Question: Will I need
to do lots of programming?
Answer: Yes. This is a very hands on course and will involve
coding different machine learning algorithms. You should budget
significant amounts of time for your assignments.
Question: Will I need lots of maths to understand your
lectures?
Answer: I expect familiarity with
- Linear Algebra
- Multivariate Calculus
- Probability Theory
as pre-requisites. There will be emphasis on rigor even when
learning about machine learning algorithms.
Question: Can I meet you anytime I want?
Answer: I will definitely be around during office hours. You
are welcome to walk in any other time I am in my office, but do
remember that I generally have busy days. To avoid disappointment
it is best to book a slot via email.
Question: Do you reply to emails?
Answer: I try to reply to emails as promptly as possible. If
you do not hear back from me within 3 - 4 days then please ping me
during the class. Your email may have ended up in my junk mail
folder!
Question: Can I solve the HW problems collaboratively?
Answer: The course policy clearly says:
Group discussions are encouraged to further understand difficult
topics. You may consult with other students about homework
problems, provided that you indicate such information (whom you
consulted with, which problem, to which extent) on your solution
sheet. However, you must refrain from getting direct answers from
others.
Any violation will result in zero credit for the assignment.
Question: How do I submit my HW?
Answer: For problems which do not involve coding, neatly
type or write the solution and submit in class. I strongly
encourage the use of LaTeX and discourage the use of MS Word. For
solutions which involve coding, submit a print out in class
and send your code via email to the TA
before the
class. Graded homeworks will be returned in the class.
Question: Will you post notes for all topics?
Answer: Yes for almost all topics except standard ones for
which I will refer you to chapters in a text book or to other
standard resources.
Question: Will you use slides (e.g. powerpoint) for your
lectures?
Answer: No. I prefer to lecture on the blackboard. Class
notes will be available for download from the course home page
shortly after the class.