Learning objectives Review background in Statistical Mechanics configuration, ensemble, entropy, heat capacity Understand the basic assumptions and steps in Simulated Annealing Be able to transform design problems into a combinatorial optimization problem suitable to SA Understand strengths and weaknesses of saLearning Objectives • Review background in Statistical Mechanics: configuration, ensemble, entropy, heat capacity • Understand the basic assumptions and steps in Simulated Annealing • Be able to transform design problems into a combinatorial optimization problem suitable to SA • Understand strengths and weaknesses of SA