Print View: COMP3702 - Sem 2 2008 - St Lucia

2. Aims, Objectives & Graduate Attributes

2.1 Course Aims

In general terms, it is expected that the student gains an understanding of the theories, methods and practices which form the basis of Artificial Intelligence. The course aims to introduce the basic concepts and methods used in the field of artificial intelligence and provide students with skills in the application of these techniques. Specifically the course aims to give students an overview of the following topics in artificial intelligence:

Problem solving and optimisation (search algorithms)
Reasoning with uncertain knowledge (probability theory)
Machine Learning (decision trees, neural networks, etc)
Probabilistic approaches for information retrieval

2.2 Learning Objectives

After successfully completing this course you should be able to:

1  understand and apply the theories, methods and practices which form the basis of artificial intelligence
2  understand that artificial intelligence may be approached at various levels of detail, and through various theoretical frameworks (computing algorithms, logic, probability theory, etc).
3  appreciate that computer science, mathematics and statistics, engineering, philosophy, neuroscience and psychology have had an influence on the field of artificial intelligence
4  master a wide range of subjects relating to artificial intelligence from a large collection of sources, and show evidence of such knowledge in both written and practical work
5  effectively solve problems relating to topics discussed in class and in the literature in groups of fellow students
6  develop an in-depth understanding of search algorithms and machine learning techniques, and their implementations
7  develop an ability to critically read text material and extract useful knowledge applicable to the specific course contents, as well as finding effective solutions to open-ended problems
8  incorporate artificial intelligence into software (prompting many design and technical decisions)
9  appreciate philosophical questions raised in relation to the design, construction and use of artificial intelligence

2.3. Graduate Attributes

Successfully completing this course will contribute to the recognition of your attainment of the following UQ (Undergrad Pass) graduate attributes:

GRADUATE ATTRIBUTE	LEARNING OBJECTIVES
*A. IN-DEPTH KNOWLEDGE OF THE FIELD OF STUDY*
A1. A comprehensive and well-founded knowledge in the field of study.	1, 2, 3, 6
A4. An understanding of how other disciplines relate to the field of study.	1, 2, 3, 8, 9
A5. An international perspective on the field of study.
*B. EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION*
B1. The ability to collect, analyse and organise information and ideas and to convey those ideas clearly and fluently, in both written and spoken forms.	4, 7, 8
B2. The ability to interact effectively with others in order to work towards a common outcome.	5
B3. The ability to select and use the appropriate level, style and means of communication.
B4. The ability to engage effectively and appropriately with information and communication technologies.	4, 6
*C. INDEPENDENCE AND CREATIVITY*
C1. The ability to work and learn independently.	7
C3. The ability to generate ideas and adapt innovatively to changing environments.	7
C4. The ability to identify problems, create solutions, innovate and improve current practices.	5, 6, 8
*D. CRITICAL JUDGEMENT*
D1. The ability to define and analyse problems.	5, 7, 8
D2. The ability to apply critical reasoning to issues through independent thought and informed judgement.	4, 7, 8
D3. The ability to evaluate opinions, make decisions and to reflect critically on the justifications for decisions.	4, 7, 8
*E. ETHICAL AND SOCIAL UNDERSTANDING*
E1. An understanding of social and civic responsibility.	9
E2. An appreciation of the philosophical and social contexts of a discipline.	3, 9
E4. A knowledge and respect of ethics and ethical standards in relation to a major area of study.
E5. A knowledge of other cultures and times and an appreciation of cultural diversity.

