**COS 324: Introduction to Machine Learning** Spring 2026, Princeton University [Syllabus](./syllabus.html) | [Schedule](./schedule.html) | [Office hours](#officehours) | [Course notes](https://princeton-introml.github.io/) | [Ed](https://edstem.org/us/courses/94047/discussion) | [Ed Resources](https://edstem.org/us/courses/94047/resources) | [Gradescope](https://www.gradescope.com/courses/1231489)  using [DALL·E 3](https://openai.com/index/dall-e-3/)](assets/dalle3_cute_robot.png width="30%" border="2") This course provides a broad introduction to different machine learning paradigms and algorithms and lays a foundation for further study or independent work in AIML. Some topics we'll cover include: linear models, support vector machines, neural networks, clustering, principal components analysis, Markov decision processes, planning, and reinforcement learning. The goals of this course are three-fold: to understand the landscape of ML, how to compute the mathematics behind techniques, and how to use Python and relevant libraries to implement and use various methods. ## FAQs Last updated: Jan 14, 2025. - Q: I would like to change my precept assignment, who do I contact? - A: Please reach out to Colleen Kenny (ckenny AT cs.princeton.edu). ## Course staff - **Instructors:** Professors [Zhuang Liu](https://liuzhuang13.github.io) and [Vikram Ramaswamy](https://www.cs.princeton.edu/~vr23/) - **Graduate teaching assistants (TAs):** [Sofiia Druchyna (head TA)](https://sof0-0.github.io/), Sreemanti Dey, [Xinran Liang](https://xinranliang.github.io/xinranliang/), [Aleksandr Storozhenko](https://aleksandrstorozhenko.github.io), Zhicheng Zheng. - **Undergraduate course assistants (UCAs):** TBA ** ## Course details - **Lectures:** Mondays and Wednesdays, 1:20-2:40pm in Peyton Hall, 145. - **Precepts:** Thursdays - P01: 9:35 am – 10:25 am, Friend Center 109 - P03: 10:40 am – 11:30 am, Friend Center 005 - P04: 12:15 pm – 1:05 pm, Sherrerd Hall 001 - P05: 1:20 pm – 2:10 pm, Fine Hall 214 - P07: 3:30 pm – 4:20 pm, Friend Cen 009 - **Assignments:** due Wednesdays at 12:30pm unless otherwise noted. - **Midterm exam:** Wednesday, March 4, 1:20-2:40pm. - **Final exam:** Wednesday, May 13, 12:30-3:30pm. ## Getting started - Register for COS 324 in [TigerHub](https://registrar.princeton.edu/tigerhub). - Official registration is needed for access to most course components (iClicker, [Adroit cluster](https://researchcomputing.princeton.edu/systems/cloud-computing/gpus-classes), Ed, Gradescope, etc.) - Read our course [syllabus](https://tinyurl.com/cos324s26). - Consider if further preparation would be helpful for you. If so, plan to go through the relevant pre-work resources in the syllabus **ASAP** (e.g. before the course picks up). - Accept invitations to join [Ed](https://edstem.org/us/courses/94047/) and [iClicker](https://www.iclicker.com/students/). - Read week 1 readings (see [full schedule](./schedule.html) for assigned readings). - Attend lecture, starting Mon, Jan 26. - Attend your assigned precept, starting Thu, Jan 29. ## Where do I find X? / How do I do X? - **Course policies:** see our [syllabus](https://tinyurl.com/cos324s26). - **Assigned readings:** see our [full schedule](./schedule.html). - **Course materials (e.g. lecture slides, precept material, past exams, etc.):** see [Ed Resources](https://edstem.org/us/courses/94047/resources) (click the "Download" icon in the upper right-hand corner). - **Note:** We've uploaded recent, in-person exams; previous versions of COS 324 may have covered different topics. - **To access the Adroit cluster (for precept/PAs):** see our [technical guide](./tech_guide.html) for instructions on logging onto to Adroit, copying course materials to your home directory, etc. - **To turn in an assignment:** use [Gradescope](https://www.gradescope.com/courses/1231489) to submit both HWs and PAs. - **Note:** For PAs, you must submit both an .ipynb file and a .pdf of your notebook. - **Communicate with course staff:** use [Ed Discussion](https://edstem.org/us/courses/94047/discussion) to communicate with us. - If you need to include a dean, email us at cos324-staff AT lists.cs.princeton.edu. - **Note:** Course staff will not reply to individual emails. ## Semester overview Below is a tentative overview of the semester (subject to change). For detailed list of topics and assigned readings, see our [full schedule](./schedule.html). ## Office hours / Problem solving sessions Check the calendar and Ed for the most up-to-date information. Changes to sessions made less than 48-hours in advance will be posted on Ed. We offer a variety of sessions to best support different kinds of student questions. - Concept OHs: conceptual questions only (e.g. lecture material): Usually held by lecturer for the week - Problem solving sessions (Grad TAs): conceptual questions + assignment support - Problem solving sessions (UCAs): assignment support only, held by undergraduate lab TAs **Note:** UCA OHs will start by week 3. ### Office hour signup Each written assignment will be graded entirely on participation and completion, thus, you must sign up for and attend at least one 2-hour OH session where you will work on the assignment. For each session in the calendar, there is a google form link to sign up for the session. ### Office hours calendar Changes less than 48 hours before a scheduled OH block will be announced on Ed.