Course Orientation: Advanced Artificial Intelligence and Doctoral Research Methodology

Class Division: The professor intends to divide the current cohort into two distinct groups: Doctor of Information Technology (DIT) and PhD in Computer Science (PHDCS). This change is prompted by the class size (approximately 25 students), which the professor deems too large for a conducive doctoral-level learning environment. The goal is to monitor student progress more effectively.
Schedule Consistency: Despite the division of groups, the schedule will remain the same for both sections to minimize disruption.
International Collaboration: A professor from Spain is expected to join the faculty next year, which may further influence the delivery of the DIT group's curriculum.

Reference Material: The primary text for the course is "Artificial Intelligence: A Modern Approach" by Peter Norvig and Stuart Russell. Students are encouraged to use the 2nd, 3rd, or 4th editions. While the 4th edition is the most current, the 2nd edition is noted as being complete for standard reference.
The 10-Paper Requirement: Every student must select a specific topic within the course domain and download at least 10 relevant, high-quality research papers from the Internet or library databases.
Paper Synthesis (Final Project): Students are required to synthesize their 10 downloaded papers into a single, publishable-format paper.
- Format: The paper must follow the IMRAD structure (Introduction, Methods, Results, and Discussion).
- Length: The document should be 5 to 6 pages long.
- Layout: The final submission must be formatted as a two-column article.
Grading Components:
- Midterm Requirement: A PowerPoint presentation reporting on the development and deep-dive of the assigned topic.
- Resource Submission: A folder containing the 10 downloaded and read papers.
- Final Requirement: The completed IMRAD-formatted article.
- Failure to Submit: Missing any of these components will result in an "Incomplete" (INC) grade.

PHDCS (Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science): The focus is on the creation of new knowledge. This involves developing new algorithms, proving concepts using mathematical notation, and establishing theoretical frameworks.
DIT (Doctor of Information Technology): The focus is on the application of created knowledge. DIT students are expected to implement laws and algorithms into working systems and new technologies.
Analogy of Governance: The professor compares the two roles to the branches of government. The PhDCS is like the Congress (the law-making body), while the DIT is like the Executive branch (the body that executes or implements the laws).
Independent Research: The TIP (Technological Institute of the Philippines) environment is designed to foster independent researchers. The curriculum encourages students to deep-dive into topics beyond the textbook to stay current with technological developments.
Continuous Learning: By having approximately 20 students share 10 papers each, the class collectively accesses 200 related articles, ensuring a vast exchange of recent developments and ideas.

Observation of Nature: The professor emphasizes the importance of watching nature-focused media (e.g., National Geographic, Animal Planet) to discover computing metaphors.
Named Examples of Biomimicry:
- Snake Pheromones: Observations of snake mating dances and pheromone-based selection were converted into an "Exclusive Peer Tutoring" model where a student with learning difficulties is paired exclusively with a model student.
- Firefly Algorithm: A computing concept inspired by the flashing behavior of fireflies, which has been applied in hospital management systems.
- Ant Colony Optimization (ACO): Based on the casting system of ant colonies (Queen, Soldier, Slaves, Helpers) and the pheromone paths laid for food retrieval.
- Swarm Technology: Modeled after bird flight patterns (e.g., stilt or fighter designs) and bee flying techniques to improve abionic power and hierarchical guidance in military aviation.
- Lizard Properties: Scientists are studying the microscopic properties of lizards to adapt technology for specialized drilling and laser applications.

Session 1 (Myron):
- Topic: Chapter 1 and Chapter 2 of Norvig's book.
- Focus: Introduction to AI, history of AI, and the concept of Intelligent Agents.
- Detail: Must cover the quadrants of reasoning (thinking humanly vs. thinking rationally) and investigate the $A^*$ (A-Asterisk) model through 10 supplemental research papers.
Session 2 (Alan):
- Topic: Algorithm Analysis and Time Complexity.
- Technical Scope: Specifically covering Big O ( $O$ ), Theta ( $\Theta$ ), Omega ( $\Omega$ ), small theta, and small omega notations.
- Theorem: Explanation of the Master's Theorem.
- Duration: One and a half hour lecture including the presentation of 10 relevant research papers.

Persistence: The professor shares personal anecdotes about staying in the laboratory until midnight and the solitary nature of high-level research.
The Review Process: In international contexts (e.g., University of Pretoria, Czech Republic), dissertation manuscripts may undergo review by external examiners for up to six months before a defense is even scheduled.
The Defense Ritual: The "Pen Ceremony" is mentioned as a symbolic welcome into the "PhD Club" when a panelist gives their pen to the candidate, signaling a successful defense.
Dissertation Relevance: A dissertation should be a living document that the author knows intimately. The defense is often a test of the breadth of the candidate's knowledge beyond just the written document.

Technical Standards: Students are required to have working microphones and cameras. Technical excuses regarding these tools will not be accepted for reporting.
Canvas Access: Some students (e.g., Paul Roa) are awaiting enrollment verification to access Canvas. The professor will coordinate with Dr. Baya and Lucia on Tuesday to resolve these issues.
Schedule Reminders:
- DIT Scientific Writing: 10:30 AM.
- PHDCS Algorithms: 10:30 AM.
- NLP (Natural Language Processing): 01:30 PM.
Knowledge Representation: This topic is reserved for a future session once class divisions and specific editions of the textbook are confirmed.