CS 6828

Modern Prediction Paradigms: Responsible Machine Learning

Course Description

Course information provided by the 2026-2027 Catalog.

Predictive algorithms influence and shape society. The use of machine learning to make predictions about people raises a host of basic questions: What does it mean for a predictive algorithm to be fair to individuals from marginalized groups? On what basis should we deem a predictive algorithm to be valid? And when should we trust (or distrust) a predictor's output? This course surveys recent developments in the theory of responsible machine learning. We overview new paradigms for formulating learning problems and highlight key algorithmic tools in the study of fairness, validity, and robustness. Topics covered include: Multicalibration and Outcome Indistinguishability, Omniprediction, Performative Prediction, Distributional Robustness, and Verification of Learning.

Prerequisites background equivalent to: CS 3780 and CS 4820.

Enrollment Information Enrollment limited to: Computer Science graduate and professional students.

Last 4 Terms Offered 2024FA

Learning Outcomes

• Identify common patterns and assumptions underlying modern prediction problems.
• Evaluate, given new settings, whether using machine prediction is appropriate.
• When appropriate, apply principled frameworks for reasoning about prediction (e.g., outcome indistinguishability, performative prediction) to reason about machine learning responsibly.

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