unit.
Additional information on mode of examination
The participants will give a 30 minute presentation about their topic, followed by a 10 minute discussion. Moreover, they will hand in a written two-page summary. Both the presentation and the summary will be graded. It is mandatory to attend the presentations of all participants and to actively participate in the discussions.
Performance assessment as a semester course