Fall 2007: Machine Learning [CS782]

General Description and Preliminary List of Topics:
Machine learning is concerned with the design of computer programs that can improve their performance based on experience. The course covers key algorithms and theory at the core of machine learning. Particular emphasis will be given to the statistical learning aspects of the field. Topics include: decision theory, Bayesian theory, curse of dimensionality, linear and non-linear dimensionality reduction techniques, classification, nearest neighbor methods, decision trees, clustering, kernel methods, ensemble methods, semi-supervised learning.

Course Format:
Lectures by the instructor. Besides material from the textbook, topics not discussed in the book may also be covered. Research papers and handouts of material not covered in the book will be made available. Grading will be based on homework assignments, exams, and a project. Homeworks will require some programming.