Introduction to Approximation and Randomized Algorithms - NDMI084
Title: Úvod do aproximačních a pravděpodobnostních algoritmů
Guaranteed by: Computer Science Institute of Charles University (32-IUUK)
Faculty: Faculty of Mathematics and Physics
Actual: from 2020
Semester: winter
E-Credits: 5
Hours per week, examination: winter s.:2/1, C+Ex [HT]
Capacity: unlimited
Min. number of students: unlimited
4EU+: no
Virtual mobility / capacity: no
State of the course: taught
Language: Czech, English
Teaching methods: full-time
Additional information: https://iuuk.mff.cuni.cz/~sgall/vyuka/BCALG/
Guarantor: prof. RNDr. Jiří Sgall, DrSc.
doc. Mgr. Petr Kolman, Ph.D.
Teacher(s): doc. Mgr. Petr Kolman, Ph.D.
Mgr. Cyril Kotecký
prof. RNDr. Jiří Sgall, DrSc.
Class: Informatika Bc.
Classification: Informatics > Optimalization
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Annotation -
This course covers techniques for design and analysis of algorithms, demonstrated on concrete combinatorial problems. For many optimization problems it is impossible (or NP-hard) to design algorithms that find an optimal solution fast. In such a case we study approximation algorithms that work faster, at the cost that we find a good solution, not necessarily an optimal one. Often we use randomness in design of algorithms, which allows to solve problems more efficiently or even to solve problems that are otherwise intractable. Recommended for the 3rd year of Bc. studies.
Last update: Pangrác Ondřej, RNDr., Ph.D. (14.02.2018)
Course completion requirements -

To pass the tutorials it is required to get at least a half of total points for homeworks assigned during the semester. Due to the requirements, additional attempts to pass the tutorial are excluded.

The exam is oral. The requirements correspond to the syllabus as covered by the lectures. Passing the turorials is required before taking the exam. If university attendance is limited, the exam may be held online.

Last update: Kolman Petr, doc. Mgr., Ph.D. (29.09.2020)
Literature -

D. P. Williamson, D. B. Shmoys: The Design of Approximation Algorithms, Cambridge University Press, 2011.

J. Kleinberg, E. Tardos: Algorithm Design, Pearson, 2006.

V.V. Vazirani: Approximation Algorithms, Springer, 2001.

R. Motwani, P. Raghavan: Randomized algorithms.

M. Mitzenmacher, E. Upfal: Probability and Computing: Randomized Algorithms and Probabilistic Analysis.

Last update: G_I (28.05.2012)
Requirements to the exam -

The exam is oral with time for written preparation. The requirements correspond to the syllabus as covered by the lectures. Passing the turorials is required before taking the exam.

Last update: Sgall Jiří, prof. RNDr., DrSc. (22.06.2019)
Syllabus -

Detailed information about the course are given at the web page https://kam.mff.cuni.cz/~kolman/intapxalg.html .

Here is a list of the main topics.

Covered techniques:

  • Greedy algorithms as a design method for approximation and online algorithms
  • Use of linear programming for approximation algorithms
  • Pairwise independent random variables
  • Derandomization using the conditional expectations technique
  • Local search

Covered problems and algorithms:

  • scheduling and disjoint paths in graphs - greedy algorithms
  • travelling salesperson problem - combinatorial algorithms
  • set cover - greedy algorithm, use of linear programming
  • satisfiability (MAX-SAT) - use of linear programming, randomized rounding, derandomization
  • dynamic and static hashing - randomized algorithms, pairwise independent variables
  • maximal cut - approximation using local search
  • minimal cut - a fast randomized algorithm
  • maximal independent set - a fast randomized parallel algorithm
  • verification of matrix equation - a randomized protocol

Last update: Kolman Petr, doc. Mgr., Ph.D. (29.09.2020)