CS44 W00: Basic Information

Course Information

• An introduction to the field of Artificial Intelligence. Topics include games, robotics, Lisp, Prolog, image understanding, knowledge representation, logic and theorem proving, understanding of natural languages, neural networks, and discussions of human intelligence.

Instructor

• Name: Vasileios Megalooikonomou
• Office: 118 Sudikoff Laboratory
• Phone: 646-3266
• Office Hours: W 2-3, Th 10-12 and by appointment
• E-mail: vasilis@cs.dartmouth.edu

TA

• Name: Alin Popescu
• Office: 220 Sudikoff Laboratory
• Phone: 646-1639
• Office Hours: MF 10-12
• E-mail: popescu@cs.dartmouth.edu

Recitation TA

• Name: Mintcho Petkov
• Office: 115 Sudikoff Laboratory
• E-mail: Mintcho.P.Petkov@Dartmouth.edu

Course

• Meets: MWF 12:30-1:35pm
• Room: 115 Sudikoff
• X-hour: Tuesday 1:00-1:50pm

Prerequisite

• This course requires a facility with programming and some exposure to algorithms and formal methods. Because of this, are expected to have had CS 25 and CS 23 or equivalent. If you have not taken these courses, please see me asap.

X-hours

• You should keep the X-period open throughout the term. It is VERY likely that I schedule problem sessions or special lectures in some of them. Be prepared to attend X-hours at short notice.

Recitation Sections

E-mail

• I read electronic mail on a daily basis. Send mail to: vasilis@cs.dartmouth.edu. The mailing list cs44-W00 will be created for the class and it will be used to send messages about homework changes or clarifications, change of tutorial hours, and other topics. I expect that you read your mail regularly. Otherwise you may miss important information.

Web Page

• The web page for the course is http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~cs44. This page will contain homework assignments, handouts, and other information related specifically to CS 44.

Text

• Required: Artificial Intelligence: A modern Approach by Russell and Norvig.
  Available at the Dartmouth Bookstore and Wheelock Books.
• Optional: The Structure and Interpretation of Computer Programs by Sussman and Abelson.
  Introduction to Artificial Intelligence by Winston.
  Essentials of Artificial Intelligence by Ginsberg.
  Available at the library. Of these books, I strongly encourage you to get the Abelson and Sussman book---it is the best book there is on programming concepts.

Homework

• There will be weekly assignments, generally handed out on Fridays and due the following Friday. Written assignments will alternate with programs. The written problem description will be given in class. All additional material will be available on the course Web page. A few details on the homework assignments:
  • Start early: The written problems will require thought. It will be hard to solve them the night before they are due. The projects will be in Lisp and Prolog and you will need time to get used to these languages and the programming environment.
  • Public Lab Space: All programming assignments will be done on the Linux machines in Sudikoff 005. Please make sure you have access to this lab and an appropriate computer account. If you do not have access to these machines, contact the TA. Access cards can be obtained from Kelly. A $20.00 cash deposit is needed.
  • Software: You will be using Lisp and Prolog on the Linux machines.

Homework Policy

• Homework is due at the start of class on the announced due date. Unexcused late assignments will be penalized 10% per day late, up to a maximum of 50%. I normally will not accept assignments after the date on which the following assignment is due or after the solutions have been handed out, whichever comes first. If you will have a valid reason for turning in an assignment late, please see me in advance to obtain full-credit. You will receive extra credit for turning your homework in early.

Exams

• There will be a midterm and a final exam. The midterm exam is on February 9. The final exam will be on the last day of classes or in the scheduled slot. I will let you know shortly.

Grading

• Homeworks: 40%
• Midterm: 25%
• Final: 30%
• Class Participation: 5%

Honor Code

• All work submitted for credit must be your own.
• You may discuss the homework problems with your classmates, the teaching assistant, and Professor Megalooikonomou. You must acknowledge the people with whom you discussed your work, and you must write up your own solutions and code. Any written sources (apart from the text) used must also be acknowledged; however, you may not consult any solutions from previous years' assignments whether they are student or faculty generated. Any software given to you (by us or by other sources) must also be acknowledged.
• Please ask if you have any questions about the Dartmouth Honor Code. Violations of the honor code will be treated seriously.

Disabilities

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