Lecture

Lecture - 1 Introduction

This module introduces the foundational concepts of Artificial Intelligence (AI). It covers the history, significance, and various branches of AI, including how it has evolved over time. Key topics include:

  • The definition and scope of Artificial Intelligence.
  • A brief history of AI development.
  • Applications of AI in real-world scenarios.
  • Current trends and future directions in AI research.

By the end of this module, students will understand the basic principles guiding AI and its impact on technology and society.


Course Lectures
  • Lecture - 1 Introduction
    Prof. P. Dasgupta

    This module introduces the foundational concepts of Artificial Intelligence (AI). It covers the history, significance, and various branches of AI, including how it has evolved over time. Key topics include:

    • The definition and scope of Artificial Intelligence.
    • A brief history of AI development.
    • Applications of AI in real-world scenarios.
    • Current trends and future directions in AI research.

    By the end of this module, students will understand the basic principles guiding AI and its impact on technology and society.

  • This module focuses on problem-solving techniques used in AI through search strategies. It emphasizes the importance of search in AI and the various search algorithms. Key topics include:

    • Understanding problem spaces and state spaces.
    • Different search strategies like depth-first and breadth-first search.
    • Application of search strategies in solving real-world problems.

    Students will learn how to apply these techniques to effectively navigate and solve complex problems.

  • This module delves into the concept of searching with costs, where the efficiency of the search process is evaluated based on the cost associated with actions. It covers:

    • Cost functions and their significance in search.
    • Different types of search algorithms that consider costs.
    • Examples of cost-based search in real-world applications.

    By the end of this module, students will appreciate how cost considerations influence search strategies in AI.

  • The Informed State Space Search module emphasizes advanced search techniques that utilize heuristics to improve efficiency. Key topics include:

    • Understanding heuristics and their role in search algorithms.
    • Comparative analysis of informed vs. uninformed search strategies.
    • Practical applications of heuristic search in AI problems.

    Students will engage in exercises to apply heuristic methods to enhance search performance.

  • This module focuses on heuristic search techniques, specifically the A* algorithm and its variations. It covers:

    • The mechanics of the A* algorithm and its efficiency.
    • Comparison of A* with other search algorithms.
    • Practical examples and applications of A* in AI.

    Students will implement the A* algorithm and explore its effectiveness in solving complex search problems.

  • This module introduces problem reduction search techniques, specifically focusing on AND/OR graphs. The content includes:

    • The structure and significance of AND/OR graphs in problem-solving.
    • Techniques for reducing complex problems into simpler subproblems.
    • Applications of problem reduction in AI scenarios.

    Students will learn to apply these techniques to optimize search processes effectively.

  • This module examines the strategies used to search game trees, which are essential in AI applications related to gaming. Key topics include:

    • Understanding the structure of game trees and their relevance.
    • Strategies for searching through game trees, including minimax and alpha-beta pruning.
    • Real-world applications of game tree search in AI gaming systems.

    Students will practice implementing these strategies in various game scenarios.

  • This module covers knowledge-based systems, focusing on logic and deduction as fundamental components. The topics include:

    • The principles of knowledge representation in AI.
    • Deductive reasoning and its applications in AI systems.
    • Examples of knowledge-based systems in real-world applications.

    Students will learn how to design and implement knowledge-based systems using logical frameworks.

  • Lecture - 9 First Order Logic
    Prof. P. Dasgupta

    This module focuses on First Order Logic (FOL), a crucial aspect of knowledge representation in AI. Key topics include:

    • The fundamentals of First Order Logic and its syntax.
    • How FOL differs from propositional logic.
    • Applications of FOL in AI reasoning systems.

    Students will practice formulating statements and arguments using First Order Logic.

  • This module covers inference in First Order Logic (FOL), focusing on techniques used to derive conclusions from FOL statements. Key topics include:

    • Inference rules and their applications in reasoning.
    • Different methods of proof in First Order Logic.
    • Real-world applications of inference techniques in AI.

    Students will engage in exercises to practice inference techniques and develop their reasoning skills.

  • This module introduces resolution and refutation proofs in First Order Logic, emphasizing their significance in AI reasoning. Key topics include:

    • The concept of resolution in logical proofs.
    • Techniques for constructing refutation proofs.
    • Applications of resolution in automated reasoning.

    Students will learn to apply these methods to solve logical problems effectively.

  • This module further explores resolution and refutation proofs, providing deeper insights into their application in logical reasoning. Key topics include:

    • Advanced techniques for resolution-based proofs.
    • Real-world examples of refutation in AI systems.
    • Comparison of resolution with other reasoning methods.

    Students will engage in practical exercises to enhance their understanding and application of resolution techniques.

  • This module introduces Logic Programming with Prolog, highlighting its role in AI. Key topics covered include:

    • The fundamentals of Prolog programming language.
    • Understanding facts, rules, and queries in Prolog.
    • Applications of Prolog in AI and knowledge representation.

    Students will learn to write basic Prolog programs and explore their applications in solving logical problems.

  • This module focuses on Prolog programming, enhancing students' skills in writing and executing Prolog code. Key topics include:

    • Writing complex Prolog programs with multiple predicates.
    • Debugging techniques for Prolog programs.
    • Real-world applications of Prolog in AI systems.

    Students will engage in hands-on programming exercises to solidify their understanding of Prolog.

  • This module covers exercising control in Prolog programming, focusing on strategies to manage flow and execution. Key topics include:

    • Control structures in Prolog: if-then-else, cut, and fail.
    • Strategies for optimizing Prolog program performance.
    • Advanced Prolog techniques for complex problem-solving.

