Course Description

The Semantic Web is an activity by the WWW Consortium to create a large set of XML-based languages,
along with information on how various tags relate to real-world objects and concepts. This course covers
Semantic Web technologies, including RDF (Resource Description Format--a structure for describing and
interchanging metadata on the web) and OWL (Web Ontology Language), with domain-specific standards
and ontologies (formal specifications of how to represent objects and concepts). Representative
applications of RDF, OWL, and ontologies will be discussed. Students will complete a Semantic Web
project in an application area of interest to them. Examples will be drawn from several application areas.
(This course may be counted toward a three-course track in Bioinformatics.)

Prerequisites

Prerequisite: 605.444 - XML Design Paradigms or equivalent.

Course Goal

To develop a working knowledge of the Semantic Web and associated tools and technologies.

Course Objectives

Describe and define the various concepts and technologies that

make up the Semantic Web landscape.

Prepare artifacts (e.g. component ontologies, architectures) which would play a role in
Semantic Web solutions.

Assess the value and applicability of Semantic Web approaches to various problems.

Identify and apply various tools and techniques available to working ontologists.

When This Course is Typically Offered

This course is typically offered in the summer term.

Syllabus

Semantic Modeling

Ontologies

Inference

Queries (SPARQL)

Student Assessment Criteria

Discussion Participation

20%

Course Project (5 stages) 80%

Timely feedback on students' performance is an established learning tool, so we will endeavor to grade
and return to you, as quickly as possible, all material that you submit.

Homework will normally be graded and returned via the website before the next assignment is due. If you
do not receive a grade on homework that you have turned in, please ask of its whereabouts; it may need
to be resubmitted.
A grade of A indicates achievement of consistent excellence and distinction throughout the coursethat
is, conspicuous excellence in all aspects of assignments and discussion in every week.
A grade of B indicates work that meets all course requirements on a level appropriate for graduate
academic work. These criteria apply to both undergraduates and graduate students taking the course.
100-90 = A
89-80 = B
79-70 = C
<70 = F
Final grades will be determined by the following weighting:

Participation Expectations
Homework is expected to be turned in on the website as indicated in the assignment tool; it will be
considered late if it is received after that time. Special circumstances (e.g., temporary lack of internet
access) can be cheerfully accommodated if the student informs us in advance. Homework that is
unjustifiably late will have the grade reduced for lateness.
Students are expected to participate/submit the following to receive a grade for the course:

Preparation and Participation (Class Discussions)

Class Project
We generally do not directly grade spelling and grammar. However, egregious violations of the rules of the
English language will be noted without comment. Consistently poor performance in either spelling or
grammar is taken as an indication of poor written communication ability that may detract from your grade.