Monash University Handbook 2010 Postgraduate - Unit

Synopsis

This unit presents students with the theory and practice underlying computerised information retrieval. Topics covered include: history and context of information retrieval systems, retrieval models: Boolean, vector space and probabilistic, evaluation strategies and test collections, web search engines, very large databases, indexing, content-based multimedia retrieval, relevance feedback.

Objectives

At the completion of this unit students will:

• appreciate the context and application of information retrieval systems;
• understand the different models of information retrieval and their comparative advantages and disadvantages;
• understand how objective and subjective evaluation strategies are used with information retrieval systems;
• be conversant with the issues and challenges of managing very large databases of heterogeneous data for information retrieval;
• understand how web search engines and search algorithms are constructed, utilised and deployed;
• appreciate the different indexing strategies that can be used for the retrieval of information across different modalities;
• understand how information retrieval systems can be used for the retrieval of audio-visual information;
• appreciate the utility of and understand the theoretical and practical underpinnings of relevance feedback in information retrieval systems.

Assessment

Examination (2 hours): 50%; In-semester assessment: 50%

Chief examiner(s)

Dr Campbell Wilson

Contact hours

2 hrs lectures/wk, 2 hrs laboratories/wk

Prerequisites

Recommended knowledge: Basic familiarity with file organisation theory and UNIX.

Additional information on this unit is available from the faculty at:

http://www.infotech.monash.edu.au/units/fit5066/