Assignments & Deliverables
Assignment Overview
This course emphasizes active engagement with cutting-edge research through three main components:
- Paper Reading: Critical analysis of research papers
- Labs & Projects: Hands-on work with AI-for-architecture tools
- Discussion Leadership: Facilitating class discussions
1. Paper Reading & Reflection (40%)
Format: 1-2 page written reflections on assigned readings
Due: Before each class session
Purpose: Demonstrate critical engagement with material and prepare for discussion
Structure Guidelines
- Summary: What problem does the paper address and what is the key contribution?
- Analysis: What are the strengths, limitations, and questionable assumptions?
- Connections: How does this relate to other papers and course themes?
2. Labs & Projects (40%)
Components: 3-4 progressive assignments + final project contributing to GenAISys
Tools: ArchGym, DREAMPlace, CompilerGym, and other AI-for-architecture frameworks
Goal: Collectively build GenAISys - a unified modular agentic framework for AI-driven computer systems design
Project Expectations
- Each student develops a specific component that fits into the GenAISys modular framework
- Components span the three thematic areas: AI for Software, AI for Architecture, AI for EDA
- Final presentations demonstrate how your component integrates with the larger GenAISys vision
- All projects contribute toward a single coherent research platform
3. Discussion Leadership (20%)
Format: Lead one class discussion session (individually or in pairs)
Duration: 45-50 minutes of class session
Sign-up: By Week 3
Responsibilities
- Preparation: Meet with instructor 1 week before, prepare discussion questions
- Facilitation: Guide discussion, connect to course themes, synthesize insights
- Follow-up: Brief reflection on session effectiveness
Grading Breakdown
| Component | Weight | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Paper Reading & Reflection | 40% | Weekly critical analysis of assigned papers |
| Labs & Projects | 40% | Hands-on assignments + final research project |
| Discussion Leadership | 20% | Facilitate class discussions and synthesis |
Course Policies
Late Work
- Reading reflections: Reduced credit if late
- Labs/Projects: Extensions require advance notice
- Discussion leadership: Must reschedule in advance
Collaboration
- Reading reflections: Individual work
- Labs/Projects: Collaboration encouraged where appropriate
- Discussion leadership: Pairs allowed and encouraged
The goal is to produce research-quality work, not just complete coursework.