Horst Baier has been teaching the optimization of structural systems at the Technical University of Darmstadt since 1980. The lecture primarily focuses on translating technical (mechanical) design tasks into mathematical formulations, the necessary mathematical foundations, solution algorithms, and practical applications. It is aimed at students of theoretical mechanical engineering, structural engineering, mechanics, and applied mathematics. Based on this material, a textbook is being developed, which - as the methods are increasingly applied in engineering practice - also targets practicing engineers. Horst Baier has collaborated with co-author Christoph Seesselberg, who, like him, works at Dornier/Deutsche Aerospace.