Prospectus

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Information Retrieval

Course
2021-2022

Admission requirements

Elementary knowledge of machine learning, probability theory, linear algebra (vector spaces), and data structures is recommended.

Description

Search engines, the internet and cheap powerful hardware have drastically changed the way humans deal with information. Whereas thirty years ago librarians were still classifying books and articles using subject codes, nowadays search technology has become ubiquitous on desktop computers and mobile devices. This course covers both the theory and practice of the field of Information Retrieval, with a focus on to textual content (the courses 4343AUDIO and 4343MMIRL focus on audiovisual content).

This course covers the following aspects:
1. How can we formalize search for information and how can we evaluate search systems?
2. Which document features (e.g. term statistics) could be used to associate a ‘meaning’ to a text?
3. How can we extend the notion of relevance by looking at context and learn from interaction?
4. How can these elements be combined to classify a text or to perform relevance ranking in order to build a search engine?
5. Which data structures and techniques are essential for computational efficiency?
6. Advanced topics such as personalization, recommender systems, learning to rank and responsible information retrieval

Outline:
1. Introduction and Boolean retrieval
2. Evaluation and test collections
3. Indexing and compression
4. Vector space model
5. Neural IR
6. Probabilistic IR
7. Language Modeling for IR
8. (student presentations about critical review of research paper)
9. Learning to rank
10. Web search
11. Query and session analysis
12. Responsible IR
13. Domain specific IR

Course objectives

By the end of the course, the student should have a thorough understanding of:

  • the foundations of information retrieval models

  • evaluation methods for IR systems

  • efficient data structures and complexity of search and indexing algorithms

  • machine learning for ranking

  • technologies and relevance models for web search

  • analysis of query and session logs

  • how to conduct responsible IR in research and practice

  • applications and challenges if IR

  • reviewing a scientific information retrieval publication

In addition, the student should have some practical experience with information retrieval experiments (PyTerrier, ElasticSearch).

Timetable

The most recent timetable can be found at the Computer Science (MSc) student website.

Mode of instruction

  • Lectures (2h / week) and literature

  • Homework (weekly): getting more acquainted with the new lecture material through exercises, mostly taken from the course book.

  • Group assignments:

    • Critical review of a recent IR research paper (presentation and report)
    • Applying lecture concepts on a real-world dataset (report)

There is no lab session.

Assessment method

The course grade will be computed as follows:

  • Homework (weekly exercises, individual) – 10%
  • Critical review of a scientific paper (in groups) – 10%
  • Practical assignment (in groups) – 20%
  • Final written exam (closed book) – 60%

The grade of the homework exercises is based on the number of completed exercises (n_completed/n_total∗10).

The grade for the exam needs to be at least 5.5 to pass the course. The exam has a regular written re-sit opportunity. The teacher will inform the students how the inspection of and follow-up discussion of the exams will take place.

Reading list

Registration

  • You have to sign up for courses and exams (including retakes) in uSis. Check this link for information about how to register for courses.

Contact

Lecturers:

Remarks