CS 23N: Machine Learning (Course Information)

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CS 23N
Robotics and Machine Learning
Handout #1: Course Information

Meeting Times and Locations

Lecture: 3 units. MW 2.15-3.30pm. Location: Gates 260
Lab: Gates 38B

Teaching Staff

Geoffrey Gordon Office: Gates 148 Office hours: TBA Phone: (650) 725-8797 Fax: (650) 725-1449 email: ggordon@cs.stanford.edu
Andrew Ng Office: Gates 156 Office hours: TBA Phone: (650) 725-2593 Fax: (650) 725-1449 email: ang@cs.stanford.edu

Course Description

This course will introduce students to research in artificial intelligence, specifically in the topics of robotics and machine learning. We will work together on a small, quarter-long, research project, in which we will build one or more small robots, and use artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms to make them move. In the process, we'll learn about robot building, AI, and what it's like to do research in computer science.

Students who are either considering getting involved in research, or who would like to learn more about it, are especially encouraged to take this class.

Prerequisites

No prior experience in research, AI, or robotics is expected, but students should already be able to write moderately complex computer programs (such as having completed CS106B or X).

Online Resources

Class mailing list: cs23n@stanford.edu.
Home page: http://cs23n.stanford.edu/
Newsgroup: su.class.cs23n
Staff mailing list: cs23n-instructors@cs.stanford.edu (for questions about homeworks, etc.)

Lab and Safety

Gates B38 is a lab space that you can use to build and store your robots. You can obtain a key to the lab by going to Gates 176 and asking for the key for CS23N. (The CS department may ask for a deposit for the key.)

Some of the tools in the lab, if used in inappropriately, can easily cause an accident that may seriously injure someone. Always remember the following safety rules:

The goggles we provide must be worn whenever you are using a power tool or whenever you are within six feet of someone using a power tool. This holds regardless of whether you are visiting or working on the machines. A pair of glasses is not appropriate eye protection.
No loose clothing around power tools. Tie long hair back out of the way before turning on a tool.
No food or drinks are allowed in B38.
Use only tools that we have already taught you how to use. When in doubt, ask one of the instructors for help.
Avoid distractions. Focus on what you're doing when you're using a tool. Talking or listening to music while running a machine can cause an accident.
Turn off power and unplug tools when changing bits and when you are done using them. Return tools to their appropriate places and keep the work area clean. Tools should never be taken out of B38; this makes it easier for everyone to share the lab.
Practice common sense. If there's something that seems wrong, don't do it. Most shop accidents are caused by lack of knowledge, not carelessness.

Communication with the teaching staff

We strongly encourage students to come to office hours. If that is not possible, the questions should be sent to cs23n-instructors@cs.stanford.edu (consisting of Geoff and Andrew). By having questions sent to this mailing list, you will get answers much more quickly. Of course, more personal questions can still be sent directly to Professor Gordon or Ng. Electronic submissions of assignments can also be mailed to cs23n-instructors@cs. Microsoft word ".doc" files should never be sent to this address. For written assignments, use instead plaintext ASCII, PostScript or PDF files only.

Comments to cs23n-instructors@cs.stanford.edu.

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