Schedule

Expectations

Students are expected to attend lecture and ask questions.  The coursework will consist of 3 programming assignments (done in groups) in the first half of the quarter, and a group project in the second half of the quarter.  Students should expect to present one paper during the second half of the quarter.

We strongly suggest attempting to spend an hour each day making slow and steady progress.  Procrastinating until deadlines will make the projects very unpleasant.  In general, you should assume that it may take up to 24 hours for course staff to respond to questions, and that course staff will not be available on weekends or holidays.  This is another important reason to start on the projects early.

 Prerequisites

• Basic Calculus, Linear Algebra and Probability

• Python Programming (for assignments)

You will find this class easiest if you feel very comfortable with compiler implementation and continuous math.  Since this describes very few students, (perhaps an infinitesimal number; a set of measure zero?) we will not assume such background.  The class will start with a module on programming language implementation built around the assignment code base, and review the relevant mathematics as we progress.

AI Policy

I don't want to worry about this, but unfortunately we have to navigate this issue one way or another.  Here are some rules I've come up with:

• If you use Large Language Models (LLMs, e.g. ChatGPT or Co-pilot) or other forms of generative AI for an assignment, please describe how they were used.  This will help me and other instructors refine our policies.

• By default, I will treat unattributed use of LLMs (likewise other generative AI) to generate code, text or images as a form of plagiarism.  I realize this is an open issue.  However, I have to set some policy.  In general, using code from any external source without attribution has always been a form of plagiarism.  Cite your sources.

• Using LLMs analogously to how you would use an internet search engine is definitely OK.  (e.g. asking questions to learn about topics, or when you otherwise might look something up on Stack Overflow or Github) (note: copying code from Stack Overflow or Github without attribution is also a form of plagiarism)

• DO NOT upload class assignments or other sensitive material to an LLM or generative AI service, including Co-pilot.  There are 2 reasons for this:

  • 1. Entering problem set questions or code into a chatbot or similar tool is roughly the same thing as posting the question on Stack Overflow and asking other people to do your homework.

  • 2. I do not want assignments to be incorporated into the training data corpus of LLMs (or other models).  Experiments with LLMs indicate that they are surprisingly good at reproducing unique text from specific sources such as personal websites.  Uploading (intentionally or not) partially complete assignments could easily lead to the same issues as if you were to share or post those partially complete assignments with your current classmates or with students in future years.  I have put a lot of time into designing the assignments; please do not ruin them for others.