Syllabus
Course Overview
Instructors
Faculty |
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Course Meetings & Virtual Spaces
Course Meeting Times
- Class Hours: Thursdays, 4:30pm-7:10pm
- Class Room: Horizon Hall Room 20171
Virtual Course Spaces
- Course Website: Syllabus, Schedule, Assignments, Lecture Slides, Lecture Recordings
- Zoom: Hybrid Office Hours - Zoom Link (Requires GMU Zoom Account)
- Ed Discussions2: Announcements, Discussion
- Blackboard (MyMason): Grades
The Continuing Impact of COVID on our Classroom Community
You’ll notice throughout this syllabus that there are references to the continuing impact of Covid-19 (and in particular the Omicron variant) on course policies and procedures. We can only do our best work together if we are committed to caring for ourselves and our classmates. This means that as your professor, I am committed to an ethic of flexibility and understanding. Stay in communication with me, and I will do my best to help you get the resources you need to be successful, come what may this semester. In return, I ask that all students to abide by university policies—in the classroom, this especially means policies regarding masking. As long as there is a mandatory mask policy in place I am requesting that there be no eating and drinking in class (I know—it’s close to dinner time… but this includes snacks). I will be offering a 15 minute break during class - during which time students can eat outside of the classroom.
These COVD-related policies will be reiterated later in the syllabus, but I am putting this here for visibility: If you wake up feeling ill, please stay home. You’ll see that our attendance policy this semester is flexible, and should it be necessary, there will be opportunities to attend class virtually. If you are sick and you email me and let me know, we will work together to make sure you are staying current with the course content.
Course Description & Texts
Overview
This research seminar will provide PhD students a comprehensive overview of current state-of-the-art research that sits at the intersection of software engineering and deep learning. In particular, we will examine how we can use deep learning to build the next generation of intelligent developer tools, and how we can use software engineering principles to improve the process of building deep learning models.
Learning Outcomes
- An in-depth understanding of how to conduct high-quality research in the field of software engineering
- A general understanding of how deep learning is shifting the modern software engineering landscape
- Knowledge regarding how software engineering practices can be adapted to the data-driven workflows of deep learning systems
- An understanding of the process for critically reading and reviewing research papers that intersect machine learning and software engineering
- Knowledge regarding how to best present a research paper to an informed scientific audience
- An understanding and hands-on experience regarding how to carry out a software engineering research project from inception to dissemination of results in a research paper
Prerequisites
While there are no direct required prerequisites for this course, students are expected to have a focus on research and have solid background knowledge of software engineering and machine learning concepts. In terms of the course catalog, this means that having background from the 600-level SWE courses and/or CS 580/687. Please contact the instructor if you have questions about the prerequisites for this course.
Required Textbooks & Other Course Materials
There is no required textbook for this course, and all required readings (which will mostly be research papers) will be provided by the instructor or freely available online.
All course materials will either be freely available online, or available as a PDF on Ed Discussions.
Course Communication
Communication Policies
If you have a general question about an assignment or course content, first check the Ed Discussions Course Q/A Thread to see if someone has already answered your question. If not, post your question in the Q/A thread (under the appropriate heading), where your question will be answered either by other students or the course staff. For questions about grades or other matters, please contact the instructor by email.
Students must use their GMU email account for University communications. Per University policy, I cannot respond to messages sent from a non-Mason email address. See the GMU Email webpage for more information.
Office Hours
Office hours are typically times that we commit to being in our office, door open, first come, first served. However, this spring, due to potential concerns around the Omicron variant of COVID-19, office hours will be held in a Hybrid format, both virtually via Zoom, and in-person in the instructors office, at the times indicated by the instructor. If you cannot make the scheduled office hours, I am typically happy to make appointments. I will inform the class if I need to miss office hours.
Course Structure
Course Modality
This is an in-person course that will combine synchronous and asynchronous elements, meaning that we will meet together in person at designated a time each week, and the rest of the week’s activities and discussions will be completed according to your own schedule via Ed Discussions. All important due dates will be listed on the Course Schedule. All work will be submitted via Ed Discussions (for discussions/quizzes) or Blackboard (for assignments) unless otherwise noted by the instructor.
Note in the unlikely event that we need to pivot to online learning during the semester, I have a contingency plan for this that is detailed the course contingencies section of the syllabus.
