3203. Introduction to Artificial Intelligence
Project Guideline
Introduction
The purpose of this project is to improve the students' ability to do research, as well as to give the students a chance to explore various artificial intelligence topics in more depth.
The form of the major result can be a paper, a program, or a combination of the two. No matter what form is chosen, the result must be based on previous research results, as well as contain original ideas. Possibilities include (but are not limited to):
- to proposing a new idea
- to evaluating an existing theory or program
- to using existing models or software to solve a novel problem
- to developing a program to address an AI issue (Prolog is preferred, though not required)
This project can finished either individually or by a team, though teams should produce better results.
Stages
Similar to typical research projects, this project should consist of the following major stages.
1. Topic selection
Each individual or team is responsible to select its own project topic. To make such a decision, several factors should be considered:
- Relevance: Does the topic has something to do with AI? In what sense?
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Importance: Does it have theoretical or practical value? Does it provide a good training opportunity for you?
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Current status: What has been done on this topic? What can you add to it?
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Suitableness: Do you have the proper background knowledge? Can you finish it within the required time?
A brief proposal is required to justify your choice, by answering the above questions, as well as roughly describing your plan for the project.
If necessary, you can change your mind about the topic or the method of your project even after you have submitted a proposal. You can submit a new or updated proposal at any time during the project.
The most recent proposals will be put onto the project section of the Blackboard, so that the class will know who is doing what.
2. Reference search
After a topic is selected, you should continue to search the web and the library to learn more about the topic.
Of course, if you find that someone has done exactly what you plan to do (or has proven that it cannot be done) and you have nothing to add, then you have to go back to stage one to find another topic.
Finally, the most relevant references should be listed in your final project report.
3. Research and development
The requirement for this stage is the simplest: reading, thinking, asking, discussing, writing, and coding! A number of progress reports should be submitted by their due dates (see the course webpage).
4. Writing
If you choose a "no-coding" project, then the research report is the main delivariable. No page limit or format restriction is set, but you should try to make the paper easy to read. If you choose a "coding" project, the delivariable should include the program, plus a report to describe what the program does and how to run it. Besides, proper documentation in the code is required, as always.
By default, all final delivariables of the projects will be put in the course webpage.
5. Oral presentation
Each student/team is expected to give an oral presentation to the class, roughly 10 minutes per student. Each team member should talk in the presentation, though not necessarily for the same length.
6. Peer reviews
Each student will be assigned two other projects to review. For each, you need to read the progress reports, try the code (if any), attend the presentation, and finally write your comments (1-2 page each).
Submission
All files should be submitted on Blackboard. Allowed report formats: HTML, DOC, PDF, TXT. For other formats, ask the TA for permission in advance.
Grading
- Proposal and progress reports: 30%
- Final report/program: 40%
- Oral presentation: 20%
- Reviews: 10%
By default, each member of a team will get the same grade except for the reviews (which is not written by team, but by individual), and exceptions will be handled in a case-by-case manner.