• Announcements,Reading and Homework
• Overview and Prerequisites
• Grading and Requirements
• Schedule of Lectures

• (70%) Six problem sets throughout the semester. Solutions must be typed and submitted electronically in latex.
• (30%) Final project. You may do an experimental project or a theoretical one. An experimental project might involve implementing and testing some learning algorithm. A theoretical project might involve reading one or more research papers to get a more in-depth understanding of some topic we touched on in class, or some other topic that you're interested in. For either type of project , you'll submit a written report and have the option of giving a brief presentation. Presentations can be given over the phone with the aid of powerpoint or pdf or postcript slides.

The problem sets will be due by 5:00 PM of the specified date(typically there will be 14 days for each set) . You are allowed six late days for the semester. Each late day is exactly 24 hours; late days cannot be subdivided--five minutes late counts as one late day. For an exception, you must have your undergraduate or graduate advisor contact me.

The problem sets will require you to do proofs. Some problems will be quite challenging; you are advised to start the problem sets early. You are encouraged to discuss the course material and the homework problems with each other in small groups (2-3 people), as long as you list all discussion partners on your problem set. Discussion of homework problems may include brainstorming and verbally walking through possible solutions, but should not include one person telling the others how to solve the problem. In addition, each person must write up their solutions entirely on their own; you may not look at another student's written solutions.

You may consult outside materials, but you may not consult solutions to previous years' assignments, whether they are official course solutions or student solutions. All materials you consult must be appropriately acknowledged.