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Quick Facts

Medium Of InstructionsMode Of LearningMode Of Delivery
EnglishSelf StudyVideo and Text Based

Course Overview

Optimization technology is used in many industries to make problem-solving easier. The Discrete Optimization course by Coursera focuses on solving complex problems using optimization algorithms and concepts, including local search, constraint programming, and mixed-integer programming. The course gives an introduction to the fundamental concepts of discrete optimization and its uses in the real world. 

The Coursera Discrete Optimization course explores concepts like mixed-integer programming, constraint programming and local search, starting from their foundations to their uses and application for solving practical problems, which includes scheduling, resource allocation, vehicle routing and supply-chain optimization. 

Furthermore, the Coursera Discrete Optimization course is an online, self-paced learning course offered by the University of Melbourne to help students understand the process of solving complex problems through discrete optimization. Coursera also offers a shareable electronic certificate at the end of the course, which can be printed and used along with the student’s resume, and also shared on professional platforms such as LinkedIn. 

The Highlights

  • Self-Paced online course
  • Flexible deadlines
  • Subtitles in English, French, Russian, Spanish, and Portuguese (Brazilian)
  • Intermediate-level course
  • Graded quizzes and assignments
  • Shareable Certificate
  • Completion in approximately 65 hours
  • Free enrolment

Programme Offerings

  • online learning
  • Flexible Deadlines
  • Shareable Certificate
  • free trails.

Courses and Certificate Fees

Fees InformationsCertificate AvailabilityCertificate Providing Authority
INR 2435yesCoursera

Students can join the course for free but will have to pay for the full specialization, resources, and the course completion certificate at the end.

Discrete Optimization Fees Structure

Course NameFees in INR (Per Month)
Discrete Optimization
Rs. 2,435



Eligibility Criteria

As the Coursera Discrete Optimization course is an intermediate level course, students must have good programming skills along with knowledge of linear algebra and some algorithms. Knowledge of computer languages such as Python is also important. 

What you will learn

Programming skills

After completing the Coursera Discrete Optimization online course, you will learn about: 

  • Knowledge of paradigms like constraint programming as well as Branch and Bound that is used in practical problem-solving.
  • Exposure to some fundamental algorithms that are used in solving complex problems.
  • Ability to use constraint programming, local search, and mixed-integer programming for real-world problems in fields such as vehicle routing, supply-chain optimization, and resource allocation.
  • Practical skills to solve complex problems using discrete optimization algorithms that are taught through challenging yet helpful assignments.

Who it is for


Admission Details

To apply to the Discrete Optimization online course by Coursera, you should follow these steps:

  • Visit the official website of Coursera
  • Find the ‘Discrete Optimization online course’ on the website.
  • Choose the ‘Enroll for FREE’ option.
  • A dialogue box will appear. Sign up using your Google or Apple id to start the course.
  • If you already have an account, use those details to log in and proceed. 

Application Details

To join the Coursera Discrete Optimization course, use your email id and password to sign up on the website using your Email ID and password and then you will be eligible for joining the course.

The Syllabus

Videos
  • Course Promo
  • Course Motivation - Indiana Jones, challenges, applications
  • Course Introduction - philosophy, design, grading rubric
  • Assignments Introduction & Any Integer
Readings
  • Start of Course Survey
  • Course Syllabus

Videos
  • Knapsack 1 - intuition
  • Knapsack 2 - greedy algorithms
  • Knapsack 3 - modelling
  • Knapsack 4 - dynamic programming
  • Knapsack 5 - relaxation, branch and bound
  • Knapsack 6 - search strategies, depth-first, best first, least discrepancy
  • Assignments Getting Started
  • Knapsack & External Solver
  • Exploring the Material - open course design, optimization landscape, picking your adventure

Videos
  • CP 1 -intuition, computational paradigm, map colouring, n-queens
  • CP 2 - propagation, arithmetic constraints, send+more=money
  • CP 3 - reification, element constraint, magic series, stable marriage
  • CP 4 - global constraint intuition, table constraint, sudoku
  • CP 5 - symmetry breaking, BIBD, scene allocation
  • CP 6 - redundant constraints, magic series, market split
  • CP 7 - car sequencing, dual modelling
  • CP 8 - global constraints in detail, knapsack, all different
  • CP 9 - search, first-fail, Euler knight, ESDD
  • CP 10 - value/variable labelling, domain splitting, symmetry breaking in search
  • Graph Coloring
  • Optimization Tools
  • Set Cover
Reading
  • Optimization Tools

Videos
  • LS1 - intuition, n-queens
  • LS 2 - swap neighbourhood, car sequencing, magic square
  • LS 3 - optimization, warehouse location, travelling salesman, 2-opt, k-opt
  • LS 4 - optimality vs feasibility, graph colouring
  • LS 5 - complex neighbourhoods, sports scheduling
  • LS 6 - escaping local minima, connectivity
  • LS 7 - formalization, heuristics, meta-heuristics introduction
  • LS 8 - iterated location search, metropolis heuristic, simulated annealing, tabu search intuition
  • LS 9 - tabu search formalized, aspiration, car sequencing, n-queens
  • Travelling Salesman

Videos
  • LP 1 - intuition, convexity, geometric view
  • LP 2 - algebraic view, the naive algorithm
  • LP 3 - the simplex algorithm
  • LP 4 - matrix notation, the tableau
  • LP 5 - duality derivation
  • LP 6 - duality interpretation and uses

Videos
  • MIP1 - intuition, relaxation, branch and bound, knapsack, warehouse location
  • MIP 2 - modelling, big-M, warehouse location, graph colouring
  • MIP 3 - cutting planes, Gomory cuts
  • MIP 4 - convex hull, polyhedral cuts, warehouse location, node packing, graph colouring
  • MIP 5 - cover cuts, branch and cut, seven bridges, travelling salesman
  • Facility Location

Videos
  • Scheduling - jobshop, disjunctive global constraint
  • Vehicle Routing

Videos
  • Large Neighborhood Search - asymmetric TSP with time windows
  • Column Generation - branch and price, cutting stock
Reading
  • End of course survey

Instructors

University of Melbourne, Parkville Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

1: What prior knowledge is needed for this course?

Students must have good programming knowledge and experience as well as a basic knowledge of the computer language Python for this course. This is an intermediate level course so students must have this knowledge in order to grasp the concepts well. 

2: What does the ‘audit mode’ mean?

In audit mode, students can only read and view the course material. If you wish to get a certificate along with other resources like graded assignments and access to whole course content, then you must get the specialized version or certificate experience. 

3: How will I get practical knowledge in this course?

Students are regularly given assignments that test their knowledge of everything they learn in the course and allows them to use their skills to solve practical problems. These assignments are an important part of the course and challenge the students on an intellectual level. 

4: When will I receive the electronic certificate?

To get the shareable E-certificate, students must finish the complete course and then the electronic certificate will be added to your accomplishments page. First applicants have to download and later it can be printed and attached with Resume/CV or shared virtually on online platforms such as your LinkedIn account. 

5: What method is used to teach in this course?

The Coursera Discrete Optimization course is 100% online for the convenience of the students and lecturers are pre-recorded by the trainers in the form of videos. Quizzes and assignments are given to students to provide hands-on experience, and extra readings are given to enhance knowledge.

6: Is any financial aid available from Coursera for this programme?

Yes, Coursera provides financial aid for this course which can be availed by students who cannot afford the fee. You just have to click on the financial aid option and complete an application to be eligible. 

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