Large scale optimization, stochastic gradient descent, inexact Newton methods, limited memory BSGF, least squares problems, global optimization, optimization in general normed spaces.
4
UnitsOptional
Grading1, 2
PasstimeNone
Level LimitLetters and science
CollegeIt was a really hard class for me, but Professor Zhou explained the difficult concepts really well and was very fair with grading. He's also super kind, so students feel comfortable asking questions. Tough class, but an awesome professor!
Zhou teaches SOOO slowly and spends entire lectures on review, but doesn't cover the material he's supposed to. I only took 6B for the PDEs, which he didn't even get CLOSE to going over by the end >:( He does give a lot of extra credit, so if you want an A or are shaky on basic vector calc, he's fine-- but if you want rigor, look elsewhere.
Really wish to continue the series taught by Prof. Zhou. Seems he is not teaching this quarter. He is my GOAT.
love him #king
When I was looking into rate of my professor in grad school, I realized how much I appreciate Prof. Zhou. He always took the time to answer my questions until everything made sense. His constant encouragement and reminders not to doubt myself really boosted my confidence and kept me going on my path to grad school.
Everyone says 6B's kinda weird — most profs just speed-run vector calc and then randomly jump into series with zero connection. But honestly, Prof. Zhou made the class super chill and actually fun. His lectures were kinda slow sometimes, but I feel like I finally get vector calc now. Plus, the math activities were pretty entertaining