Syllabus
Syllabus
A short and sweet syllabus
Topics
- Deep Learning
- Convolutional Neural Networks
- TensorFlow
- Applications of Deep Learning
Format
The course takes an active, hands-on approach to learning. Students will spend much of the class time exploring, experimenting, and evaluating code using their own laptops. Right now my plan is to have lecture and discussion on more theoretical material each Monday. On Wednesdays we will have a lecture, discussion and some hands-on about how to apply and code the theory. Fridays will normally be devoted to lab time. My goal is to make the class fairly easy and fun and will require your feedback to keep it so.
Laptops
I am assuming that nearly everyone has a laptop. We will be working with laptops during a large percentage of our class. It doesn’t matter if your laptop runs Microsoft Windows, is a Mac, or an Ubuntu machine. Usually when I write this in a syllabus I add “It doesn’t matter if it is 5 years old. It also doesn’t matter how powerful it is–even a basic netbook will work.” In the case of this class, it does matter. Doing data mining even on small datasets is processor intensive.
Evaluation
Grading is based on a method developed by Professor Lee Sheldon at Indiana University. It is based on obtaining experience points (XP). The number of XP determines what level you are at. You start the class at Level 1 and with 0 XP. The level you obtain at the end of the semester determines your final grade. Here is the chart:
Activities
All activities are optional. The total number of XP is 1500. You only need 1300 for an A.
Tests – 400XP
There will be approximately 4 short multiple-choice tests (RATS) given during the course. Each will be taken individually, then, immediately after, the same test will be taken as a team. Each individual quiz is worth on average 50 points; each team quiz is also worth on average 50XP. You will have advance notice of these tests.
Labs- 600XP
There will be 5-6 programming labs. There will be time in class to work on them, but some time will be required outside of class.
Team projects – 300XP
There will be 2 team projects.
Team Participation – 100XP
Each student will rate the helpfulness of all members of their team. Individual team participation scores will be the sum of the points they receive from other members of their team. Each team member distributes 100 points to other members of the team. The average team participation score will be 100 points. The rater must differentiate some of their ratings (they cannot assign the same rating to all members).
Karma ~ 100XP
I may give individuals or teams small amounts of xp for class participation and helping each other.
Final Exam
There is no final exam. All work is due by the last day of class.
Avatar Names
During the first week of class I will ask you for your avatar name. This is the name that will appear on the Experience Point Google Spreadsheet that will be viewable by everyone in the class. If you wish to remain anonymous, don’t share your avatar name with anyone. To further protect the anonymity of those who wish to remain anonymous, the spreadsheet may also be populated by fictitious avatar names.
Accommodations for Students with Special Needs
Any student with a documented disability may receive a special accommodation to complete any requirements of this course. If you are have a disability or believe you have one you may wish to self-identify. You may do so by providing documentation to the Office of Disability Services located in Room 203 of George Washington Hall (Phone: Voice 540-654-1266, Fax: 540-654-1163). Appropriate accommodations may then be provided for you. If you have a condition that may affect your ability to exit the premises in an emergency or that may cause an emergency during class, you are encouraged to discuss this in confidence with me and/or anyone at the Office of Disability Services. This office can also answer any questions you have about the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Academic Integrity
I assume you are an ethical student and a person with integrity. I expect that you will follow the university honor code (see http://rosemary.umw.edu/CSHonorCode.html). Please use common sense and ask yourself what would a person with integrity do? To help you, I would like to make three comments related to this: