CS378 Computational Intelligence in Game Design II

Fall 2012, WEL 3.422, TTH 3:30-5pm, Unique 53085
http://www.cs.utexas.edu/users/joel/cs378ii

Instructor:

Joel Lehman
joel@cs.utexas.edu
Office hours will be in ENS31NN by appointment (a sign up website is forthcoming).

Mentors:

Minwoo Bae
minwoobae@utexas.edu
Office hours: ENS 31NN, times TBA

Christopher Donahue
chrisdonahue@utexas.edu
Office hours: ENS 31NN, times TBA

Description:

This 3 credit-hour course is a continuation of CS378 Computational Intelligence in Game Design I. Based on the proposal developed in CS378I, the students will carry out an independent research project. The general goal is to gain immersive experience in computer science research

Grades will be based on your project. They are not dependent on whether the project is entirely successful or not, but generally on perceived effort and ability to make progress and overcome obstacles. There is no curve or competition in this class, it is possible for everyone to get an A if they expend significant effort working on their projects and clearly present their results.

There will be three equally-weighted components to the final grade:

Project meetings during the semester:: You will meet regularly with myself and the mentors. During these meetings, we'll discuss progress and potential next steps. The mentors and I will evaluate this part of the grade by looking at progress throughout the semester and estimating effort and ability to overcome research obstacles.
Interactive project presentation:: Near the end of the semester each student or group will present what they've been working on and what they've learned. Presentations will be graded on clarity and content.
Written report at the end of the semester:: Each group will be responsible for a report that summarizes their project -- what worked, what didn't, any possible insights or conclusions from the research, and ideas for further extensions. Grades will be given to reports for clear presentation of ideas and depth of discussion.

The Piazza group for the class will be the main means of communication.

There are no regular class meetings or final exam. We will meet the first day of class in the scheduled room, but in general meetings with the entire class will be sporadic. Importantly, each group is expected to sign up and meet with the instructor and/or mentors every week or two. Also, from time to time, we may have guest speakers and lectures on useful background topics. Watch the Piazza site for further announcements. Suggestions are welcome.

Other useful links:

The UTCS Neural Networks Research Group
OpenNERO
The NERO website

Notice: Students with disabilities may request appropriate academic accommodations from the Division of Diversity and Community Engagement, Services for Students with Disabilities, 512-471-6259, http://www.utexas.edu/diversity/ddce/ssd/