Class Format
Given that we are scheduled to meet for over 2.5 hours, lectures in this course will be dynamic in nature. For most classes we will have two-three papers to cover, and I will provide two 10 minute breaks during most classes. Classes will mainly consist of research paper presentations and critical discussion about these research papers. Please bring a laptop or other personal computing device to class so that you can participate in potential in-class activities (See the course technology requirements).
Class Etiquette
Given the current state of spread the Delta variant of COVID-19, it means we have to be more mindful and considerate so that we can create a fun but safe and conducive learning environment for everyone. To foster this environment, I ask the following:
- Masks are required during class. As long as GMU mask policy remains in place, masks will be required in the classroom during class. To ensure the safety of all students, I am asking that there not be any eating or drinking during class lectures. I will provide a 15 minute break during lecture where you will have an opportunity to eat/drink outside of the classroom. Please refer to GMU's safe return to campus page for FAQs and more information.
- If you have a question during lecture, please raise your hand I am happy to answer questions, but please keep it cordial and respectful.
- Please silence an cellular phones or other devices in class This will help to ensure a respectful environment for all.
Readings
A large component of our in-class meetings are related to the discussion of research papers. As such, it is expected that you come to class having read the assigned papers and relevant material before class meetings. Failure to read the papers and participate in discussion will result in points off on your In-class participation grade.
Course Evaluation & Assignments
Grading
Grading Scale
Your work will be graded on the following scale:
| A+ 100%-97% | B+ 89%-87% | C+ 79%-77% | D+ 69%-67% |
| A 96%-93% | B 86%-83% | C 76%-73% | D 66%-63% |
| A- 92%-90% | B- 82%-80% | C- 73%-70% | D- 62%-60% |
Any grade below a 60% will result in failing the course.
Grading Explanation: Receiving an “A” means that you did excellent work. “A” work is clear, insightful, creative, and for code-related assignments, typically exhibits very few, if any, observable bugs. It shows an obvious mastery of course material, but also goes above and beyond demonstrating understanding. A “B” denotes very good work that clearly fulfills all assignment requirements and demonstrates solid engagement with course material. A “C” is average. This work adequately addresses the assignment but may not fully meet requirements. “C” work does not distinguish itself in terms of its insight, creativity, or uptake of course material. If you are receiving “D” or “F” grades, this is a sign that you should set up a meeting with Dr. Moran so that we can work together on a plan to help you better approach the course material.
Grading Breakdown
| Course Research Project | 50% |
| Critical Paper Reviews | 20% |
| Research Paper Presentations | 20% |
| In-Class Discussion | 10% |
Assignments
Course Research Project (50%)
All students are expected to perform a significant term project. The project ideas will be provided by the instructor and selected by the students early in the class, and students can also propose their own project ideas with the instructor's approval. The projects will be assigned on the first come first served basis. The students are strongly encouraged to discuss the project selection with the instructor. The project involves a significant investigation into some aspect of software engineering and/or machine learning research and practice. The goal of the project is to permit a more in-depth exploration of topics in software engineering and machine learning than is possible from just the in-class presentations and discussions. The expected outcome from the project is a written report, approximately 12 pages in length (10 pages for text and 2 pages for references), written in the form of a research paper, following ACM conference format guidelines. The project will have the following deliverables throughout the semester: intermediate project reports (designed to provide early feedback on the project progress), the final project presentation, and the final project report.
Critical Paper Reviews (20%)
During the course of the class, students will be required to submit two critical paper reviews on any two papers of their choosing throughout the semester. The instructor will go over the expectations of these paper reviews in class, and will post resources to the course webpage that further outline how the paper reviews should be written.
Research Paper Presentations (20%)
Each class will cover two-three paper presentations by the instructor and students followed by a discussion. The presentations must be done by students on the date assigned by the instructor in the course schedule. The presentations made by students will be graded and thus, missing the date of the presentation will result in “0” grade for that particular assignment. The students, presenting a paper in the class must email mail their presentation (.pdf and .ppt/.key) to the instructor no later than 10:00am on the date the paper is presented.
In-class Discussion (10%)
A large component of this class will be related to exploring research topics at the intersection of software engineering and Deep Learning. One of the most effective ways that we can do this is through directed discussion about the potential limitations, positive aspects, and directions of future work related to prominent papers published on topics at the intersection of software engineering and Deep Learning. As such, it is expected that each student will participate in class discussions, and the instructor will keep track of student engagement during class.