Successfully completing this course will contribute to the recognition of your attainment of the following Engineers Australia graduate attributes:

GRADUATE ATTRIBUTE	LEARNING OBJECTIVES
1. Ability to apply knowledge of basic science and engineering fundamentals	1, 6, 7, 8
2. Ability to communicate effectively, not only with engineers, but also with the community at large	4, 5
3. In-depth technical competence in at least one engineering discipline	1, 2, 6
4. Ability to undertake problem identification, formulation and solution	2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
5. Ability to utilise a systems approach to design and operational performance	2, 6, 7, 8
6. Ability to function effectively as an individual and in multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural teams, with the capacity to be a team leader or manager as well as an effective team member
7. Understanding of the social, cultural, global and environmental responsibilities of the professional engineer, and for the need for sustainable development
8. Understanding of the principles of sustainable design and development
9. Understanding of and commitment to professional and ethical responsibilities	9
10. Expectation and capacity to undertake life-long learning

5. Assessment

5.1 Assessment Summary

This is a summary of the assessment in the course. For detailed information on each assessment, see 5.5 Assessment Detail below.

Assessment Task	Due Date	Weighting	Learning Objectives
Tutorial Exercise Tutorial active participation	28 Jul 08 - 24 Oct 08	10%	4, 5, 6, 7
Project Assignment 1	11 Aug 08 17:00 - 5 Sep 08 17:00	10%	5, 6, 7, 8
Exam - Mid Semester During Class Mid-semester	26 Aug 08 14:00 - 26 Aug 08 15:50	10%	1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 9
Project Assignment 2	19 Sep 08 17:00 - 24 Oct 08 17:00	20%	4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Exam - during Exam Period (Central) Final examination	Examination Period	50% (or 60% if the midsemester exam would result in a lower mark)	1, 2, 3, 4, 9

5.2 Course Grading

Grade 1, Fail: Fails to demonstrate most or all of the basic requirements of the course: Requires a total mark of 1 or above.

The minimum percentage required for a grade of 1 is: 0%

Grade 2, Fail: Demonstrates clear deficiencies in understanding and applying fundamental concepts; communicates information or ideas in ways that are frequently incomplete or confusing and give little attention to the conventions of the discipline: Requires a total mark of 20 or above.

Grade 3, Fail: Demonstrates superficial or partial or faulty understanding of the fundamental concepts of the field of study and limited ability to apply these concepts; presents undeveloped or inappropriate or unsupported arguments; communicates information or ideas with lack of clarity and inconsistent adherence to the conventions of the discipline: Requires a total mark of 45 or above.

Grade 4, Pass: Demonstrates adequate understanding and application of the fundamental concepts of the field of study; develops routine arguments or decisions and provides acceptable justification; communicates information and ideas adequately in terms of the conventions of the discipline: Requires a total mark of 50 or above.

Grade 5, Credit: Demonstrates substantial understanding of fundamental concepts of the field of study and ability to apply these concepts in a variety of contexts; develops or adapts convincing arguments and provides coherent justification; communicates information and ideas clearly and fluently in terms of the conventions of the discipline: Requires a total mark of 65 or above.

Grade 6, Distinction: As for 5, with frequent evidence of originality in defining and analysing issues or problems and in creating solutions; uses a level, style and means of communication appropriate to the discipline and the audience: Requires a total mark of 75 or above.

Grade 7, High Distinction: As for 6, with consistent evidence of substantial originality and insight in identifying, generating and communicating competing arguments, perspectives or problem solving approaches; critically evaluates problems, their solutions and implications: Requires a total mark of 85 or above.

Other Requirements & Comments : Final marks will be calculated in two ways:

1. with the mid-semester exam counting 10% and the final exam counting 50%
2. with just the final exam counting 60%

The student's mark will be the higher of these two values.
If the student does not sit the mid-semester for any reason, the final exam mark will count for 60%.

5.3 Late Submission

No extensions will be granted except in exceptional personal circumstances (documented medical reason or family emergency). Personal hardware or computer failures are not grounds for extension. Requests for extensions must be done in a timely manner, at least within one week of the time of expected delivery.

