CS540 Introduction to Artificial Intelligence
CS540, Spring 2022
Department of Computer Sciences
University of Wisconsin–Madison
Course learning outcomes: Students gain principles of knowledge-based search techniques; automatic deduction, knowledge representation using predicate logic, machine learning, probabilistic reasoning. Students develop applications in tasks such as problem solving, data mining, game playing, natural language understanding, and robotics.
Number of credits associated with the course: 3
How credit hours are met by the course: This class meets for two 75-minute class periods each week over the semester and carries the expectation that students will work on course learning activities (reading, writing, problem sets, studying, etc) for about 3 hours out of classroom for every class period. The syllabus includes more information about meeting times and expectations for student work.
Prerequisite: (COMP SCI 300 or 367) and (MATH 211, 217, 221, or 275) or graduate/professional standing or declared in the Capstone Certificate in Computer Sciences for Professionals.
Time and Location: may vary depending on your section enrolled.
Textbook: Artificial Intelligence: A Modern Approach (4th edition). Stuart Russell and Peter Norvig. Pearson, 2020. ISBN 978-0134610993. (textbook is optional, but may be useful)
In the regular lecture time, we will have synchronous classes, during which the instructors will lecture, the class will enagage in Q&A, ungraded quizzes, and discussions.
During lecture hours: Each lecture will be a series of short mini-lectures. The lecture will be divided into three blocks. In each block, the instructor will lecture, pause for interactive Q&A, and deliver short quiz questions to clear up any confusion before proceeding to the next block. We would like, whenever possible, all students to participate in the quiz.
We will use Piazza for Q&A. Please follow these rules:
In summary: In class you will attend real-time mini-lectures by the instructor, ask / discuss questions, and take short quizzes for student understanding.
The following weights are used:
At the end of the semester, the final letter grades are given based on an approximate curve. The weights placed on the assignments will be strictly enforced.
The final letter grade will be assigned based on the percentile of the averaged points in the class:
As student performance may vary from semester to semester, the instructors reserve the right to adjust this distribution. McBurney Center students should contact the instructors to specify any special requests for the exams or homework assignments together with the supporting documentation provided by the McBurney Center. We will do our best to accommodate the requests.
Homework assignments include written problems and programming (in Python). Frequently-asked questions (FAQs) on homework assignments will be posted on Piazza. Unless otherwise specified, homework is always due Tuesday morning at 9am. Late submissions will not be accepted. Assignment grading questions must be raised with the TAs within 72 hours after it is returned. Note that a regrading request for a part of a homework question may trigger the grader to regrade the entire homework and could potentially take points off. Regrading will be done on the original submitted work, no changes allowed.
TWO lowest homework scores are dropped from the final homework average calculation. This drop is meant for emergency usage. Additional drops, late days, or homework extensions will not be provided. We encourage you to use a study group for doing your homework. Students are expected to help each other out, and if desired, form ad-hoc homework groups. However, each student must produce and turn in their own, unique work.
Campus Spaces for Virtual Learning & Testing: Dedicated on-campus spaces with high-speed internet are available for students to reserve for any exam/quiz taken during the semester. Computers can also be requested.
There will be a midterm exam and a final exam. Makeup exams will not be scheduled. Please plan for exams at these times and let us know about any exam conflicts during the first two weeks of the semester. If an emergency arises that conflicts with the exam times, email us as soon as possible. Emergency exam conflicts will be handled on a case-by-case basis.
Exam grading questions must be raised with the instructor within 72 hours after it is returned. If a regrade request is submitted for a part of a question on the exam, the grader reserves the right to regrade the entire exam and could potentially take points off.
Midterm : 10 March (Tentative)
Final : TBD
Instructors / TAs / peer mentors will hold office hours. See office hour page.