Check back here weekly as we go along, ...
Last updated on Tuesday Jan 13, 2003
Week 1: Jan 18, 20
  • Topics: Linear programming: the simplex method, duality
  • Reading Assignments:
    • Lecture notes
    • Also read the notes on NP-completeness and basic linear algebra if you need the reminders
    • Textbook: chapter 12, also read chapter 1.
Week 2: Jan 25, 27
  • Topics and Readings: Same as last week
  • Jan 25: homework 1 out
  • No class on Jan 27. I will be attending a DARPA meeting in Washington DC.
Week 3: Feb 01, 03
  • Topics and readings: same as last week
Week 4: Feb 08, 10
  • Topics: LP-based approximation algorithms
  • Readings:
    • Lecture notes
    • Textbook: Chapters 13, 14, 15
  • Feb 08: homework 1 due
Week 5: Feb 15, 17
  • Topics and readings: same as last week
  • Feb 15: homework 2 out
Week 6: Feb 22, 24
  • Topics: the primal-dual method, network design problems, facility location, multicommodity flows, k-median
  • Readings:
    • Lecture notes
    • Textbook: Chapters 18, 24, 25
Week 7: Mar 01, 03
  • Topics and Readings: same as last week
Week 8: Mar 08, 10
  • Topics and Readings: same as last week
  • Mar 08: homework 2 due.
  • Mar 10: midterm exam out
Week 9: Mar 15, 17
  • No class for this week. SPRING BREAK.
Week 10: Mar 22, 24
  • Topics: combinatorial methods for set cover, shortest superstring, Steiner Tree and TSP
  • Readings:
    • Lecture notes
    • Textbook: Chapters 2, 3
  • Midterm exam due: Mar 22
  • Mar 24: homework 3 out
Week 11: Mar 29, 31
  • Topics: Multiway cut and k-cut
  • Readings:
    • lecture notes
    • Textbook: Chapter 4
Week 12: Apr 05, 07
  • Topics: Multiway cut and k-cut
  • Readings:
    • lecture notes
    • Textbook: Chapter 5
  • Apr 07: homework 3 due, homework 4 out
Week 13: Apr 12, 14
  • Topics: Bin packing and Minimum Makespan
  • Readings:
    • lecture notes
    • Textbook: Chapter 9, 10
Week 14: Apr 19, 21
  • Topics: Euclidean TSP
  • Readings:
    • lecture notes
    • Textbook: Chapter 11
Week 15: Apr 26, 28
  • Topics: Hardness of approximation
  • Readings:
    • lecture notes
    • Textbook: Chapter 29
  • Apr 26: homework 4 due
  • Apr 28: final exam out
Final Exam Week: May 02- May 12
  • May 05: final exam due at NOON. Submit it in my office!

Home | Announcements | Assignments | Syllabus | Lecture Notes | Helpful Links