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SF1811 Optimization 6.0 credits

SF1811 is a basic course on optimization.

Information per course offering

Choose semester and course offering to see current information and more about the course, such as course syllabus, study period, and application information.

Termin

Information for Autumn 2025 Start 27 Oct 2025 programme students

Course location

KTH Campus

Duration
27 Oct 2025 - 12 Jan 2026
Periods
P2 (6.0 hp)
Pace of study

33%

Application code

50285

Form of study

Normal Daytime

Language of instruction

English

Course memo
Course memo is not published
Number of places

Places are not limited

Target group
No information inserted
Planned modular schedule
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Schedule
Schedule is not published
Part of programme

Bachelor's Programme in Information and Communication Technology, åk 3, Recommended

Degree Programme in Energy and Environment, åk 3, HSS, Conditionally Elective

Degree Programme in Energy and Environment, åk 3, ITH, Mandatory

Degree Programme in Energy and Environment, åk 3, KEM, Conditionally Elective

Degree Programme in Energy and Environment, åk 3, MES, Conditionally Elective

Degree Programme in Energy and Environment, åk 3, MHI, Conditionally Elective

Degree Programme in Energy and Environment, åk 3, RENE, Conditionally Elective

Degree Programme in Energy and Environment, åk 3, SMCS, Conditionally Elective

Degree Programme in Energy and Environment, åk 3, SUE, Conditionally Elective

Degree Programme in Energy and Environment, åk 3, SUT, Conditionally Elective

Degree Programme in Engineering Mathematics, åk 3, Mandatory

Degree Programme in Engineering Physics, åk 3, Optional

Degree Programme in Industrial Technology and Sustainability, åk 3, Mandatory

Master of Science in Engineering and in Education, åk 4, MAFY, Conditionally Elective

Master of Science in Engineering and in Education, åk 4, TEDA, Conditionally Elective

Master of Science in Engineering and in Education, åk 5, MAFY, Conditionally Elective

Master of Science in Engineering and in Education, åk 5, TEDA, Conditionally Elective

Master's Programme, Applied and Computational Mathematics, åk 1, Optional

Master's Programme, Applied and Computational Mathematics, åk 2, Optional

Master's Programme, Computer Science, åk 2, CSDA, Recommended

Master's Programme, Machine Learning, åk 1, Conditionally Elective

Master's Programme, Machine Learning, åk 2, Conditionally Elective

Master's Programme, Systems, Control and Robotics, åk 1, Recommended

Master's Programme, Systems, Control and Robotics, åk 2, Recommended

Contact

Examiner
No information inserted
Course coordinator
No information inserted
Teachers
No information inserted

Course syllabus as PDF

Please note: all information from the Course syllabus is available on this page in an accessible format.

Course syllabus SF1811 (Autumn 2019–)
Headings with content from the Course syllabus SF1811 (Autumn 2019–) are denoted with an asterisk ( )

Content and learning outcomes

Course contents

  • Examples of applications of optimization and modelling training.
  • Basic concepts and theory for optimization, in particular theory for convex problems.
  • Linear algebra in Rn, in particular bases for the four fundamental subspaces corresponding to a given matrix, and LDLT-factorization of a symmetric positive semidefinite matrix.
  • Linear optimization, including duality theory.
  • Optimization of flows in networks.
  • Quadratic optimization with linear equality constraints.
  • Linear least squares problems, in particular minimum norm solutions.
  • Unconstrained nonlinear optimization, in particular nonlinear least squares problems.
  • Optimality conditions for constrained nonlinear optimization, in particular for convex problems.
  • Lagrangian relaxation.

Intended learning outcomes

After completing the course students should for a passing grade be able to

  • Apply basic theory, concepts and methods, within the parts of optimization theory described by the course content, to solve problems
  • Formulate simplified application problems as optimization problems and solve using software.
  • Read and understand mathematical texts about for example,  linear algebra, calculus and optimization and their applications, communicate mathematical reasoning and calculations in this area, orally and in writing in such a way that they are easy to follow.

For higher grades the student should also be able to

  • Explain, combine and analyze basic theory, concepts and methods within the parts of optimization theory described by the course content.

Literature and preparations

Specific prerequisites

Completed  course in SF1624 Linear algebra and geometry or SF1672 Linear Algebra.
Completed course in SF1626 Calculus in several variables or SF1674 Multivariable Calculus.
Completed course in Numerical analysis, SF1511, SF1519, SF1545 or  SF1546. 

Literature

The literature is published on the course webpage no later than four weeks before the course starts.

Examination and completion

If the course is discontinued, students may request to be examined during the following two academic years.

Grading scale

A, B, C, D, E, FX, F

Examination

  • INL1 - Home assignment, 2.0 credits, grading scale: P, F
  • TEN2 - Exam, 4.0 credits, grading scale: A, B, C, D, E, FX, F

Based on recommendation from KTH’s coordinator for disabilities, the examiner will decide how to adapt an examination for students with documented disability.

The examiner may apply another examination format when re-examining individual students.

The examiner decides, in consultation with KTHs Coordinator of students with disabilities (Funka), about any customized examination for students with documented,lastingdisability. The examiner may allow another form of examination for reexamination of individual students.

Examiner

Ethical approach

  • All members of a group are responsible for the group's work.
  • In any assessment, every student shall honestly disclose any help received and sources used.
  • In an oral assessment, every student shall be able to present and answer questions about the entire assignment and solution.

Further information

Course room in Canvas

Registered students find further information about the implementation of the course in the course room in Canvas. A link to the course room can be found under the tab Studies in the Personal menu at the start of the course.

Offered by

Main field of study

Mathematics, Technology

Education cycle

First cycle