Principles of Artificial Intelligence

ES 119 · IIT Gandhinagar · Semester II, 2025–26

A foundational course on how intelligent systems think, learn and decide. It introduces the core principles of AI, including search, reasoning, uncertainty, learning and modern AI systems, and combines classical AI with contemporary machine learning and deep learning, with emphasis on both understanding and hands-on implementation.

Instructors: Bireswar Das
Manisha Padala
Nirmal Sancheti
Nipun Batra
Sections: Two sections, one taught in Hindi and one in English
Textbook: Artificial Intelligence: A Modern Approach
Discussion: Course Slack, for all course communication

Course record

This offering ran from January to April 2026. Its lecture slides, short videos and notebooks remain available.

Lectures: 22
Short videos: 41
Module tests: 3
Lab evaluations: 3

All dates

Lectures

1–7Search and planning7 lectures
8–15Learning8 lectures
16–22Reasoning and decision making7 lectures

All 22 lectures

Key questions

The course treats AI as a unified discipline, connecting algorithms, probability, learning and real-world systems, rather than focusing solely on neural networks or language models.

Search and planning: How do agents search through possibilities and plan optimal actions?
Reasoning: How do systems reason under uncertainty with incomplete information?
Learning: How do machines learn patterns from data and improve through interaction?
Modern AI: How do applications like ChatGPT and self-driving cars build on these foundations?

Questions

How is the course graded?

Out of 100 marks: three module tests of 23 marks each (69), three lab evaluations of 7 marks each (21) and attendance (10). See Grading.

What do the module tests cover?

Each module test evaluates conceptual understanding and problem-solving aligned with its module: search and planning, learning, and reasoning and decision making.

How are the labs assessed?

Each of the three lab evaluations is worth 7 marks and covers lab performance, code quality, a viva or demo, submissions and written quizzes.

What if I miss a class?

There is no leave request system: any missed class is an absence, and you do not need to notify the instructor or submit medical documentation. Attendance is recorded on the biometric system, and it is your responsibility to make sure it registers. See Attendance.

What if an emergency keeps me away for several classes?

If an emergency requires four or more consecutive absences, discuss special consideration with the instructor directly.

Anything else: ask on the course Slack.

References

Primary textbook:

Stuart J. Russell and Peter Norvig, Artificial Intelligence: A Modern Approach (PDF)

Most slides and notebooks for the learning module are hosted on the course materials site.