CS 8751 Course Syllabus
Machine Learning and Knowledge Discovery in Databases
Fall 2003

Course Information

Instructor:Rich Maclin
Email:rmaclin
Office:315 Heller Hall
Phone:726-8256
Office Hours:14:00-15:00 Wednesday, 13:30-15:00 Thursday and by appointment
Texts:Mitchell, Machine Learning, McGraw-Hill
Witten and Frank, Data Mining, Morgan Kaufmann

Course Coverage

This course will present an introduction to the field of machine learning and the related field of data mining. The course will cover material from both textbooks focusing primarily on Mitchell's book. The textbooks will be supplemented with material from research papers on recent developments in machine learning. The course will focus largely on classification learning, though there will also be some coverage of other learning techniques including analytical learning, unsupervised learning and reinforcement learning. The course will include several coding projects in which students will implement learning algorithms. Each student will also present a recent research paper during class and prepare a writeup of that paper.

Examinations, Assignments and Grades

ItemPointsDate and Time
Midterm Exam 1 150 points October 7 (Tuesday), 15:30-17:10
Midterm Exam 2 150 points (tentative) November 18 (Tuesday), 15:30-17:10
Final Exam 300 points December 18 (Thursday), 16:00-17:55
Paper Presentation 100 points TBD
Presentation Writeup 50 points December 11 (Thursday)
Homework Assignments (5) 50 points TBA
Programming Assignments (6) 200 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.

Paper Presentation: each student will be expected to present a recent research paper chosen from a list assembled by the instructor (students may also suggest papers -- these suggestions must be improved by the instructor). Presentations will be 40 minutes in length and will begin starting in week 12 during class periods. Choice of paper to present will be given to students volunteering for the earliest presentation times. Students will also be expected to serve as a commentator for two other presentations (presenting five minutes of comments/questions/rebuttals on a paper). The final exam will cover the papers presented during class by the students.

Presentation Writeup: in addition to the oral presentation, each student will also submit a written summary of the research they presented. These summaries are to be at least six pages and no more than 10 pages in length (references do not count), with appropriate references and should summarize the research as well as try to point out the strengths and weaknesses of the research. This summary will be due on the last day of class.

Policies

Course Material

Copies of the overheads used in class will be made available on the class web page. Some useful reference books can be found by going to the library web page (http://www.d.umn.edu/lib/) and then clicking on "Electronic Resources", clicking the "Indexes and Databases" button, and then in the list you see click on "Safari Tech Books Online."

Missed Classes

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.

Missed Exams

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.

Assignments

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.

Cheating

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.

Equal Opportunity

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), 269-273 DAdB.

Students With Disabilities

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 (8727), 138 Kirby Plaza, or the Office of Equal Opportunity (8217), 269-273 DAdB.