CSCE 582—Bayesian Networks and Decision Graphs
[=STAT 582] (3) (Prereq: CSCE 350 and STAT 509)
Normative approaches to uncertainty in artificial intelligence. Probabilistic
and causal modeling with Bayesian networks and influence diagrams.
Applications in decision analysis and support. Algorithms for probability
update in graphical models.
Course Homepage: Spring 2006 (Past Pages: Fall 2003 )
Usually Offered: Once every two years, in the Computer
Science Department
Purpose: To appreciate the foundations, power, and
limitations of probabilistic and causal modeling with Bayesian networks,
solve computer-based decision analysis problems using a Bayesian network and
influence diagram tool, and understand and implement structure-based
(non-iterative) algorithms for probability update in graphical models.
Current Textbook: Bayesian Networks and Decision Graphs,
(2nd ed.) Finn V. Jensen and Thomas D. Nielsen, Springer, 2007.
Topics Covered
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Chapters
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Time
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Uncertainty in Artificial Intelligence: symbolic,
non-probabilistic, and probabilistic approaches; review of relevant
probability theory
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1
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1 week
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Causal and Bayesian networks: reasoning under uncertainty,
d-separation, factorization of joint probability in graphical models, the
chain rule for Bayesian networks, findings and evidence, the variable
elimination algorithm for computing posterior marginal probabilities;
review of relevant graph theory
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2
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3 weeks
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Building models: catching the structure, determining the
conditional probabilities; modeling methods, including Kalman
filters, hidden Markov models, noisy-Or, divorcing, noisy functional
dependencies, interventions
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4
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3 weeks
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Learning, adaptation, and tuning
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parts of 6 and 7
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2 weeks
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Graphical languages for specification of decision
problems: decision trees and influence diagrams
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9
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2 weeks
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Belief updating in Bayesian networks: triangulated (chordal) graphs, junction trees, Lauritzen-Spiegelhalter,
Shenoy-Shafer, and Hugin
propagation in junction trees
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4
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2 weeks
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