15-853 Algorithms in the Real World (Fall 1999)
Instructor: Guy Blelloch

Description:
Although all but the simplest algorithms are often derided as being impractical, in reality sophisticated algorithms are used in many applications. The goal of the class is to get an appreciation of where algorithms are used and to understand the various considerations and tradeoffs used in designing algorithms (e.g. time, space, generality, and quality of the solution). I encourage both theory and system's students to take the class. Problems we will consider include:

• Compression (how are gifs encoded?)
• Linear programming (is Karmakar's algorithm worth a patent?)
• Integer programming (How much does Delta Airlines save a year?)
• Delaunay triangulation (how does the Ford Motor Company use it?)
• Text searching and indexing (How do Lycos, HotBot and Alta Vista work?)
• Pattern matching (its use in the human genome project?)
• N-body algorithms (How are they used to solve fluid flow problems?)

METHOD OF EVALUATION:
Each student will be expected to either scribe a class (take notes and format them) or give a 30 minute presentation on one of the topics, complete a set of homeworks, and take a final. PREREQUISITES:
A graduate or strong undergraduate class in algorithms.