Stanford Root

Schedule

Stanford Root

Schedule

CS 236

Deep Generative Models

UNITS:3
GRADING:Letter or Credit/No Credit
LEVEL:Graduate
GER:—

Generative models are widely used in many subfields of AI and Machine Learning. Recent advances in parameterizing these models using neural networks, combined with progress in stochastic optimization methods, have enabled scalable modeling of complex, high-dimensional data including images, text, and speech. In this course, we will study the probabilistic foundations and learning algorithms for deep generative models, including Variational Autoencoders (VAE), Generative Adversarial Networks (GAN), and flow models. The course will also discuss application areas that have benefitted from deep generative models, including computer vision, speech and natural language processing, and reinforcement learning. Prerequisites: Basic knowledge about machine learning from at least one of CS 221, CS 228, CS 229 or CS 230. Students will work with computational and mathematical models and should have a basic knowledge of probabilities and calculus. Proficiency in some programming language, preferably Python, required.

Syllabus for selected term:
View Spring 2027 Syllabus

Sections

1 Term
Lecture 1Open
ID: 28552
0 / 350 enrolled
DAYS:Monday, Wednesday
TIME:4:30 PM – 5:50 PM
LOCATION:TBD
INSTRUCTOR:
Ermon, Stefano
3units

CS 236: Deep Generative Models

3 units · Letter or Credit/No Credit

Generative models are widely used in many subfields of AI and Machine Learning. Recent advances in parameterizing these models using neural networks, combined with progress in stochastic optimization methods, have enabled scalable modeling of complex, high-dimensional data including images, text, and speech. In this course, we will study the probabilistic foundations and learning algorithms for deep generative models, including Variational Autoencoders (VAE), Generative Adversarial Networks (GAN), and flow models. The course will also discuss application areas that have benefitted from deep generative models, including computer vision, speech and natural language processing, and reinforcement learning. Prerequisites: Basic knowledge about machine learning from at least one of CS 221, 228, 229 or 230. Students will work with computational and mathematical models and should have a basic knowledge of probabilities and calculus. Proficiency in some programming language, preferably Python, required.

Offered in Spring 2027 at Stanford University.

Spring 2027 sections

  • Lecture — Monday Wednesday 4:30 PM – 5:50 PM — Ermon, Stefano (Graduate)

More CS courses

  • CS 229: Machine Learning (STATS 229)
  • CS 230: Deep Learning
  • CS 231A: Computer Vision: From 3D Perception to 3D Reconstruction and Beyond
  • CS 231N: Deep Learning for Computer Vision
  • CS 233: Geometric and Topological Data Analysis (CME 251)
  • CS 234: Reinforcement Learning
  • CS 236G: Generative Adversarial Networks
  • CS 237A: Principles of Robot Autonomy I (AA 274A, EE 260A, ME 274A)
  • CS 238: Decision Making under Uncertainty (AA 228)
  • CS 238V: Validation of Safety Critical Systems (AA 228V)
  • CS 239: Advanced Topics in Sequential Decision Making (AA 229)
  • CS 240: Advanced Topics in Operating Systems

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