Introduction to Machine Learning and AI

CDS DS 340

  • Critical Thinking
  • Ethical Reasoning
  • Quantitative Reasoning II

Undergraduate Prerequisites: CDSDS122, CDSDS320 - DS 340 covers the most important concepts and algorithms in AI and machine learning, ranging from search to deep neural networks, with an eye toward conceptual understanding and building a final project. Important topics include varieties of search (for lookahead), probabilistic reasoning, gradient descent applied to neural networks, applying regularization, reinforcement learning, the role of embeddings in natural language processing, and the role of attention in transformer architectures (eg, BERT and GPT4). Applications include image classification, sentiment analysis, game playing, and recommender systems, as well as a cursory introduction to generative AI. A background in Python programming is necessary, while multivariable calculus, linear algebra, and probability allow a deeper understanding of the material. Effective Fall 2022, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Ethical Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning II, Critical Thinking.

FALL 2025 Schedule

Section Instructor Location Schedule Notes
A1 Gold PHO 210 TR 2:00 pm-3:15 pm CDS Students Only

FALL 2025 Schedule

Section Instructor Location Schedule Notes
A2 Gold PHO 202 R 9:30 am-10:45 am

FALL 2025 Schedule

Section Instructor Location Schedule Notes
A3 Gold SOC B57 R 11:15 am-12:05 pm

FALL 2025 Schedule

Section Instructor Location Schedule Notes
A4 Gold CGS 115 R 12:30 pm-1:45 pm

FALL 2025 Schedule

Section Instructor Location Schedule Notes
B1 Cleary CAS 203 TR 9:30 am-10:45 am CDS

FALL 2025 Schedule

Section Instructor Location Schedule Notes
B2 Cleary CAS 324 F 10:10 am-11:00 am

FALL 2025 Schedule

Section Instructor Location Schedule Notes
B5 Cleary CAS 204A F 11:15 am-12:05 pm

FALL 2025 Schedule

Section Instructor Location Schedule Notes
B6 Cleary KCB 103 F 12:20 pm-1:10 pm

SPRG 2026 Schedule

Section Instructor Location Schedule Notes
A1 Gold EPC 204 TR 9:30 am-10:45 am All seats will be held for CDS students until December 1st.

SPRG 2026 Schedule

Section Instructor Location Schedule Notes
A2 Gold KCB 103 W 1:25 pm-2:15 pm

SPRG 2026 Schedule

Section Instructor Location Schedule Notes
A3 Gold EPC 206 W 2:30 pm-3:20 pm

SPRG 2026 Schedule

Section Instructor Location Schedule Notes
B1 Gold CGS 505 TR 2:00 pm-3:15 pm All seats will be held for CDS students until December 1st.

SPRG 2026 Schedule

Section Instructor Location Schedule Notes
B2 Gold CDS 164 M 9:05 am-9:55 am

SPRG 2026 Schedule

Section Instructor Location Schedule Notes
B3 Gold CDS 164 M 10:10 am-11:00 am

Note that this information may change at any time. Please visit the MyBU Student Portal for the most up-to-date course information.