Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2021 - CMPT 310 D100

Artificial Intelligence Survey (3)

Class Number: 6657

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 11 – Apr 16, 2021: Mon, Wed, Fri, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 28, 2021
    Wed, 8:30–11:30 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    CMPT 225 and (MACM 101 or ENSC 251 and ENSC 252)).

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Provides a unified discussion of the fundamental approaches to the problems in artificial intelligence. The topics considered are: representational typology and search methods; game playing, heuristic programming; pattern recognition and classification; theorem-proving; question-answering systems; natural language understanding; computer vision. Students with credit for CMPT 410 may not take this course for further credit.

COURSE DETAILS:

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the part of computer science concerned with systems that learn, reason and make/support decisions. The goal of this course is to provide students with a survey of different aspects of artificial intelligence. A variety of approaches with general applicability will be developed. We will start with the theory of optimal decision-making, both for single agents (expected utility) and multiple agents (game theory). The next topic is searching for solutions to complex decision and planning problems (search strategies and heuristics). We introduce basic concepts of machine learning, such as decision trees and neural nets. Probability as a mechanism for handling uncertainty in AI will be presented, with a focus on Bayesian networks.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

Topics

  • Search
  • Game theory and game playing: decision-making with other agents
  • Planning
  • Reasoning under uncertainty (probability)
  • Bayesian networks
  • Utility theory, Decision networks
  • Learning: decision trees, neural networks
  • Time permitting: reinforcement learning

Grading

NOTES:

The grade is based on assignments 40%, exam 25%, quizzes 25%, participation 10%. Assignments are a mix of programming and conceptual exercises. The prerequisites are important for achieving a satisfactory grade in this course.

Students must attain an overall passing grade on the weighted average of exams in the course in order to obtain a clear pass (C- or better).

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Reference Books

  • Artificial Intelligence: Foundations of Computational Agents, David L. Poole and Alan Mackworth, New York : Cambridge University Press, 2017, 978-1107195394, https://www.artint.info/2e/html/ArtInt2e.html
  • Artificial Intelligence (6th Edition). Structures and Strategies for Complex Problem Solving, George Luger, Addison Wesley, 2009, 978-0321545893

REQUIRED READING:

  • Artificial Intelligence: A Modern Approach (4th Edition), Stuart J. Russell, Peter Norvig, Pearson, 2020, 978-0134610993

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 SPRING 2021

Teaching at SFU in spring 2021 will be conducted primarily through remote methods. There will be in-person course components in a few exceptional cases where this is fundamental to the educational goals of the course. Such course components will be clearly identified at registration, as will course components that will be “live” (synchronous) vs. at your own pace (asynchronous). Enrollment acknowledges 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. To ensure you can access all course materials, we recommend you have access to a computer with a microphone and camera, and the internet. In some cases your instructor may use Zoom or other means requiring a camera and microphone to invigilate exams. If proctoring software will be used, this will be confirmed in the first week of class.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who believe they may need class or exam accommodations, including in the current context of remote learning, are encouraged to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112).