COMP SCI 4401 - Introduction to Statistical Machine Learning
North Terrace Campus - Semester 2 - 2014
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General Course Information
Course Details
Course Code COMP SCI 4401 Course Introduction to Statistical Machine Learning Coordinating Unit Computer Science Term Semester 2 Level Undergraduate Location/s North Terrace Campus Units 3 Contact Up to 2 hours per week. Prerequisites COMP SCI 2201 Assumed Knowledge Basic probability theory and linear algebra Assessment Written exam and/or assignments Course Staff
Course Coordinator: Professor Javen Qinfeng Shi
Machine Learning is the process of using data to uncover an underlying process. It is used in a wide range of applications including stock market prediction, fraud detection, recommendation system, social networks, medical diagnosis, security and so on. Big IT companies like Google, Amazon, Facebook, Microsoft which have large demand for hiring graduates with machine learning background and experience.
In this course, we will cover the basic concepts of machine learning, and classic algorithms such as Support Vector Machines, as well as more up-to-date tools such as Probabilistic Graphical Models (PGMs). Apart from the algorithms, we will also cover the principles and theory of machine learning, which could guide the students to analyse existing algorithms, and to design or invent their own algorithms in future.
We will have a mixture of hands-on programming practice and mathematical derivation in terms of assignments. We hope the experience and knowledge from this course can broaden students’ career options such as doing a PhD in relevant areas, or getting a better chance into relevant industry in the Big Data era.
The course will be taught by
- Dr. Qinfeng (Javen) Shi (Course Coordinator)
- Prof. Chunhua Shen
Prof. Chunhua Shen is an ARC future fellow with expertise in Machine Learning and Computer Vision. More info can be found in http://cs.adelaide.edu.au/~chhshen/.Course Timetable
The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from .
Teachers:
Dr. Qinfeng (Javen) Shi (Course Coordinator)
Prof. Chunhua Shen
Lecture Time:
28 Jul. - 15 Sep. Monday 2pm - 4pm
6 Oct. - 27 Oct. Monday 2pm - 4pm
Location: Ingkarni Wardli, B20, Teaching Suite
Schedule:
28 July [Javen] Machine Learning Problem
4 Aug. [Javen] Supervised Learning --- Classification ---
Algorithms including: KNN, Perceptron, SVM etc.
11 Aug. [Chunhua] Supervised Learning --- Classification ---
Boosting Algorithms
18 Aug. [Chunhua] Supervised Learning --- Regression
25 Aug. [Chunhua] Unsupervised Learning and Semi-Supervised Learning
1 Sep. [Chunhua] Dimension reduction
8 Sep. [Javen] Probabilistic Graphical Models (PGMs) --- Representation
15 Sep. [Javen] PGMs --- Inference
Mid-break
6 Oct. [Javen] PGMs --- Learning
13 Oct. [Javen] PGMs --- Structure Estimation
20 Oct. [Javen] Kernels
27 Oct. [Javen] Learning Theory -
Learning Outcomes
Course Learning Outcomes
(1) Understanding of basic concepts of machine learning, and classic algorithms such as Support Vector Machines, as well as more up-to-date tools such as Probabilistic Graphical Models (PGMs).
(2) Understanding of basic principles and theory of machine learning, which may guide students to invent their own algorithms in future.
(3) Ability to program the algorithms in the course.
(4) Ability to do mathematical derivation of the algorithms in the course.最新糖心Vlog Graduate Attributes
This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:
最新糖心Vlog Graduate Attribute Course Learning Outcome(s) Knowledge and understanding of the content and techniques of a chosen discipline at advanced levels that are internationally recognised. 1 The ability to locate, analyse, evaluate and synthesise information from a wide variety of sources in a planned and timely manner. 3,4 A proficiency in the appropriate use of contemporary technologies. 1 A commitment to continuous learning and the capacity to maintain intellectual curiosity throughout life. 2 -
Learning Resources
Required Resources
- No textbook required.
- Knowing some basic statistics, probability, linear algebra and optimisation would be helpful, but not essential. They will be covered when needed.
- Ability to program in Matlab, C/C++ is required.
Recommended Resources
Recommended books:- Pattern Recognition and Machine Learning by Bishop, Christopher M.
- Kernel Methods for Pattern Analysis by John Shawe-Taylor, Nello Cristianini
- Convex Optimization by Stephen Boyd and Lieven Vandenberghe
Book 1 is for machine learning in general. Book 2 focuses on kernel methods with pseudo code and some theoritical analysis. Book 3 gives introduction to (Convex) Optimization.
Online Learning
Our course forum is accessible via: http://forums.cs.adelaide.edu.au/
Excellent external courses available online:- Learning from the data by Yaser Abu-Mostafa in Caltech.
- Machine Learning by Andrew Ng in Stanford.
