| Instructor: | Rich Maclin |
| Email: | rmaclin |
| Office: | 315 Heller Hall |
| Phone: | 726-8256 |
| Lectures: | 9:30-10:45 Tu,Th, Chem 153 |
| Lab: | 13:00-13:50 F, 177 MWAH |
| Office Hours: | 15:00-16:00 Tuesday, 13:30-14:30 Wednesday and by appointment |
| Teaching Assistant: | Bharat Siginam |
| Text: | Russell and Norvig, Artificial Intelligence, 2nd Ed. (with 3rd ed. supplement), Prentice Hall, ISBN 0-13-790395-2 |
Principles and programming methods of artificial intelligence. Knowledge representation methods, state space search strategies, and use of logic for problem solving. Applications chosen from among expert systems, planning, natural language understanding, uncertainty reasoning, machine learning, and robotics. Lectures and labs will utilize suitable high-level languages (e.g., Python or Lisp).
This course introduces the field of artificial intelligence (AI). Students learn about AI methods in machine problem solving (a) through search and reasoning, (b) through learning algorithms (e.g., neural networks), and (c) through algorithms dependent on particular instructors (e.g., robotics related techniques). Students also use a new programming language Python and/or Lisp, and learn to think and write about the issues which dominate the field.
| Item | Points | Date and Time |
|---|---|---|
| Midterm Exam 1 | 175 points | October 15 (Thursday), 9:30-10:45 |
| Midterm Exam 2 | 175 points | November 24 (Tuesday), 9:30-10:45 |
| Final Exam | 350 points | December 18 (Friday), 10:00-11:55 |
| Programming Assignments (3-5) | 200 points | TBA |
| Homework Assignments (5) | 100 points | TBA |
| Total | 1000 points | Grade based on total points |
Grades are assigned on a percentage basis, and then an adjustment is applied based on a minimum effort requirement (see below). The grade percentage cutoffs are as follows:
These percentages may be lowered but will not be raised.
Minimum Effort Requirement: Students must turn in a minimal credible effort for EVERY assignment or their grade will be reduced one full letter grade (an A would become a B, an A- a B-, a B+ a C+, etc.). A turned-in assignment achieving at least 40% of the possible points (before late assignment penalties) will be considered a minimal credible effort (though this percentage may be revised downwards by the instructor as warranted). For example, if a program has a maximum possible 30 points, then a turned-in assignment achieving at least 12 points before late penalties would be considered a minimal credible effort.
You are responsible for what goes on in class, including lecture material, handouts, and turning in assignments. If you are unable to attend class it is your responsibility to obtain copies of class notes and any materials distributed in class. You may turn in copies of assignments early or have other members of the class turn in an assignment for you.
No exam will be given early. Exams can be made up only in the case of emergencies such as severe illness or death in the immediate family. You must contact me 24 hours in advance in order to arrange a makeup.
All assignments will be collected at the beginning of class on the due date. Late assignments will be penalized 20% of the grade for each working day the assignment is late.
Programming assignments must be your own work. You may discuss general ideas with other students, but should not discuss actual code with others. If you are having problems with an assignment, please come and see me or send me email.
As instructor I shall make every attempt to treat all students equally, without regard to race, religion, color, sex, handicap, age, veteran status, or sexual orientation. I encourage you to talk to me about your concerns of equal opportunity in the classroom. To inquire further about the University's policy on equal opportunity, contact the Office of Equal Opportunity (6827) or (6849), 269-273 DAdB.
If you have any disability (either permanent or temporary) that might affect your ability to perform in this class, please inform me at the start of the semester. I may adapt methods, materials, or testing so that you can participate equitably. To learn about the services that UMD provides to students with disabilities, contact the Access Center (6130), 258 Kirby Student Center, or the Office of Equal Opportunity (6827) or (6849), 269-273 DAdB.