Frequently asked questions

Projects

Not a separate one. Each assignment has a project-like question instead, so that:

  • everyone works on similar problems;
  • we can give better guidance and support;
  • you learn the ideas by applying them.

There is no separate final project.

An example, an activity classifier:

  1. Build a classifier for activities such as walking and running.
  2. Start with a public dataset.
  3. Collect your own data with a smartphone.
  4. Train and evaluate a classifier on your own data.
  5. Optional: deploy the classifier on your phone.

Prerequisites

There are no formal prerequisites, but you should know:

  • Python programming (ES 242 or equivalent)
  • data structures and algorithms
  • probability and statistics
  • linear algebra
  • basic calculus

A required exam that checks you have the background to do well in the course.

  • Review your undergraduate course material.
  • Work through the preparation material on the home page.
  • Focus on Python, linear algebra and probability.

You will not be allowed to enrol in the course. The instructor sets the cutoff score, which is not announced beforehand.

Classroom

No. Laptops are not allowed in class, for any reason.

Quizzes

  • The quiz scores 0%.
  • The "best 3 of 4" rule covers a missed quiz.
  • There are no makeup quizzes, for any reason.

No. All quizzes and exams are closed book, with no notes.

4 to 5 working days after the quiz.

  • 2 quizzes in the mid-semester period and 2 in the end-semester period.
  • A mix of multiple-choice and written questions.

Assignments

No extensions are given, for any reason.

  1. First, on the Slack channel #assignments.
  2. If there is no answer within 2 days, email the instructor.

No. All assignments must be in Python.

Each assignment ends with a viva:

  1. TAs compare the submitted code with the code you run live.
  2. No changes are allowed during the viva (you will get a warning).
  3. You demonstrate the code and answer questions.
Assignment marks Share
Code functionality 50%
Understanding of the assignment 25%
Code quality 12.5%
Theory 12.5%

Viva questions are 75% about the assignment and 25% about theory.

Group work. Everyone in a team gets the same grade.

Attendance

See the attendance policy on the grading page.

Auditing

You are welcome to attend all lectures. Auditors cannot:

  • have assignments graded (TA time is limited);
  • join an assignment team formally;
  • get official course credit.

Computing

Google Cloud credits are usually provided for the course. They are enough for all assignments; we post an update with setup instructions when the credits are available.