What is optimization?

Optimization is the act of selecting the best possible option to solve a mathematical problem when choosing from a set of variables. The concept of optimization has existed in mathematics for centuries, but in more recent times, scientists have discovered that other scientific disciplines have common elements, so the idea of optimization has carried over into other areas of study from engineering to economics to physics to biology. Optimization seeks to discover the maximum or minimum of a function to best solve a problem. It involves variables, constraints, and the objective function, or the goal that drives the solution to the problem. For example, in physics, an optimization problem might seek to discover the minimum amount of energy needed to achieve a certain objective. The advent of sophisticated computers has allowed mathematicians to achieve optimization more accurately across a wide range of functions and problems.

Why learn optimization?

Optimization helps data scientists and computer systems process data more effectively, estimate how many resources it will take to solve a problem, and search for the best solution based on the data available. These features make optimization a key tool that can help those who collect and analyze data. The methods of optimization work hand in hand with statistics and linear algebra to help you understand and process large amounts of data. Solving complex problems that rely on data becomes much easier when you apply the methods and formulas of optimization to them, which makes it essential for machine learning. In fact, today's computer science relies heavily on the relationship between machine learning and optimization. The principles of optimization apply in a different way in business, because nearly every business decision centers on maximizing or minimizing various factors and outcomes.

How can online courses on Coursera help me learn optimization?

When you study optimization with online courses on Coursera, you can gain a broad base of knowledge as well as applications that allow you to put what you learn into practice. Beginning courses include those in which you learn the basics of optimization, whereas more advanced courses go deeper into topics like stochastic processes, machine learning through specific applications, or how to estimate financial models.

What are the benefits of taking an online Optimization course?

Online Optimization courses offer a convenient and flexible way to enhance your knowledge or learn new Optimization skills. Choose from a wide range of Optimization courses offered by top universities and industry leaders tailored to various skill levels.

What Optimization courses are best for training and upskilling employees or the workforce?

When looking to enhance your workforce's skills in Optimization, it's crucial to select a course that aligns with their current abilities and learning objectives. Our Skills Dashboard is an invaluable tool for identifying skill gaps and choosing the most appropriate course for effective upskilling. For a comprehensive understanding of how our courses can benefit your employees, explore the enterprise solutions we offer. Discover more about our tailored programs at Coursera for Business here .

Top Optimization Courses - Learn Optimization Online

Explore the Optimization Course Catalog

Status: Free Trial
Stanford University
Divide and Conquer, Sorting and Searching, and Randomized Algorithms
Skills you'll gain: Algorithms, Graph Theory, Data Structures, Theoretical Computer Science, Computational Thinking, Analysis, Programming Principles, Probability & Statistics, Probability
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
5.3K reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
University of Colorado Boulder
Excel/VBA for Creative Problem Solving, Part 1
Skills you'll gain: Excel Macros, Programming Principles, Visual Basic (Programming Language), Data Structures, Program Development, Computer Programming, Spreadsheet Software, Automation, Algorithms, Debugging, Data Management, Data Cleansing
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
4.3K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of California San Diego
Algorithms on Graphs
Skills you'll gain: Graph Theory, Algorithms, Network Routing, Programming Principles, Data Structures, Network Analysis, Pseudocode, Network Model
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
2.3K reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Universidad Austral
Excel aplicado a los negocios (Nivel Avanzado)
Skills you'll gain: Excel Macros, Microsoft Excel, Excel Formulas, Data Import/Export, Data Validation, Business Analysis, Business Analytics, Process Optimization, Data Analysis Software, Microsoft Access, Business Modeling, Data Integration, Visual Basic (Programming Language), Automation
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
3K reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Universidad Austral
Fundamentos de Excel para Negocios
Skills you'll gain: Microsoft Excel, Excel Formulas, Spreadsheet Software, Data Analysis Software, Data Visualization, Data Entry, Business Mathematics, Data Import/Export, Productivity Software, Data Management, Financial Analysis
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
5.3K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Northwestern University
Fundamentals of Digital Image and Video Processing
Skills you'll gain: Image Analysis, Digital Communications, Computer Vision, Data Processing, Visualization (Computer Graphics), Medical Imaging, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Motion Graphics, Linear Algebra, Color Theory, Bayesian Statistics, Applied Mathematics, Sampling (Statistics), Algorithms
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
1.8K reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Google
The Path to Insights: Data Models and Pipelines
Skills you'll gain: Data Modeling, Extract, Transform, Load, Database Design, Data Pipelines, Data Warehousing, Business Intelligence, Performance Testing, Data Mart, Snowflake Schema, Star Schema, Process Optimization, Data Lakes, SQL, Data Quality
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
645 reviews
Advanced · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
Stanford University
Graph Search, Shortest Paths, and Data Structures
Skills you'll gain: Data Structures, Graph Theory, Algorithms, Network Model, Network Analysis, Computational Thinking, Theoretical Computer Science, Network Routing
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
2K reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
University of Pennsylvania
Operations Analytics
Skills you'll gain: Business Analytics, Descriptive Analytics, Predictive Analytics, Analytics, Demand Planning, Data-Driven Decision-Making, Operational Analysis, Business Operations, Risk Analysis, Forecasting, Operations Management, Simulation and Simulation Software, Process Optimization, Decision Making, Decision Tree Learning, Spreadsheet Software, Microsoft Excel, Probability Distribution
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
5.1K reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: New
Coursera Instructor Network
GenAI for Supply Chain Optimization
Skills you'll gain: Supply Chain Management, Supply Chain Planning, Transportation, Supply Chain, and Logistics, Demand Planning, Operational Efficiency, Inventory Control, Inventory Management System, Logistics Management, Generative AI, Forecasting, Operational Analysis, Business Ethics, Artificial Intelligence, Emerging Technologies
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
7 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
Packt
Advanced Scheduling and Project Optimization in Primavera P6
Skills you'll gain: Scheduling, Project Schedules, Project Management, Timelines, Project Management Software, Milestones (Project Management), Work Breakdown Structure, Management Reporting, Performance Reporting, Resource Management, Administration, System Configuration, User Accounts
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
10 reviews
Advanced · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of California San Diego
Algorithmic Toolbox
Skills you'll gain: Algorithms, Program Development, Debugging, Development Testing, Test Engineering, Software Testing, Computational Thinking, Test Case, Computer Programming, Programming Principles, Data Structures, Theoretical Computer Science, Bioinformatics, Design Strategies
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
13K reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months