CS594 "Semantic Web: Models and Query Languages" - FAQs

1. Who will cover the topics of the course? Can I choose one of the topics listed or all of those listed wil be covered by Professor Cruz?

Either I or the students will cover the topics. I will not be covering all the topics listed, as time is limited.

2. Who forms the groups?

The students are free to form the groups. I will try to get people together if they cannot find a partner.

3. Will a project performed by 2 people be graded differently than one performed by 3 people?

Naturally more will be expected of a project performed by 3 people than one performed by 2 people.

4. What if one of the people of the group does not collaborate at the same level as the other(s)?

Please bring to my attention as soon as possible if this is the case. Everyone in a group should invest the same amount of time and effort. If this is not the case, then people in the same group may receive different grades.

5. Is late submission allowed?

No, except for truly exceptional circumstances.

6. What are the standards for the class?

The standards for the class are extremely high. All students are expected to produce first class work. Please note that the presentations in class must be exceptionally well prepared and comprehensive. A 20 slide presentation as for the topic presentation will take at least 30 hours to prepare, because you have to find and study carefully the papers you will be covering, write and perfect the slides. Therefore plan accordingly. Your presentation of the project and your final presentation must be also very well prepared and describe in depth what you have achieved in your project.

Remember that your colleagues are learning the material you present and they deserve to be properly instructed. If the presentation is not at the adequate level, I may ask that you interrupt your presentation and you will receive a grade in accordance with that.

The final project report must be both in content and in form of publishable quality. It is rather time consuming to produce work to these standards, therefore start early and work steadily through the semester.