George Mason University

Computer Science Department

INFS 623: Web Search Engines and Recommender Systems

Prof. Ami Motro

This graduate course covers two hugely popular types of systems: Web search engines and recommender systems. Web search engines attempt to locate information items (e.g., documents, Web pages) based on user specifications. These systems have developed from traditional systems for bibliogrphic information retrieval dating back 50 years, and, with the exception of Web browsers, arguably are the most widely-used tool for accessing information on the Web. Recommeder systems discover information items (e.g., people, products) that are likely to be of interest to users. This coure will explore both types of systems, underlining their shared principles. Roughly, two thirds of the course will be devoted to search engines and one third to recommender systems.

Prerequisites

The four foundation courses of the INFS, SWE and ISA Master's programs:

1. SWE 510: Object-oriented programming
   
2. INFS 501: Discrete and Logical Structures
   
3. INFS 515: Computer Organization
   
4. INFS 519: Program Design and Data Structures.
   

Students from the CS Master's and PhD programs with full degree status (i.e., non-provisional) are waived from these prerequisites. Students from other programs (including provisional or non-degree students) must provide evidence of having taken courses equivalent to these foundation courses. Prerequisites are strictly enforced!