Assignment Due Dates
All Assignments are due by the time class begins (4:30pm) on the due date indicated on the Course Schedule.
Late Policy & Makeups
Unless arrangements are worked out in advance, missed presentations cannot be made up. For assignments, 10% will be deducted for project checkpoints turned within 24 hours of the due date, and 20% will be deducted for late project checkpoints turned in after 48 hours. Assignments submitted more than 48 hours late will receive a zero.
I understand that we are still operating under extraordinary circumstances this semester. If you become ill, if you have a family emergency, or if something else happens that prevents you from completing work on time (either assignments or exams), please communicate with Dr. Moran. We will devise a plan to help you complete work on an altered schedule.
Course Logistics
Technology Requirements
Activities and assignments in this course will regularly use the Ed Discussions learning system. Students are required to have regular, reliable access to a computer with an updated operating system (recommended: Windows 10 or Mac OSX 10.13 or higher) and a stable broadband Internet connection (cable modem, DSL, satellite broadband, etc., with at least a consistent 1.5 Mbps [megabits per second] download speed or higher. You can check your speed settings using this speed test.
Course Recordings and Privacy
Some of our synchronous meetings in this class will be recorded to provide necessary information for students in this class. Recordings will be posted on the course website (for lectures).
All course materials posted to Blackboard, Ed Discussions or other course sites are private; by federal law, any materials that identify specific students (via their name, voice, or image) must not be shared with anyone not enrolled in this class.
- Video recordings of class meetings that include audio or visual information from other students are private and must not be shared.
- Live Video Conference Meetings (e.g. Collaborate or Zoom) that include audio or visual information from other students must be viewed privately and not shared with others in your household.
Classroom Environment
My goal is to facilitate a positive, supportive, and interactive learning environment that fosters respect for people across identities. In this class, I welcome and value individuals and their differences across race, economic status, gender expression and identity, sex, sexual orientation, ethnicity, national origin, first language, religion, age, and ability. It is this diversity that will enrich our discussions about designing effective user interfaces for all. Please reference the Mason Diversity Statement for more on the University’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Gender Identity and Pronoun Use
If you wish, please share your name and gender pronouns with Dr. Moran and how best to address you in class and via email. I use he/him/his for myself and you may address me as Dr. or Professor Moran.
Campus Closure
If the campus closes or class is canceled due to weather or any other concern, please check Ed Discussions for updates on how to continue learning and information about any changes to events or assignments.
Course Contingencies
Given the continuing impact of COVID-19, particularly the recent Delta variant of the virus, there is real (although hopefully unlikely) chance that we may need to switch to virtual instruction at some point in the semester. With this mind, I have in place a contingency plan for this shift to virtual instruction.
Course Lecture Modality
Should we need to move online for any reason, we will use the Zoom web-conferencing software for lectures and in-class activities. Classes will still take place at their regularly scheduled time on Tuesdays from 4:30pm-7:10pm, although via Zoom instead of in the class room. In the event of shift to virtual learning, all instructor office hours will also be online. In addition to the requirements above, students are required to have a device with a functional camera and microphone. In an emergency, you can connect through a telephone call, but video connection is the expected norm.
Setting up Zoom
In order to protect the privacy of office hours, students must use their GMU zoom accounts for Zoom. Note, that our zoom meetings will require the Zoom desktop client on Mac or PC, or on an iOS or Android device, you will NOT be able to join the class meetings using the Zoom web app in your browser. You can download the latest Zoom client from this link.
Changes to Course Assignments
In the event that a shift to online learning is necessary, all homework assignments will remain unchanged. However, the midterm and final exam will change to a take-home version with short essay and programming questions that must be completed over a 24 or 48 hour period.
University Policies
Safe Return to Campus
All students taking courses with a face-to-face component are required to follow the university’s public health and safety precautions and procedures outlined on the university Safe Return to Campus webpage . Similarly, all students in face-to-face and hybrid courses must also complete the Mason COVID Health Check daily, seven days a week. The COVID Health Check system uses a color code system and students will receive either a Green, Yellow, Red, or Blue email response. Only students who receive a “green” notification are permitted to attend courses with a face-to-face component. If you suspect that you are sick or have been directed to self-isolate, please quarantine or get testing. Faculty are allowed to ask you to show them that you have received a Green email and are thereby permitted to be in class.
