CS 670 Multi-Agent Systems
Syllabus
Fall 2006
Course Goals
When you complete this course, you will
- be able intelligently converse about topics in multi-agent
systems,
- be able to state common themes and identify problem structures
from the
multi-agent systems literature,
- be able to apply solution approaches to multi-agent systems,
- be able read and understand current literature in the field, and
Text
The Evolution of Cooperation by Robert Axelrod, Basic
Books,
1984, ISBN 0-465-02121-2
The remainder of the course reading is available in online notes.
These notes continue to evolve as I get useful feedback from students,
so please send me corrections and suggestions.
Instructor Information
Michael Goodrich Office 2220 TMCB , 422-6468,
mike@cs.byu.edu,
office hours: 1:00-3:00 T/Th
Homework
This semester, all homework will be submitted on paper.
Format
Each problem you submit will include a description of the problem along
with the solution. You must show all work to receive full credit.
Deadline
Homework is due at the beginning of class in class. Homework turned in
on time may receive full credit. Late homework will not be graded and
will
receive a score of zero.
Working Together
Please feel free to work in groups, but do not simply copy homework
answers
from others. Copying work from current or previous CS 670 students is
considered
cheating. Copying portions of answers from others is also
considered cheating.
Quizzes
Quizzes may be given from time to time and will cover not only past
class
discussions, but also the assigned reading. Quizzes will either
be
a short answer format or a short essay format.
Labs
There will be six labs assigned during the course. Please check the class
schedule for details.
The labs are an important part to understanding the concepts
taught
in class. All six labs MUST be completed in order to pass the
class.
These labs require some programming, but the programming is the easy
part
of the lab (see Philosophy below). You can program in a
language
of your choice.
Exams
Two midterm exams will be given in in class. The final exam will
be given in class. Students failing to take the final exam will receive
a UW regardless of other scores. The use of books, notes, and friendly
neighbors will not be permitted on any of the exams.
The final exam will not be given early; please don't ask me to
disregard
university policy.
Please see the schedule to find out what the midterms will cover.
The
final will be comprehensive, although there will be more stuff from the
later chapters.
Grading
Assignments and exams given throughout the semester are categorized and
weighted according to the following schedule:
| Category |
Weight |
| Homework and Quizzes |
5% total
|
| Labs 1-6 |
10% each
|
| Midterm I |
10%
|
| Midterm II |
10%
|
| Final Exam |
15%
|
Grade Scale
Grades may be adjusted slightly at the end of the semester to account
for
shortcomings in my effort to relay concepts to you. The adjustments
made
to the grading scale will only help you get a better grade. The
percentages
in the following chart show the grade that is guaranteed (ie if you get
a 96.0% you will not get a grade less than an A)
| A |
96 - 100% |
B- |
80 - 83.9% |
| A- |
92 - 95.9% |
C+ |
76 - 79.9% |
| B+ |
88 - 91.9% |
C |
72 - 75.9% |
| B |
84 - 87.9% |
C- |
68 - 71.9% |
Online Grades
Your grades are available online using blackboard.
All labs and exams must be completed in order to
pass the class. No assignments or labs will be accepted during or after
reading days.
Ethical Behavior
Cheating
I encourage you to work with others to accomplish the homework
assignments
and laboratory exercises. Working together, however, does not mean
dividing
up the problems or labs and then sharing answers afterwards. You should
never turn in any work that is not your own. It is far better to do
poorly
on an exam than to compromise your integrity.
I consider it unethical to use, borrow, study, or distribute old
exams,
homework, or lab materials (other than those provided). The work in
this
class should be your own and not simply a copy of someone else's. If
you
use any material from earlier semesters of this course you may receive
a failing grade. If you have taken the course before please come and
talk
with me about this policy.
Harassment
The following is BYU's statement on preventing sexual harassment.
Harassment
of any kind is inappropriate at
BYU. Specifically, BYU's policy against
sexual harassment extends not only to employees of the university but
to
students as well. If you encounter
sexual harassment, gender-based discrimination, or other inappropriate
behavior, please talk to your professor, contact the Equal Employment
Office at
422-5895 or 367-5689, or contact the Honor Code Office at 422-2847.
I believe that everyone should be able to participate in my class
without
the fear of harassment, and I am committed to the university's
policy. Additionally, certain behaviors are inappropriate even if
they do not meet the technical criteria for harassment. Be
respectful to each other.
Disabilities
The following is BYU's statement on students with disabilities.
BYU is committed to
providing reasonable accommodation to qualified persons with
disabilities. If you have any disability
that may adversely
affect your success in this course, please contact the University
Accessibility
Center at 422-2767. Services deemed
appropriate will be coordinated with the student and instructor by that
office.
I am committed to working with students with disabilities and have
been pleased to make adapations requested by the disabilities office.
Computer Abuse
Accounts on Computer Science Department computers are privileges to be
used in conjunction with and in support of various related Computer
Science
classes. Abuse in any form will result in immediate suspension of your
account(s). If an abuse violates the honor code, you will be referred
to
University Standards. If an abuse involves illegal activity,
appropriate
authorities will be notified. In either case, you will be immediately
dropped
from all Computer Science classes you are enrolled in. Some violations
are punishable by expulsion from the University. Your keystrokes may be
monitored and saved.
Examples of abuse of your account include:
1.Transfer or storage of pornographic or illegally duplicated
material.
2.Use of your account to probe or crack security systems, including
passwords, or to intercept information intended only for others.
3.Sending mass, commercial, obscene, or harassing email or usenet news
posts.
4.Sharing your account or account password with anyone.
5.Misusing your lab privileges, including game playing, and especially
actions which could cause damage, such as rebooting a workstation.
Last Updated Sept 5, 2006.
CS 670 Homepage
Computer Science Department