Applied Machine Learning

Fall 2017, INFO-4604, University of Colorado Boulder


Instructor: Prof. Michael Paul (Office hours: Thursdays 3:30–4:45pm, ENVD 207)
Time/Place: Tuesday/Thursday 5:00pm–6:15pm, HUMN 135
Discussion: http://piazza.com/colorado/fall2017/info4604
Textbook: Sebastian Raschka (2015) Python Machine Learning, 1st Edition.
Introduces algorithms and tools for building intelligent computational systems. Methods will be surveyed for classification, regression and clustering in the context of applications such as document filtering and image recognition. Students will learn the theoretical underpinnings of common algorithms (drawing from mathematical disciplines including statistics and optimization) as well as the skills to apply machine learning in practice. machine learning
Prerequisites:
  • One of INFO 2201, INFO 2301, CSCI 2270, CSCI 3022, or equivalent.
  • Students must be able to program in Python, or be willing to quickly learn.
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Contacting the Instructor

The preferred way to contact the instructor outside of class is through Piazza. You can do this by creating a new post, selecting "Individual Student(s) / Instructor(s)", and typing "Instructors".

I can also be contacted by email: mpaul@colorado.edu.

I will respond to messages within 24 hours. I generally only look at mail once a day, in the morning.

Grading and Expectations

Students are expected to complete the assigned readings before coming to class. Quizzes will be randomly given to ensure students keep up with the readings. Reading assignments preceded by “5604” are only required for students enrolled in INFO-5604 (but of course, they are recommended for anyone who is interested). Readings preceded by “For more depth” are not required or expected, but are offered as pointers for advanced students who want to read more technical detail on the subject.

Graded work will take the following forms:


Final grade percentages will be weighted according to the distribution to the right. Letter grades will be decided based on the distribution of percentage grades within the class, with separate distributions calculated for 4604 and 5604.

We will give you feedback on assignments, quizzes, and exams within 7 days. Grades will be provided through D2L.

Homework 40%
Midterm Exam 20%
Final Project 20%
Quizzes 10%
Participation 10%

Disability Accommodations

If you qualify for accommodations because of a disability, please submit your accommodation letter from Disability Services to your faculty member in a timely manner so that your needs can be addressed. Disability Services determines accommodations based on documented disabilities in the academic environment. Information on requesting accommodations is located on the Disability Services website. Contact Disability Services at 303-492-8671 or dsinfo@colorado.edu for further assistance. If you have a temporary medical condition or injury, see Temporary Medical Conditions under the Students tab on the Disability Services website and discuss your needs with your professor.

Religious Observances

Campus policy regarding religious observances requires that faculty make every effort to deal reasonably and fairly with all students who, because of religious obligations, have conflicts with scheduled exams, assignments, or required attendance. In this class, if you have a conflict due to religious obligations, please notify the instructor at least two weeks in advance of the conflict so that we can arrange accommodations. See the campus policy regarding religious observances for full details.

Classroom Behavior

Students and faculty each have responsibility for maintaining an appropriate learning environment. Those who fail to adhere to such behavioral standards may be subject to discipline. Professional courtesy and sensitivity are especially important with respect to individuals and topics dealing with differences of race, color, culture, religion, creed, politics, veteran's status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and gender expression, age, disability, and nationalities. Class rosters are provided to the instructor with the student's legal name. I will gladly honor your request to address you by an alternate name or gender pronoun. Please advise me of this preference early in the semester so that I may make appropriate changes to my records. For more information, see the policies on classroom behavior and the Student Code of Conduct.

Sexual Misconduct, Discrimination, Harassment and/or Related Retaliation

The University of Colorado Boulder (CU Boulder) is committed to maintaining a positive learning, working, and living environment. CU Boulder will not tolerate acts of sexual misconduct, discrimination, harassment or related retaliation against or by any employee or student. CU's Sexual Misconduct Policy prohibits sexual assault, sexual exploitation, sexual harassment, intimate partner abuse (dating or domestic violence), stalking or related retaliation. CU Boulder's Discrimination and Harassment Policy prohibits discrimination, harassment or related retaliation based on race, color, national origin, sex, pregnancy, age, disability, creed, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, political affiliation or political philosophy. Individuals who believe they have been subject to misconduct under either policy should contact the Office of Institutional Equity and Compliance (OIEC) at 303-492-2127. Information about the OIEC, the above referenced policies, and the campus resources available to assist individuals regarding sexual misconduct, discrimination, harassment or related retaliation can be found at the OIEC website.

Honor Code

All students enrolled in a University of Colorado Boulder course are responsible for knowing and adhering to the academic integrity policy. Violations of the policy may include: plagiarism, cheating, fabrication, lying, bribery, threat, unauthorized access to academic materials, clicker fraud, resubmission, and aiding academic dishonesty. All incidents of academic misconduct will be reported to the Honor Code Council (honor@colorado.edu; 303-735-2273). Students who are found responsible for violating the academic integrity policy will be subject to nonacademic sanctions from the Honor Code Council as well as academic sanctions from the faculty member. Additional information regarding the academic integrity policy can be found at the Honor Code Office website.