Description

Instructor:
Asa Ben-Hur
Office: 448 CS Building
Office Hours: Mon 3-4pm, Thu 11-12am
Email: asa@cs.colostate.edu
GTA:
Laura Adams
Office:
Office Hours: Mon 9-10am, Tues 3-5pm, Thurs 2-3pm
in the Linux lab (CSB 120)
Email: bf327c@rams.colostate.edu
Lecture Time and Place:
2:00pm - 2:50pm, MWF, CSB 130

Artificial Intelligence has become pervasive in our society. The goal of this course is to impart some understanding of how AI works, i.e., to introduce the basic concepts, algorithms and technology underlying systems that employ AI in service of society's needs. The course objectives are to learn the fundamental theories, algorithms and representational structures underlying artificial intelligence. Class discussions will range from algorithm fundamentals to philosophical issues in Artificial Intelligence.

Prerequisites

CS253 and CS320 are pre-requisites. To expedite the required programming, familiarity with data structures and algorithms as taught in CS200 and CS253 is essential. Programming experience with at least two languages will be helpful. The theory in CS320 will be helpful, as will an understanding of basic propositional logic.

Textbook

Required: Artificial Intelligence: A Modern Approach, third edition by Stuart Russell and Peter Norvig.

Grading

Here are the formally graded elements of the course and associated weighting:

Activity Weight
Programming Assignments (around 6) 40 %
Project 25 %
Midterm 15 %
Final Exam 20 %

Semester grades are determined by the weighted sum of points earned in each of these areas.
The calculation of the final letter grade will be made as follows: A: 90 - 100% B: 80 - 89.9% C: 70 - 79.9% D: 60 - 69.9% F: below 60%
These ranges for a letter grade might be shifted a little lower, but will not be raised.

Exams and homework assignments will be done individually. Further, students not already familiar with the CSU Honor Pledge should review this clear and simple pledge and always adhere to it.

Students may use notes and textbook while taking the exams.

Late and Makeup Policy

Midterm and Finals: Make-up exams are only given for extraordinary circumstances (e.g., illness, family emergency). Students must consult with the instructor as soon as possible, preferably before the start of the exam. Course examination dates are listed in the syllabus; be aware of them and plan accordingly.

Assignments: Unless otherwise specified, assignments are to be submitted electronically through RamCT. Specifics will be included in each assignment. Always check the assignment page for due dates. Late assignments submitted within 48 hours of the time required will receive a 10% late penalty. Electronic submission is closed 48 hours after assignments are due; students not having submitted programs receive an automatic zero on the assignment.

Important Dates

MidtermFriday, October 10th
Final Exam Monday, December 15th, 4:10 to 6:10 PM

The midterm and the final exam will be held in the same classroom as regular lectures. While no change to the midterm dates is anticipated, the instructor reserves the right to change these dates with a two weeks notice.

Professional Conduct

All students are expected to conduct themselves professionally. We (the instructors and GTAs) assume you are familiar with the policies in the student information sheet for the department. Additionally, you are computing professionals, albeit perhaps just starting. You should be familiar with the code of conduct for the primary professional society, ACM. You can read the ACM Code of Conduct HERE.

We work to maintain an environment supportive of learning in the classroom and laboratory. Towards that end, we require that you be courteous to and respectful of your fellow participants (i.e., classmates, instructors, GTAs and any tutors). In particular:

  • Please turn off the ring on your cell phone. If you are expecting an emergency call, sit near the door and slide out discretely to take it.
  • In class use of electronic devices in general, and laptops specifically, is permitted as a courtesy so that you may better participate and learn. If at any time the instructor judges that an electronic device is becoming a distraction the student may be asked to to turn it off and put it away.