Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2021 - CMPT 983 G200

Special Topics in Artificial Intelligence (3)

Class Number: 5638

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2021: Wed, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

Description

COURSE DETAILS:

This course covers the fundamentals and applications of generative models, a branch of machine learning focused on learning unknown probability distributions from observed examples. Generative models are used to automatically generate complex data such as images, text and sound from limited user input, simulate alternative possible outcomes that are not observed in the real world, generate multiple possible predictions when the input cannot uniquely determine the output, quantify the amount of uncertainty in the model prediction and incorporate domain knowledge into otherwise uninformed domain-agnostic algorithms. Both classical approaches and modern techniques developed within the last 10 years will be covered, and their applications to different areas of artificial intelligence, such as computer vision, natural language processing and audio processing will be highlighted. The goal is to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the latest techniques and bring them up to speed on the current scientific literature. By the end of the course, students will understand when generative models should be applied and how they can be applied in the context of their own research.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

Topics

  • Prescribed generative models, e.g.: latent variable models, variational autoencoders
  • Implicit generative models, e.g.: generative adversarial networks and implicit maximum likelihood
  • Specially parameterized generative models, e.g.: autoregressive models, flow-based models
  • Applications to the generation of images, text and audio

Grading

NOTES:

The course grade will be based on quizzes, participation and final project.

Graduate Studies Notes:

Important dates and deadlines for graduate students are found here: http://www.sfu.ca/dean-gradstudies/current/important_dates/guidelines.html. The deadline to drop a course with a 100% refund is the end of week 2. The deadline to drop with no notation on your transcript is the end of week 3.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

TEACHING AT SFU IN FALL 2021

Teaching at SFU in fall 2021 will involve primarily in-person instruction, with approximately 70 to 80 per cent of classes in person/on campus, with safety plans in place.  Whether your course will be in-person or through remote methods will be clearly identified in the schedule of classes.  You will also know at enrollment whether remote course components will be “live” (synchronous) or at your own pace (asynchronous).

Enrolling in a course acknowledges that you are able to attend in whatever format is required.  You should not enroll in a course that is in-person if you are not able to return to campus, and should be aware that remote study may entail different modes of learning, interaction with your instructor, and ways of getting feedback on your work than may be the case for in-person classes.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who may need class or exam accommodations, including in the context of remote learning, are advised to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112) as early as possible in order to prepare for the fall 2021 term.