Course Syllabus

At the end of this course, students will be able to:

• Understand the mathematical and algorithmic details of advanced AI models.
  
• Implement, test, and adapt advanced AI algorithms to different application domains.
  
• Have the understanding and foundation to start reading current AI literature and start doing graduate-level research in AI.
  

There is no required textbook. Reading links will be provided on the class website. Optional text books for this class are the Russell and Norvig AI Textbook: and the https://aima.cs.berkeley.edu/ Sutton and Barto RL book: http://incompleteideas.net/book/first/ebook/the-book.html 

Please review the communication methods and requirements for this course:

Preferred Contact Methods

Please first reach out to the TA via email or Piazza with any questions regarding the course.

The easiest way to contact your instructor directly is to use the    Inbox, located in the far left Canvas menu.

You can also contact your instructor in the following ways:

• Email: daniel.s.brown@utah.edu

Office Hours

The instructor will hold office hours.

Virtual Meeting Rooms(s)

Email the instructor to set up a virtual meeting time.

You can use any tool you want for coding, debugging, running experiments, and brainstorming. But all written reports, written quizes in class, and reading reports should be done on your own without using any generative AI tools (i.e., you can use ChatGPT all you want when completing the assignments and the final project but when it comes time to write up your results and your findings, I expect you to do the writing yourself). Forcing yourself to write will force you to really think about what you are doing and will help you learn.

Your performance in this course will be evaluated by:

• Reading assignments. There will periodically be a reading assignment with a short written response that will be submitted via Canvas.
• Written Hand-written quizzes in class (these will be graded as credit/no-credit and will be used as a way to take attendance and check understanding of course materials).
  
• Programming Assignments (in Python)
• Final Class Project: You will get to pick an AI topic of your choice and do a deep dive and report your findings via a presentation and a written report.

All assignments, unless otherwise announced, must be submitted to the designated area of
Canvas. Do not submit assignments via email.

Programming assignments may be turned in late, but a penalty of 10% per day will be assessed. The final project written report cannot be turned in late because it will be due the last day of finals.

Grading for this course

Overall grades will be determined from:

• Programming Assignments: 45%

• Quizzes/Attendance/Reading Reports: 20%

• Final project proposal: 5%

• Final project presentation: 10%

• Final project written report: 20%

Assignments (programming and final projects) are due electronically by midnight on the listed due date.

There is a moratorium on complaints about grading, etc., of one week after grades are released.

University of Utah grading scale

Letter	Scoring
A	100% - 93%
A-	92.9% - 90%
B+	89.9%–87%
B	86.9%–84%
B-	83.9% - 80%
C+	79.9%–77%
C	76.9%–74%
C-	73.9% - 70%
D+	69.9%–67%
D	66.9%–64%
D-	63.9% - 60%
E	59.9%–0%

Disclaimer

Accommodations will be considered on an individual basis and may require documentation.

Please contact your instructor and/or teaching assistant as soon as possible (preferably shortly before the semester begins) to request accommodations of any kind.

Extreme personal circumstances

Please contact your instructor as soon as possible if an extreme personal circumstance
(hospitalization, death of a close relative, natural disaster, etc.) is interfering with your ability to
complete your work.

Religious Practice

To request an accommodation for religious practices, contact your instructor at the beginning of the semester.

Active Duty Military

If you are a student on active duty with the military and experience issues that prevent you from participating in the course because of deployment or service responsibilities, contact your instructor as soon as possible to discuss appropriate accommodations.

Disability Access

All written information in this course can be made available in an alternative format with prior notification to the Center for Disability Services (CDS). CDS will work with you and the instructor to make arrangements for accommodations. Prior notice is appreciated. To read the full accommodations policy for the University of Utah, please see Section Q of the Instruction & Evaluation regulations.

If you will need accommodations in this class, contact:

Center for Disability Services
  801-581-5020
  disability.utah.edu
  162 Union Building
    200 S. Central Campus Dr.
     Salt Lake City, UT 84112

This syllabus is not a contract. It is meant to serve as an outline and guide for your course. Please note that your instructor may modify it to accommodate the needs of your class.

You will be notified of any changes to the Syllabus.

Though the online format allows students greater flexibility to complete their work, this course does have a structure and timeline! As such, the following is expected of all students in this class:

• Students must be self-motivated, organized, and willing to stay on top of their schedules. Students should take control of their learning while in this course.
• Students are expected to follow the Core Rules of Netiquette at all times while participating in the class and communicating with others.
• Students will log in to the course a minimum of 3 times per week.
• Students are not expected to interact with their classmates in person. Students may be expected to work with classmates via online communication options like Canvas Discussions, video conferencing, or other communication technologies of choice (Groupme, FaceTime, Google Hangouts, etc).
• Students will regularly check for course updates and will update their Canvas notification settings to ensure they receive timely notifications from the course.
• Students will contact their instructor or teaching assistant in a timely manner if they have any questions, are struggling with course materials, or need further assistance from their instructor.
  • If you do not hear back within 3 days after sending a message, please contact your instructor/TA again.
• Students will follow all official University of Utah policies regarding interpersonal conduct, academic dishonesty, and other rights and responsibilities of students outlined in the University of Utah Student Handbook and Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities.
  • If you have any questions about this, please contact the Dean of Students.

Your course instructor is an expert in the topics you will learn about this semester. Your instructor is your mentor and facilitator of the classroom experience, aided by teaching assistants. Instructors are committed to:

• The instructor will design the course to include lectures, learning materials, and assignments that are accessible and provide students with opportunities to learn and practice course content.
• The instructor and teaching assistants will ensure that the course remains a safe space where students can engage with difficult content thoughtfully and respectfully.
• The instructor and teaching assistants will interact with the class regularly via announcements, virtual office hours (one-on-one video conferencing), emails/the Canvas Inbox, feedback on assignments, and comments on Discussions, among other methods.
• The instructor and teaching assistants will respond to students in a timely manner: within 48 hours, not including weekends and holidays.
• The instructor and teaching assistants will be available for an individual consultation via virtual office hours (one-on-one video conferencing), email, or phone and will not require students to meet in person.
• The instructor and teaching assistants will provide relevant feedback in a timely manner.
• The instructor and teaching assistants will follow all official University of Utah policies regarding interpersonal conduct, accommodations, and other important duties.