Written Assignment: AI By Hand - Part 1 (100 Points)
Assignment Goals
The goals of this assignment are:- Practice manual calculations of fundamental AI algorithms.
- Reinforce conceptual understanding of search, logic, and probabilistic reasoning through worked examples.
- Translate hand-computed procedures into Python code to verify correctness.
The Assignment
Assignment: AI By Hand - Part 1
In this assignment, you will complete Problems I through Part IV of the AI by Hand exercises. These activities emphasize working through algorithms both by hand and in code, ensuring that you gain a deep understanding of the mechanics underlying core AI techniques.
Instructions
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Download and review the full AI by Hand - Vol 1 book here:
AI by Hand - Vol 1 (Scribd) - Complete the following specific parts from the text (linked below):
- For each problem:
- By hand: Work through the computations step-by-step. Show all of your work.
- In code (Python recommended): Implement the same procedure in code to verify your manual results.
- Write-up: Provide a clear, structured explanation of what you did, why it works, and what you learned.
- Your submission should include:
- Scans or photos of handwritten work.
- Python code implementations (in a notebook or text file).
- A written report (about 1–2 pages) summarizing your process and insights.
Deliverables
- Handwritten Solutions (scanned or photographed).
- Code Implementation (Python).
- Written Report (PDF or Markdown):
- Introduction (overview of what the exercises covered).
- Detailed walkthrough of each problem (I–IV).
- Verification results comparing hand and code outputs.
- Reflection on what these exercises reveal about how AI algorithms function at a low level.
Submission Instructions
- Submit your report (PDF or Markdown) and all supporting files (images, code) as a ZIP file.
Reflection Prompts
- What was the most surprising aspect of manually computing these algorithms?
- Did implementing the code help you understand the mathematical steps better? Why or why not?
- How might doing small-scale hand calculations inform your understanding of large-scale AI models like Transformers?
- How can manually simulating AI systems help us think about fairness, bias, and transparency in large-scale models?
Resources
- Full AI by Hand book: AI by Hand - Vol 1
- Individual parts for this assignment:
Submission
Please submit all files as a ZIP file on the Course Learning Management System.Assignment Rubric
| Description | Pre-Emerging (< 50%) | Beginning (50%) | Progressing (85%) | Proficient (100%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Analysis (25%) | Outlines key ideas with concise summaries. | Explains core ideas with some relevant detail and examples. | Develops a clear, accurate analysis supported by well-chosen examples. | Provides a comprehensive, insightful analysis that connects ideas to broader implications. |
| Integration of External Sources (25%) | References a small set of relevant sources to ground claims. | Uses multiple credible sources and connects them to the argument in most places. | Integrates a range of authoritative sources to strengthen claims throughout. | Synthesizes diverse, authoritative sources seamlessly to build a compelling argument. |
| Synthesis and Original Insight (25%) | Combines ideas at a basic level with some personal perspective. | Connects ideas with emerging original perspective and interpretation. | Synthesizes perspectives with clear original contributions and implications. | Offers sophisticated synthesis and original, thought-provoking insights with practical implications. |
| Organization and Writing Quality (25%) | Presents a basic structure that communicates central ideas. | Organizes content logically with generally clear prose and citation. | Provides a well-structured, coherent narrative with appropriate citation and style. | Delivers a polished, professional manuscript with excellent flow, style, and precise citation. |
Please refer to the Style Guide for code quality examples and guidelines.