GMU Policy on Face Masks
Students are required to follow Mason's current policy about facemask-wearing. As of January 14th, 2021, all community members are required to wear a facemask in all indoor settings, including classrooms. An appropriate facemask must cover your nose and mouth at all times in our classroom. If this policy changes, you will be informed. If there is no mask mandate in place, students who prefer to wear masks either temporarily or consistently will always be welcome in the classroom.
Emergency Communication
If the campus closes, or if a class meeting needs to be canceled or adjusted due to weather or other concern, students should check Ed Discussions for updates on how to continue learning and for information about any changes to events or assignments.
Academic Integrity
GMU is an Honor Code university; please see the Office for Academic Integrity for a full description of the code and the honor committee process, and the Computer Science Department’s Honor Code Policies regarding programming assignments. The principle of academic integrity is taken very seriously and violations are treated gravely. What does academic integrity mean in this course? Essentially this: when you are responsible for a task, you will perform that task. When you rely on someone else’s work in an aspect of the performance of that task, you will give full credit in the proper, accepted form. Another aspect of academic integrity is the free play of ideas. Vigorous discussion and debate are encouraged in this course, with the firm expectation that all aspects of the class will be conducted with civility and respect for differing ideas, perspectives, and traditions. When in doubt (of any kind) please ask for guidance and clarification.
Accommodations for Disabilities
Disability Services at George Mason University is committed to providing equitable access to learning opportunities for all students by upholding the laws that ensure equal treatment of people with disabilities. If you are seeking accommodations for this class, please first visit http://ds.gmu.edu/ for detailed information about the Disability Services registration process. Then please discuss your approved accommodations with me. Disability Services is located in Student Union Building I (SUB I), Suite 2500. Email:ods@gmu.edu | Phone: (703) 993-2474
Diversity, Inclusion, & Anti-Racism Statement
As a member of the George Mason University community, I will work to create an educational environment that is committed to anti-racism and inclusive excellence. An anti-racist approach to higher education acknowledges the ways that individual, interpersonal, institutional, and structural manifestations of racism against Black individuals, indigenous people, and other people of color contribute to inequality and injustice in our classrooms, on our campuses, and in our communities. Anti-racist work strives to provide our community members with resources to interrupt cycles of racism so as to cultivate a more equitable, inclusive, and just environment for all of our students, staff, faculty, alumni, and friends, regardless of racial background. I believe that the work of anti-racism starts with each individual; together, students and faculty in this course will build knowledge and take actions rooted in principles of equity, inclusion, and justice that we will carry with us throughout our lives.
Religious Holidays
If you will miss one of our Zoom sessions due to a religious holiday or observance, please let me know during the first two weeks of the semester so that I can plan our sessions in terms of anticipated attendance. Recordings of synchronous sessions will be available on the Course Website and Piazza.
Title IX
George Mason University is committed to providing a learning, living and working environment that is free from discrimination and a campus that is free of sexual misconduct and other acts of interpersonal violence in order to promote community well-being and student success. We encourage students who believe that they have been sexually harassed, assaulted or subjected to sexual misconduct to seek assistance and support. University Policy 1202: Sexual Harassment and Misconduct speaks to the specifics of Mason’s process, the resources, and the options available to students.
As a faculty member and designated “Responsible Employee,” I am required to report all disclosures of sexual assault, interpersonal violence, and stalking to Mason’s Title IX Coordinator per university policy 1412. If you wish to speak with someone confidentially, please contact the Student Support and Advocacy Center (703-380-1434) or Counseling and Psychological Services (703-993-2380). You may also seek assistance from Mason’s Title IX Coordinator (703-993-8730; titleix@gmu.edu).
Emergency Procedures
All students are encouraged to enroll in the Mason Alert Emergency Notification System to receive timely warnings and notifications about incidents on campus: https://ready.gmu.edu/masonalert/. If you would like more information about emergency procedures visit http://www.fema.gov/ or http://ehs.gmu.edu/emergencymanagement/be-prepared/.
Student Services
There are a number of services on campus available to students to facilitate academic success and personal wellness. I will list links to a few of these services below. If you find that you are struggling in this course, or otherwise need assistance to guarantee your health and success during this semester, I am happy to help connect you to other campus resources. Please reach out to me.