Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2026 - CMPT 310 D200

Introduction to Artificial Intelligence (3)

Class Number: 5447

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Wed, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

    Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Fri, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    CMPT 225 and STAT 271, all with a minimum grade of C-. Recommended: MATH 251.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Artificial intelligence is an area with vast application scenarios. This course is intended as a prerequisite for advanced-level AI courses and covers the fundamental concepts and foundational mathematical formulations in machine learning and AI. Topics include supervised learning, linear regression, gradient descent, search algorithms, Markov decision processes, and Bayes nets.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course is a broad introduction to the techniques, methodology, and theory of Artificial Intelligence. Each topic will provide introductory foundations for coursework in future specialized courses.

Topics

  • Philosophical foundations, goals, and background of Artificial Intelligence
  • Calculus, probability, and linear algebra (elements as necessary for the course)
  • Machine Learning 
  • Intelligent agents (searching, planning, game playing)
  • Constraint satisfaction problems
  • Markov Decision Processes
  • Hidden Markov Models
  • Bayesian Networks
  • Reinforcement Learning
  • Application areas (e.g. computer vision, natural language processing)
  • Ethical considerations and future outlook

Grading

  • Grades will be discussed in the first week of class 100%

NOTES:

Grading will be announced the first week of class.

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).

REQUIREMENTS:

Prerequisite Note:

Prior to Spring 2026:
  Prerequisites: CMPT 225 and (MACM 101 or (ENSC 251 and ENSC 252)), all with a minimum grade of C-.
  Effective Spring 2026:
  Prerequisites: CMPT 225 and STAT 271, both with a minimum grade of C-.
  Recommended: MATH 251
For the Spring 2026 term only, either set of prerequisites (Prior to Spring 2026 and Effective Spring 2026) will be accepted. Students who wish to enroll in CMPT 310 but do not meet the new Fall 2025 prerequisites but meet the prior to Spring 2026 pre-requisites, must complete and submit a CMPT Prerequisite Waiver Form to the department. CMPT Prerequisite Waiver Forms are available here: https://www.sfu.ca/fas/computing/current-students/undergraduates/forms.html

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Artificial Intelligence: A Modern Approach, 4th edition

  • Stuart Russell, Peter Norvig
  • Pearson 
  • 2021

ISBN: 9780137505135

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.

Department Undergraduate Notes:

The following are default policies in the School of Computing Science. Please check your course syllabus whether the instructor has chosen a different policy for your class, otherwise the following policies apply.
 
  • Students must attain an overall passing grade on the weighted average of exams in the course in order to get a C- or higher.
  • All student requests for accommodations for their religious practices must be made in writing by the end of the first week of classes, or no later than one week after a student adds a course. After considering a request, an instructor may provide a concession or may decline to do so. Students requiring accommodations as a result of a disability can contact the Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca).

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


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.