5.5 Assessment Detail

Tutorial active participation

Type: Tutorial Exercise
Learning Objectives Assessed: 4, 5, 6, 7
Due Date:
28 Jul 08 - 24 Oct 08
Weight: 10%
Task Description:

Tutorials are intended to reinforce and support material discussed in lectures. Active participation in tutorials contributes 10% towards the final grade. Active participation rather than attendance will be assessed during tutorials. Students are expected to complete exercises, take part in discussions and submit tutorial work. Of the 12 scheduled tutorials, 10 have exercises (each worth 1 mark). The remaining two tutorials are used to support assignments (which are assessed as specified separately).

Criteria & Marking: Tutorial answers need to be submitted each week and will be marked based on completeness and accuracy.
Submission: Submitted in written form to the tutor after each tutorial (no later than 48 hours after).

Assignment 1

Type: Project
Learning Objectives Assessed: 5, 6, 7, 8
Due Date:
11 Aug 08 17:00 - 5 Sep 08 17:00
Weight: 10%
Task Description:

The assignment prompts the student to understand search algorithms to solve practical problems. The assignment asks the student to implement the solution as a computer program. The solution is reported in written form. The assignment can only be completed in pairs or individually.

The assignment specification is available from the course web page at least three weeks before the deadline.

Criteria & Marking: Both code and report will be marked for accuracy and completeness.
Submission: Use online assignment submission system to submit both a report and program code.

Mid-semester

Type: Exam - Mid Semester During Class
Learning Objectives Assessed: 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 9
Due Date:
26 Aug 08 14:00 - 26 Aug 08 15:50
Weight: 10%
Perusal: 5 minutes
Duration: 50 minutes
Format: Multiple-choice
Task Description: The exam will be in-class. A 2B pencil will be required.
Criteria & Marking: Multiple choice questions will be given one mark for each correct answer. No marks will be deducted for wrong answers.

Assignment 2

Type: Project
Learning Objectives Assessed: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Due Date:
19 Sep 08 17:00 - 24 Oct 08 17:00
Weight: 20%
Task Description:

The assignment prompts the student to understand machine learning algorithms and methodology. It asks the student to implement a solution as a computer program. The assignment is reported in written form. The assignment can only be completed in pairs or individually.

The assignment specification is available from the course web page at least three weeks before the deadline.

Criteria & Marking: Both code and report will be marked for accuracy and completeness.
Submission: Use the online assignment submission system to submit both a report and program code.

Final examination

Type: Exam - during Exam Period (Central)
Learning Objectives Assessed: 1, 2, 3, 4, 9
Due Date:
Examination Period
Weight: 50% (or 60% if the midsemester exam would result in a lower mark)
Perusal: 10 minutes
Duration: 120 minutes
Format: Multiple-choice, Short answer, Problem solving
Task Description:

A two hour final examination will be held during the final examination period. The examination will be closed-book and will contain both multiple-choice and short-answer questions. You should also bring a battery-operated non-programmable calculator. Programmable calculators and other computing or communication devices are NOT permitted. You will require a HB or 2B pencil and an eraser to complete the exam.

The examination paper aims to test

familiarity with the historical context of artificial intelligence
knowledge of several definitions of artificial intelligence
an understanding of problem solving and optimisation techniques based on search (both uninformed and informed)
knowledge of declarative representation and reasoning
familiarity with logic programming
understanding of general principles in the area of machine learning
knowledge of machine learning techniques (including decision tree learning and neural networks)
an understanding of probability theory and how it can be applied in represention and reasoning with uncertain knowledge, and in machine learning techniques

Criteria & Marking: Multiple choice questions will be given one mark for each correct answer. No marks will be deducted for wrong answers.

Short answer questions will be marked for completeness and accuracy.

6. Policies & Guidelines

This section contains the details of and links to the most relevant policies and course guidelines. For further details on University Policies please visit myAdvisor and the University Handbook of Policies and Procedures.

6.1 Assessment Related Policies and Guidelines

University Policies & Guidelines

An overview of the University’s assessment-related policies can be found on myAdvisor (http://www.uq.edu.au/myadvisor/index.html?page=2910).

