Course Overview

• AI search for a motion planning problem (submarine detection avoidance)
• machine-learning for a bidding game (Medici)
• machine-learning for adaptive virtual robots (Unreal)

Each project will consist of these phases:

• problem definition/formalization
• background reading/learning
• current technique implementation
• current technique experimentation/critique
• effort to create an improved technique
• documentation of experiment and analysis of results

As this is a project course, a student would ideally:

• feel comfortable with their programming skills
• want to learn a bit about the process of research
• want to exercise creativity in problem solving
• think games are pretty cool investment of programming energy

Texts

Machine Learning, Tom Mitchell, McGraw Hill, 1997.  ISBN 0070428077

Stuart J. Russell, Peter Norvig Artificial Intelligence: A Modern Approach Prentice Hall; ISBN: 0131038052

The Russell & Norvig text was used in CS 371 (Artificial Intelligence) and will be used for coverage of basic search concepts.  This text is not officially required for this course because (1) We'll only spend the first couple weeks with the search material, and (2) students should be able to borrow this text from previous AI students or find it on reserve in the library.  If this poses too much inconvenience, you can order the book easily through Amazon.com.

The Machine Learning text is expensive and relevant to the second and third projects.  A copy will also be on reserve in the library.

Beyond the context of this course, I'd recommend the Russell & Norvig book for a general AI introduction, and I'd recommend the Mitchell book for its coverage of AI maching learning material.
 

Instructor

Grading

This course will be run very much like an independent research course.  A subset of the lectures times will be used to present material relevant to 3 major research projects.  Beyond the lectures, expect to report approximately weekly on progress.  Research is often a self-motivated venture.  Although I will provide guidance for when you should complete various stages, you must find within yourself the desire and discipline for success in this endeavor.  Accordingly, "due dates" may be individualized.

Class attendance and participation is required unless (1) you have taken the lecture topic in CS 371, and (2) you're sure that nothing beyond the topic will be covered or discussed.  The class attendance and participation portion of your grade will therefore reflect your attendance for lectures with new material and/or class discussion, and your punctuality for scheduled status report meetings.
 

Honor Code