Introduction to Optimization Through the Lens of Data Science

Welcome to “Introduction to Optimization Through the Lens of Data Science,” a groundbreaking massive open online course (MOOC) developed by Gurobi in partnership with Dr. Joel Sokol, professor at Georgia Tech.

This course provides a unique opportunity for data scientists to enhance their skill sets and for educators to bring cutting-edge, practical knowledge into their classrooms.

Course Highlights

• Expert-Led Curriculum: Learn from Dr. Joel Sokol, a leading expert in optimization and analytics, and founder/director of the Master of Science in Analytics Program at Georgia Tech, who brings over two decades of experience in both academic and practical applications of optimization.
• Designed for Data Scientists: Tailored specifically for students and professionals in data science, this course makes optimization accessible, bypassing the deep dive into theory and focusing on practical, actionable skills.
• Code-Focused Examples: The course is designed to meet data scientists where they are in their problem-solving journey, presenting the code right alongside the math and English language versions of each problem.
• Three-Part Learning Journey: Engage with the course through three main components—motivation, modeling, and cases—to understand not just the “how” but also the “why” behind optimization.
• Hands-On Learning: From the very basics to complex real-world problems, get hands-on experience with optimization models using the Gurobi Optimizer and Python’s gurobipy library.
• Real-World Applications: Dive into case studies ranging from a mobile retail location example with Gurobi’s Burrito Game to power generation challenges, illustrating the profound impact of optimization on decision-making in diverse contexts.

Course Overview

Part 1
See optimization in action using the Burrito Optimization Game and be exposed to a wide variety of successful use cases. Learn the building blocks of mathematical optimization and get comfortable with the key concepts required to create your first optimization models with supplemental material for establishing best practices going forward.

View Part 1

Part 2
Dive deeper into the relationship between optimization and data science. Work with more complex constraints, understand model reusability, analyze sensitivity, and understand infeasibility. Classify types of optimization problems and see how they are solved at a high level.

View Part 2

Part 3
Model yes/no decisions and complex logical constraints with binary variables and link them to continuous variables. Explore classic optimization model archetypes.

View Part 3

Part 4
The final part of the course puts everything from parts 1 through 3 together: solving real-world examples, working from problem statements to mathematical formulations, to code, and to solutions.

View Part 4

For Educators

Bring the latest in optimization to your classroom. This course offers a comprehensive curriculum that you can integrate into your teaching, providing students with skills that are in high demand in the industry. With a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical applications, you can prepare your students for the challenges of tomorrow.

Course Tools

• If you are currently a member of the academic community and affiliated with a university, you can download a free, full-featured Gurobi Optimizer license.
• For all other learners, you can access your free limited Gurobi Optimizer license to use while completing exercises and cases throughout the course.