The official prerequisites for this course are an exposure to an introductory course on machine learning, and/or pattern recognition, in addition to algorithm course. However, I understand that the Department currently does not have some of these courses offered. Consequently, I require that students who are not sure whether they have the appropriate prerequisites ready come to talk with me or come to the first meeting of the course. I will be happy to help you find out whether you have the background to take this course.