The D-optimal design criterion for precise parameter estimation in nonlinear regression analysis is called the determinant criterion because the determinant of a matrix is to be maximized. In this thesis, we derive the gradient and the Hessian of the determinant criterion, and apply a QR decomposition for their efficient computations. We also propose an approximate form of the Hessian matrix which can be calculated from the first derivative of a model function with respect to the design variables. These equations can be used in a Gauss-Newton type iteration procedure.