Fall 2024 - IAT 360 D100

Exploring Artificial Intelligence: Its Use, Concepts, and Impact (3)

Class Number: 6713

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2024: Fri, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Surrey

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Dec 16, 2024
    Mon, 3:30–5:30 p.m.
    Surrey

  • Prerequisites:

    CMPT 120, IAT 265, and IAT 267, all with a minimum grade of C-.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Designed to provide a comprehensive and accessible introduction to the world of artificial intelligence that will empower the students to navigate the AI-driven future. Students will explore fundamental AI concepts, including machine learning, neural networks, natural language processing, and computer vision; discover real-world applications, ethical considerations, and the societal impact of AI. CMPT 310 will be accepted in lieu of this course.

COURSE DETAILS:

The field of artificial intelligence (AI) has experienced exponential growth and has become increasingly pervasive in our everyday lives. From voice assistants to recommendation systems and autonomous vehicles, AI technologies are shaping various industries and transforming the way we live, work, and interact. It is essential for individuals from diverse academic backgrounds to have a foundational understanding of AI concepts, applications, and societal implications. By equipping students with AI knowledge, this course empowers students to navigate the AI-driven world, make informed decisions, and contribute meaningfully to the development and ethical implementation of AI technologies. 

This course will cover key topics such as machine learning, neural networks, natural language processing, computer vision, and ethical considerations in AI. By providing a broad understanding of AI fundamentals, students will be better equipped to navigate and adapt to the evolving AI landscape. It will draw examples from the vast applications across various disciplines, including healthcare, finance, education, design and entertainment. This course will also dedicate specific modules to exploring these issues, encouraging critical thinking and responsible AI development and deployment.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

By the end of this course students will:  

  • Develop an understanding of the fundamental concepts and principles of AI, including machine learning, neural networks, and data analysis.  
  • Gain familiarity with various AI techniques, algorithms, and methodologies used for problem-solving and decision-making, such as classification, regression, clustering, and reinforcement learning.  
  • Acquire practical skills in applying AI techniques through hands-on exercises and projects, including data preprocessing, model training, evaluation, and deployment. Students will use readily available libraries and tutorials to build upon and will not be required to implement from scratch.  
  • Explore the ethical implications of AI technologies, including issues of bias, fairness, transparency, and privacy, and develop an awareness of responsible AI development and deployment.  
  • Develop their critical thinking skills to analyze and evaluate AI algorithms, models, and results, and apply them effectively to solve complex problems in various domains including healthcare, finance, design, marketing, and robotics, and gain insights into emerging trends and challenges.  
  • Develop a mindset of continuous learning and adaptability to stay updated with advancements, emerging trends, and research in the field of AI. 

Materials are delivered via lectures (2 hours each), tutorials/workshops (2 hours each) for technical training in building AI pipelines as well as interactions with computer systems. 

Grading

  • Quizzes 20%
  • Individual Coding Assignments 20%
  • Two group projects 40%
  • Written Assignments and Course check-ins 15%
  • Class/Tutorial and Discussions participation 5%

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

All course materials will be made available online, free of charge.
Artificial Intelligence: A Modern Approach (4th Edition), Stuart Russell, Peter Norvig, Prentice Hall, 2020. 

Additional readings (e.g., articles, video clips) will be available through Canvas or through the SFU Library System.

RECOMMENDED READING:

Artificial Intelligence: A Modern Approach (4th Edition), Stuart Russell, Peter Norvig, Prentice Hall, 2020.

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity website 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

RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.