Project Overview

Two types of projects are acceptable for this course: research projects and surveys.

Research Projects
Research projects may be done individually or with a partner. A research project should explore a new idea related to one of the topics covered in the course. For example, you can try applying an ML technique to solve a database or systems problem other than the ones we are studying, or you can explore a different approach to one of the problems that we are studying.
Survey Projects
Survey projects should survey the research literature on a course-related topic. A survey is expected to provide an intellectual contribution beyond what is in the source material, e.g., by organizing or exploring connections among the surveyed papers. Surveys must be done individually.

Project Proposals

The purpose of the project proposal is to allow me to determine whether you have chosen a suitable project. For survey projects, the proposal should identify the topic and scope of the survey. It should also include a bibliography (not necessarily complete) that identifies some key papers that will be covered by your survey. For research projects, the proposal should identify the problem you expect to work on. It should describe your intended methodology (how will you study and solve the problem?). Finally, it should identify your goals: what do you hope to be able to accomplish by the project deadline?

There is no hard limit on proposal length, but aim for about 2 pages. Proposals shoudl be submitted in PDF format by uploading them to Learn. Be sure that your proposal includes your name (or names, for group projects).

Project Deliverables

Other than the proposal, the two main deliverables for each project are (1) an in-class presentation, and (2) a project writeup. Project presentations will be scheduled during the last two class meetings in July. The project writeup should follow the ACM two-column conference paper format. Writeups for individual projects should be at most 6 pages long, plus references. Writeups for group projects should be at most 8 pages long, plus references. Project writeups should be submitted through Learn.

Deadlines

Project Proposals
June 14th.
Note that I will we away June 8-15.
Project Writeups
July 30th