CS 229   Machine Learning   Frequently Asked Questions

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Project FAQs

• Q. What are the deliverables as part of the term project?
  A. The project has four deliverables:
  (a) Proposal
  (b) Milestone
  (c) Poster
  (d) Final report
  Refer to the course schedule page for information about deadlines. We will post more details about each each on the website and on Piazza.
• Q. Should final project use only methods taught in classroom?
  A. No, we don't restrict you to only use methods/topics/problems taught in class. That said, you can always consult Project TAs if you are unsure about any method or problem statement.
• Q. Is it okay to use a dataset that is not public ?
  A. We don't mind you using a dataset that is not public, as long as you have the required permissions to use it. We don't require you to share the dataset either as long as you can accurately describe it in the Final Report.
• Q. Is it okay to combine the CS229 term project with that of another class ?
  A. In general it is possible to combine your project for CS229 and another class, but with the following caveats:
  (a) You should make sure that you follow all the guidelines and requirements for the CS229 project (in addition to the requirements of the other class). So, if you'd like to combine your CS229 project with a class X but class X's policies don't allow for it, you cannot do it.
  (b) You cannot turn in an identical project for both classes, but you can share common infrastructure/code base/datasets across the two classes.
  (c) Clearly indicate in your milestone and final report, which part of the project is done for CS229 and which part is done for a class other than CS229.
  
• Q. Do all team members need to be enrolled in CS229 ?
  A. Yes, we require that all team members who work on the project be enrolled in CS229, and be a part of your CS229 project team. This is done in order to ensure that we can fairly judge the work done by different teams.
• Q. What are acceptable team sizes and how does grading differ as a function of the team size ?
  A. We recommend teams of 3 students, while teams sizes of 1 or 2 are also acceptable. The team size will be taken under consideration when evaluating the scope of the project in breadth and depth, meaning that a three-person team is expected to accomplish more than a one-person team would.
  The reason we encourage students to form teams of 3 is that, in our experience, this size usually fits best the expectations for the CS229 projects. In particular, we expect the team to submit a completed project (even for team of 1 or 2), so keep in mind that all projects require to spend a decent minimum effort towards gathering data, and setting up the infrastructure to reach some form of result. In a three-person team this can be shared much better, allowing the team to focus a lot more on the interesting stuff, e.g. results and discussion.
  In exceptional cases, we can allow a team of 4 people. If you plan to work on a project in a team of 4, please come talk to one of the Project TAs beforehand so we can ensure that the project has a large enough scope.
• Q. Do I have to be on campus for submitting the final report?
  A. No, the final report will be submitted digitally. We will share more details as the logistics are figured out.
• Q. How do SCPD students submit the poster?
  A. As an SCPD student you have the choice to either (1) attend the poster session or (2) submit a poster PDF via email.
• Q. Is it okay for non-SCPD students to miss the poster session?
  A. Part of your project grade part depends on your presentation at the poster session, so we really urge you not to miss it. That said, if (and only if) you have a final exam conflict there are a few possibilities:
  (a) If your other class offers an alternative time for the exam, you should choose that.
  (b) If you are working on the project as a team, the rest of the team could present the poster without you there.
  (c) If none of above options work for you, come talk to one of the Project TAs / send us an email at cs229-project@cs.stanford.edu
  
• Q. What fraction of the final grade is the project?
  A. The term project is 40% of the final grade.