How to proceed if you want to take some of the projects I have on offer
Over the last years I have been fortunate to get more people wanting to take my projects than I have time to supervise. The down-side of this is that I have had to say no to some of the students that wanted my projects. This is obviously unfortunate, so to
make sure that I let the most interested students get the projects they crave for, I have started using this procedure:
Step 1: You find projects your are interested in...
- Look at the overall list of projects on offer, and in particular on the updated list of the projects I have available. I am also happy to supervise projects that you come up with yourself -- Be creative!
- Many of the topics I have on offer are also suitable for groups of two students working together. Working together may be more fun and a better experience than going alone: Not only is it motivating to work with someone, but it will probably make a better report, and give you time to get to the interesting parts of a topic. (You may end up spending most of your time on exploring the state-of-the-art if you work alone, whereas two students working together probably will get more time to build cool systems.) So, why not discuss the possible projects with some of your friends, and try to team up with someone?
Step 2: Required background...
I am expecting students applying for any of my projects to have an interest in the same types of models and techniques that I like to work with. The best way to assure this to be true is if you have followed one or more of the courses where I am involved:
- The main thing is that you are an AI student, and have have taken (and preferably liked) the basic AI courses - like "TDT4171 Artificial Intelligence Methods" and similar. If you are not an AI student, and haven't taken the standard batch of AI courses, you can still do most of my projects, but it will be harder work (as you will have to put yourself through some stuff to get up to speed).
- Many of the projects involves implementing a demo-system, so "IT3105: AI Programming" may give you an idea of what you should expect.
- If you have taken "TDT4173 Machine Learning and CBR" it may be beneficial for you later on, in particular if your project involves learning from data (surprise!). If you haven't taken it, do not despair, as I am sure you'll be able to learn the required techniques if you are willing to put in the extra effort.
Finally, I like math. I am not requiring you to do so, too, but I have come to realize that a student who enjoys working with formal methods tend to have a better time under my supervision than a student who doesn't.
So, if you are looking for a "coding-only"-project and aren't really that bothered about why whatever you implement is reasonable and sound, then I'd recommend that you look at proposals from other supervisors than me.
Step 3: We need to talk...
I want to have a talk with you before I sign up to be your supervisor (email me first so we can agree on a time to meet). The purpose of the talk is to discuss the projects you are considering, why you are interested, and what can come out of these projects.
Note! If you request to take one of my projects but don't stop by for a talk, I will probably not take you on.
If you cannot come in person (e.g., if you are an exchange-student doing the fourth year abroad), then send me an email and let me know why you have an interest in a specific project, and we take it from there.
So... I hope you are still interested in some of my projects. If so please contact me (email: helge.langseth@ntnu...) so we can discuss the opportunities.
To benefit all students I want to tell you guys who I am able to take on and who I am not before the summer holidays. This means that the sooner we can talk, the better! I will fill my available slots by July 1st, and will not be able to accept students after that, so why not get in touch as soon as possible?
See you around!
Helge