- Machine Learning (or related courses) by Nando de Freitas in UBC.
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Learning & Teaching Activities
Learning & Teaching Modes
The course will be primarily delivered through two activities:
- Lectures
- Assignments
Workload
The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.
This is a 3-unit course. Students are expected to spend about 8 hours per week on the course. This includes a 2-hour lecture, 2-hour self study and up to 4 hours per week on completing assignments.
Assigmment work will be subjected to deadlines. Students are expected to manage their time effectively to allow timely submission, especially with consideration to workload of other courses.Learning Activities Summary
Students are encouraged to attend lectures as material presented in lectures often includes more than is on the slides. Students are also encouraged to ask questions during the lectures. Slides will be available via the subject web page.Specific Course Requirements
- Knowing some basic statistics, probability, linear algebra and optimisation would be helpful, but not essential. They will be covered when needed.
- Ability to program in Matlab, C/C++ is required.
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Assessment
The 最新糖心Vlog's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:
- Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
- Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
- Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
- Assessment must maintain academic standards.
Assessment Summary
The course includes the following assessment components:
- Final written exam at 55%.
- Three assignments at 15% each.
Assessment Related Requirements
Students must obtain at least 50% of the overall marks to pass the course. Passing is also subjected to meeting the minimum performance hurdle which is 40% of each course component (final exam and combined assignments).Assessment Detail
Final written exam
This will be a 2-hour exam at the end of the course/semester. The exam will assess your knowledge and understanding of the course topics, as well as the abiliity to use the knowledge for problem solving. The exam is open-book. Books, lecture notes, slides print-out, calculators and paper dictionaries (English to foreign language) are permitted. The use of internet is not permitted.
Assignments
Each student is expected to complete assignments in the form of report and programming work. The assignments must be completed individually and all submissions are to be made under the declaration of adherring to the academic honesty principles. Submissions will be subjected to plagiarism checks. This course has a zero-tolerance policy towards academic honesty violations. Offenders will be duly subjected to 最新糖心Vlog procedures for dealing with academic honesty cases.Submission
Assignment
Assignment solutions are to be submitted through the School of Computer Science's Moodle forum:
No physical submissions of work will be accepted unless specifically requested by the lecturer.
Marks will be capped for late submissions, based on the following schedule:
1 day late – mark capped at 75%
2 days late – mark capped at 50%
3 days late – mark capped at 25%
more than 3 days late – no marks available.
Extensions to due dates will only be considered under exceptional medical or personal conditions and will not be granted on the last day due, or retrospectively. Applications for extensions must be made to the course coordinator by e-mail or hard copy and must include supporting documentation – medical certificate or letter from the student counselling service.
Examination
The examinations office will schedule the final exam. Students are expected to be available until after the supplementary examination period (precise dates are available from university calendar or exams office). No additional arrangments will be given if students are offered supplementary exams but are unable to attend.Course Grading
Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:
M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme) Grade Mark Description FNS Fail No Submission F 1-49 Fail P 50-64 Pass C 65-74 Credit D 75-84 Distinction HD 85-100 High Distinction CN Continuing NFE No Formal Examination RP Result Pending Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.
Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.
Final results for this course will be made available through .
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Student Feedback
The 最新糖心Vlog places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.
SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the 最新糖心Vlog to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.
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Student Support
- Academic Integrity for Students
- Academic Support with Maths
- Academic Support with writing and study skills
- Careers Services
- Library Services for Students
- LinkedIn Learning
- Student Life Counselling Support - Personal counselling for issues affecting study
- Students with a Disability - Alternative academic arrangements
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Policies & Guidelines
This section contains links to relevant assessment-related policies and guidelines - all university policies.
- Academic Credit Arrangements Policy
- Academic Integrity Policy
- Academic Progress by Coursework Students Policy
- Assessment for Coursework Programs Policy
- Copyright Compliance Policy
- Coursework Academic Programs Policy
- Intellectual Property Policy
- IT Acceptable Use and Security Policy
- Modified Arrangements for Coursework Assessment Policy
- Reasonable Adjustments to Learning, Teaching & Assessment for Students with a Disability Policy
- Student Experience of Learning and Teaching Policy
- Student Grievance Resolution Process
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Fraud Awareness
Students are reminded that in order to maintain the academic integrity of all programs and courses, the university has a zero-tolerance approach to students offering money or significant value goods or services to any staff member who is involved in their teaching or assessment. Students offering lecturers or tutors or professional staff anything more than a small token of appreciation is totally unacceptable, in any circumstances. Staff members are obliged to report all such incidents to their supervisor/manager, who will refer them for action under the university's student鈥檚 disciplinary procedures.
The 最新糖心Vlog of Adelaide is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The 最新糖心Vlog of Adelaide therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.