Academic Integrity
It is the University's task to encourage ethical scholarship and to inform students and staff about the institutional standards of academic behaviour expected of them in learning, teaching and research. Students have a responsibility to maintain the highest standards of academic integrity in their work. Students must not cheat in examinations or other forms of assessment and must ensure they do not plagiarise.

Plagiarism
The University has adopted the following definition of plagiarism:

Plagiarism is the act of misrepresenting as one's own original work the ideas, interpretations, words or creative works of another. These include published and unpublished documents, designs, music, sounds, images, photographs, computer codes and ideas gained through working in a group. These ideas, interpretations, words or works may be found in print and/or electronic media.

Students are encouraged to read the UQ Academic Integrity and Plagiarism policy (http://www.uq.edu.au/hupp/index.html?page=25128) which makes a comprehensive statement about the University's approach to plagiarism, including the approved use of plagiarism detection software, the consequences of plagiarism and the principles associated with preventing plagiarism.

Feedback on Assessment
Feedback is essential to effective learning and students can expect to receive appropriate and timely feedback on all assessment. For a detailed explanation of the feedback you are entitled to, you should consult the policy on Student Access to Feedback on Assessment. (http://www.uq.edu.au/hupp/index.html?page=25109)

As a student you have a responsibility to incorporate feedback into your learning; make use of the assessment criteria that you are given; be aware of the rules, policies and other documents related to assessment; and provide teachers with feedback on their assessment practices.

There are certain steps you can take if you feel your result does not reflect your performance. Please refer to the myAdvisor web site. (http://www.uq.edu.au/myadvisor/index.html?page=2953)

School of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering Assessment Guidelines

Misconduct

Further to the statement on academic integrity and plagiarism above, students are required to read and understand the ITEE policy on Student Misconduct (http://www.itee.uq.edu.au/about_ITEE/policies/student-misconduct.html).

Late Arrival or Non-attendance at Examinations

The policy and procedure for late arrival or non-attendance at centrally controlled examinations is set out in the University's Examinations policy (HUPP 3.30.5), sections 8 and 10.2.

The way in which late arrival at a School-controlled examination is dealt with will be at the discretion of the course coordinator, who may be guided by the policy for centrally controlled exams.

In the case that a student requests a special exam for a School-controlled exam, the request will be considered and, if allowed, the timing shall be determined by the course coordinator, in consultation with the School's Chief Examiner where necessary, and in accordance with HUPP 3.30.5. Unless otherwise indicated in the Course Profile, applications must be made in writing to the Head of School no later than one week after the exam. Late applications will not be accepted.

Examination Feedback

In addition to the advice above, students wishing to view examination answer scripts and/or question papers should consult with the School office (Room 217, General Purpose South Building [78], St Lucia; Room 218, Building 1, Ipswich) regarding arrangements. The ITEE policy on exam script viewing is available at http://study.itee.uq.edu.au/current_students/exam_script_viewing.html.

Supplementary Assessment

If you fail this course you may be eligible for supplementary assessment - see the general award rules and/or your program rules for details. You should note that even though you may be eligible for supplementary assessment under these rules, in some circumstances there may be no practical assessment that can be offered to allow you to meet the minimum passing requirements. These circumstances may include failure based on:

group or team based assessment;
attendance or class participation requirements;
laboratory-based assessment, where laboratories can't practically be made available after classes have finished;
project or thesis-based assessment, where a significant period of time would be required to undertake supplementary assessment;
progressive assessment, where subsequent assessment items build on earlier assessment items; or
multiple assessment items, where it is impractical to offer multiple supplementary assessment items.

If the course coordinator determines that there is no practical supplementary assessment that can be offered to allow you to improve your grade, then you will not be offered supplementary assessment and your grade will remain unchanged.

6.2 Other Policies and Guidelines

University Policies and Guidelines

Placement Courses
Students on a placement course – also known as a work placement, internship, industry study, industry experience, clinical practice, clinical placement, practical work, practicum, fieldwork, teaching practice – should refer to the University policy, Placement Courses (http://www.uq.edu.au/hupp/index.html?page=25120) for detailed information.

