University of Pennsylvania

Discrete
Generative
Models

Mathematical, algorithmic, and empirical foundations for generative processes on continuous and discrete state spaces.

Course
CIS 6270, Fall 2026
Meetings
Tuesdays & Thursdays, 8:30-10:00 a.m.
Location
Towne 337
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Course Overview

Generative models operate on continuous and discrete state spaces. This course develops their mathematical, algorithmic, and empirical foundations, with discrete state modeling as the central focus.

The semester begins with probability, linear algebra, probability transport, ordinary and stochastic differential equations, and continuous diffusion and flow models. It then develops discrete diffusion, discrete flow matching, guidance, one-step and few-step flow maps, optimal transport, stochastic control, and Schrödinger bridges, with applications across biological sequences and other structured data.

Professor
Pranam Chatterjee
Prerequisites
CIS 5190, CIS 5200, or ESE 5460
Fall 2026 class meetings, milestones, exams, breaks, lecture notes, and code
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Coursework

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