Questions

Projects

Is there a project component in the course?

Yes and no. Each assignment has a project-like question. It is a more structured project in that sense, and all students get the same question. There is no separate project component: we feel this helps you understand the concepts covered in the course, and the added structure helps you get started.

Can you give an example of a project question?

We build an activity classifier (walking, running and so on). First we use publicly available datasets to build the classifier. Then we help you collect your own data with your smartphone and build a classifier on it. If you want to go beyond the learning objectives, you can deploy the classifier on your smartphone.

Prerequisites

What are the course prerequisites?

Like all courses at IIT Gandhinagar, the course has no formal prerequisites. However, you are assumed to have a basic understanding of:

  • programming (Python) and data structures (ES 242 or equivalent);
  • probability and statistics;
  • linear algebra;
  • calculus.
What is the prerequisite test?

A test designed to make sure you have the background needed to take the course.

How can I prepare for the prerequisite test?

Your undergraduate course material should be sufficient. You may also use the preparation material listed under References on the home page.

What happens if I do not clear the prerequisite test?

You will not be allowed to take the course.

What does “clear” the test mean?

As in all courses at IIT Gandhinagar, the instructor decides the cut-off, and you have to score above it. The cut-off is not revealed to students in advance.

Laptop policy

Can I use my laptop in class?

No. You are not allowed to use your laptop in class for any reason.

Quizzes

What happens if I miss a quiz for any reason?

The quiz is marked zero. The best three of four quizzes count, a provision designed for such cases.

Are the quizzes and exams open book? Can I carry notes?

No. The exams and quizzes are closed book, and you may not carry notes.

How soon will I get my answer sheets back?

You should expect them back in four to five working days.

Is there a mid-semester or end-semester exam?

Two of the four quizzes are held in the mid-semester and end-semester exam slots. The other two are held during the semester.

Are the quizzes multiple-choice or written?

They may contain both multiple-choice and written questions.

Assignments

What happens if I miss an assignment for any reason?

There are no extensions for assignments.

I have a doubt about an assignment. Whom should I write to?

Ask on the #assignments channel on Slack. If you do not get a response within two days, write to the instructor.

I do not know Python. Can I write the assignments in another language?

No. You have to use Python.

How are assignments evaluated?

Each assignment is followed by a viva. The TAs first check the code against the submission: any change from the submitted code is not allowed, and any instance earns a warning. The TAs then run the code and ask a few questions, about 75% on the assignment itself and about 25% on the theory behind the concepts it covers.

The marks are split as follows:

  1. code runs correctly and solves the problem: 50%;
  2. questions on the assignment and your understanding of the code: 25%;
  3. code quality: 12.5%;
  4. questions on the theory behind the concepts covered: 12.5%.
Are assignments individual or in groups?

In groups. All team members get the same grade for the assignment.

Attendance

What is the attendance policy?

Attendance counts for 8% of the grade; see Attendance for how marks depend on the number of absences.

Auditing

Can I audit the course?

You are free to attend the lectures. However, with a limited number of TAs and a large number of students, we cannot grade your submissions, and you cannot formally contribute to any team’s assignments.

Computational resources

What computational resources are available?

Typically, the course has been kindly provided with Google Cloud credits, and this section is updated once the credits arrive. The credits can be used for your assignments and are more than sufficient for them.