Working with Children
Students whose studies include a professional/work placement, internship, clinical practice, teaching practice or other similar activity which involves them in regular contact with children should refer to the University policy, Working with Children Check - "blue card" (http://www.uq.edu.au/hupp/index.html?page=25004) to find out how to apply for a ‘blue card’.

Students with a Disability
Any student with a disability who may require alternative academic arrangements, including assessment, in the course/program is encouraged to seek advice at the commencement of the semester from a Disability Adviser at Student Support Services. Refer to the University policy, Students with a Disability (Disability Action Plan) (http://www.uq.edu.au/hupp/index.html?page=25122) and to the policy on Special Arrangements for Examinations for Students with a Disability (http://www.uq.edu.au/hupp/index.html?page=25111

Where an adjustment is made to an accredited program, it is the responsibility of the relevant Faculty to liaise with professional and registration bodies regarding the acceptability of the change/s.

Occupational Health and Safety
Undergraduate Students (http://www.uq.edu.au/hupp/index.html?page=25055) and Postgraduate Students (http://www.uq.edu.au/hupp/index.html?page=25057) should be familiar with the University policies on occupational health and safety in the laboratory.

Other School of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering Guidelines

Ethical Clearance

If your course involves assignment or project work involving human subjects or human-related materials, you must investigate the need for ethical clearance and obtain it when required. Information on ethical clearance can be found at http://www.uq.edu.au/research/orps/index.html?page=5064&pid=5256.

Learning Summary

Below is a table showing the relationship between the learning objectives for this course and the broader graduate attributes developed, the learning activities used to develop each objective and the assessment task used to assess each objective.

Learning Objectives

After successfully completing this course you should be able to:

Assessment & Learning Activities

	Learning Objectives
	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9
Learning Activities
Lectures (Lecture Series)
Tutorials (Tutorial Series)
Assignment 1 (Programming Exercise)
Assignment 2 (Programming Exercise)
Assessment Tasks
Tutorial active participation
Assignment 1
Mid-semester
Assignment 2
Final examination

Graduate Attributes

Successfully completing this course will contribute to the recognition of your attainment of the following UQ (Undergrad Pass) graduate attributes:

	Learning Objectives
	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9
Graduate Attributes
*A IN-DEPTH KNOWLEDGE OF THE FIELD OF STUDY*
A1. A comprehensive and well-founded knowledge in the field of study.
A4. An understanding of how other disciplines relate to the field of study.
A5. An international perspective on the field of study.
*B EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION*
B1. The ability to collect, analyse and organise information and ideas and to convey those ideas clearly and fluently, in both written and spoken forms.
B2. The ability to interact effectively with others in order to work towards a common outcome.
B3. The ability to select and use the appropriate level, style and means of communication.
B4. The ability to engage effectively and appropriately with information and communication technologies.
*C INDEPENDENCE AND CREATIVITY*
C1. The ability to work and learn independently.
C3. The ability to generate ideas and adapt innovatively to changing environments.
C4. The ability to identify problems, create solutions, innovate and improve current practices.
*D CRITICAL JUDGEMENT*
D1. The ability to define and analyse problems.
D2. The ability to apply critical reasoning to issues through independent thought and informed judgement.
D3. The ability to evaluate opinions, make decisions and to reflect critically on the justifications for decisions.
*E ETHICAL AND SOCIAL UNDERSTANDING*
E1. An understanding of social and civic responsibility.
E2. An appreciation of the philosophical and social contexts of a discipline.
E4. A knowledge and respect of ethics and ethical standards in relation to a major area of study.
E5. A knowledge of other cultures and times and an appreciation of cultural diversity.

Successfully

COMP3702 - Sem 2 2008 - St Lucia - Internal

1. General Course Information

1.1 Course Details

1.2 Course Introduction

1.3 Course Staff

1.4 Timetable