    Students will practice implementing control strategies in Prolog to handle complex logical scenarios.

  • Lecture - 16 Additional Topics
    Prof. P. Dasgupta

    This module discusses additional topics relevant to AI, providing students with a broader perspective of the field. Key areas include:

    • Interdisciplinary approaches in AI.
    • Ethical considerations in AI development.
    • Emerging trends and technologies in AI.

    Students will engage in discussions and projects addressing these vital areas of AI.

  • This module introduces planning in AI, focusing on the fundamentals of how AI systems can develop plans to achieve goals. Key topics include:

    • The definition and importance of planning in AI.
    • Types of planning algorithms used in AI.
    • Real-world applications of planning techniques.

    Students will study various planning methodologies and their effectiveness in different scenarios.

  • This module examines partial order planning, a sophisticated approach to planning in AI. Key topics include:

    • The concept of partial order planning and its advantages.
    • Comparison with total order planning methods.
    • Applications of partial order planning in real-world AI systems.

    Students will learn to apply partial order planning techniques to optimize decision-making in complex scenarios.

  • This module focuses on GraphPLAN and SATPlan, two important algorithms in AI planning. Key topics include:

    • The mechanics and functioning of GraphPLAN.
    • Understanding SATPlan and its role in planning tasks.
    • Applications and examples of GraphPLAN and SATPlan in AI.

    Students will practice using these algorithms in various planning scenarios to enhance their understanding.

  • Lecture - 20 SATPlan
    Prof. P. Dasgupta

    This module further explores SATPlan, focusing on its detailed mechanics and applications in AI planning. Key topics include:

    • Understanding the underlying principles of SATPlan.
    • Comparative analysis with other planning algorithms.
    • Practical applications of SATPlan in solving AI planning problems.

    Students will engage in exercises to apply SATPlan techniques in real-world scenarios.

  • This module introduces reasoning under uncertainty, a crucial aspect of AI, focusing on how AI systems can make decisions when faced with uncertain information. Key topics include:

    • Understanding uncertainty in AI and its implications.
    • Methods for reasoning under uncertainty.
    • Real-world applications of uncertain reasoning in AI systems.

    Students will learn to apply various techniques to handle uncertain data effectively.

  • Lecture - 22 Bayesian Networks
    Prof. P. Dasgupta

    This module focuses on Bayesian Networks, a powerful tool for reasoning under uncertainty. Key topics include:

    • The structure and components of Bayesian Networks.
    • How to construct and interpret Bayesian Networks.
    • Applications of Bayesian Networks in various AI domains.

    Students will practice building and analyzing Bayesian Networks in different scenarios.

  • This module covers reasoning with Bayesian Networks, focusing on techniques for inferring probabilities and making decisions based on network structures. Key topics include:

    • Inference methods in Bayesian Networks.
    • Applications of Bayesian reasoning in real-world scenarios.
    • Challenges and limitations of Bayesian reasoning.

    Students will engage in exercises to apply these reasoning techniques in practical situations.

  • This module continues the exploration of reasoning with Bayesian Networks, emphasizing advanced techniques and applications. Key topics include:

    • Advanced inference techniques in Bayesian reasoning.
    • Real-world case studies of Bayesian Network applications.
    • Future directions for research in Bayesian reasoning.

    Students will analyze case studies and apply advanced techniques to deepen their understanding of Bayesian Networks.

  • This module focuses on Learning: Neural Networks, a fundamental topic in artificial intelligence. Participants will delve into the architecture and functioning of neural networks, which are inspired by the human brain's structure.

    Key points covered include:

    • Understanding the basic structure of a neural network
    • Activation functions and their importance
    • Training processes including forward and backward propagation
    • Applications of neural networks in real-world scenarios
    • Challenges in training neural networks such as overfitting

    By the end of this module, learners will have a solid grasp of how neural networks can be utilized for complex problem-solving tasks in AI.

  • This module discusses the issues surrounding reasoning under uncertainty in artificial intelligence. As many real-world applications involve uncertainty, it is crucial to understand how AI systems can make decisions based on incomplete or ambiguous information.

    The topics covered include:

    • Types of uncertainty in AI
    • Probabilistic reasoning
    • Challenges faced when modeling uncertainty
    • Comparison of different reasoning strategies
    • Real-life applications of uncertainty reasoning

    Participants will learn how to manage uncertainty effectively and apply these concepts to improve AI decision-making processes.

  • This module on Back Propagation Learning delves into one of the most effective algorithms for training neural networks. Back propagation is essential for optimizing the weights of networks to minimize error in predictions.

    Key components of this module include:

    • Overview of the back propagation algorithm
    • Steps involved in the learning process
    • Importance of loss functions
    • Gradient descent and its role in optimization
    • Common pitfalls and how to overcome them

    By the end of this module, learners will be equipped with the knowledge to implement back propagation in various neural network architectures.

  • This module focuses on Learning: Decision Trees, a widely used method in machine learning for classification and regression tasks. Decision trees are intuitive and provide a clear visualization of decision-making processes.

    The module covers:

    • Structure and components of decision trees
    • How decision trees are constructed
    • Techniques for pruning trees to enhance performance
    • Advantages and limitations of using decision trees
    • Applications in various fields such as finance and healthcare

    Participants will leave with practical knowledge on creating and utilizing decision trees for data analysis and predictive modeling.