Key facts

UNE unit code: COSC352

*You are viewing the 2026 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.

Start
  • Trimester 1 - On Campus
  • Trimester 1 - Online
Campus
  • Armidale Campus
24/7 online support
  • Yes
Intensive schools
  • No
Supervised exam
  • Yes
Credit points
  • 6

Unit information

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Reinforcement Learning (RL) is an essential topic in the machine learning paradigm. Supervised and unsupervised learning approaches establish a decision function based on an example dataset. Reinforcement learning does not require an example dataset, but instead, determines an optimal policy based on a set of rules and its interaction with an environment. This unit will explored both model-based and model-free examples, including the Monte Carlo Decision Process (MDP), Q-Learning, Temporal Difference (TD) and Dynamic Programming. Later we will explored both conventional and deep learning techniques used in Reinforcement Learning. Upon completion of this unit students will be able to adapt a range of tools to stochastic problems in machine learning with an understanding of the taxonomy and while working with practical examples.

Offerings

For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.

Teaching period
Mode/location
Trimester 1On Campus, Armidale Campus
Trimester 1Online

*Offering is subject to availability

Intensive schools

There are no intensive schools required for this unit.

Enrolment rules

Pre-requisites
(COSC110 or COSC102) and MTHS120  and (COSC210 or COSC220 or COSC230 or COSC240).
Co-requisites
None
Restrictions
COSC552
Combined units

Notes

Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.

Unit coordinator(s)

profile photo of Edmund Sadgrove
Edmund SadgroveLecturer in Computer Science - Faculty of Science, Agriculture, Business and Law; School of Science and Technology

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:

  1. understand key concepts and taxonomies used in Reinforcement Learning;
  2. evaluate and compare Reinforcement Learning problems in machine learning and propose solutions;
  3. adapt tools to stochastic environments to solve real-world problems;
  4. implement algorithms using a tool box approach in a high-level programming language:
  5. design and implement solutions in a high-level programming language; and
  6. understand the difficulties in solving reinforcement learning problems.

Assessment information

Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.

TitleMust CompleteWeightOfferingsAssessment Notes
Examination - Assurance TaskYes50%All offerings

It is mandatory to pass this component in order to pass the unit.

Practical AssessmentYes25%All offerings

Adapt model-based solutions in Reinforcement Learning to a practical example.

Practical AssessmentYes15%All offerings

Adapt model-free solutions in Reinforcement Learning to a practical example.

QuizzesYes10%All offerings

5 quizzes worth 2% each covering key concepts in Reinforcement Learning.

Learning resources

Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.

Note: Students are expected to purchase prescribed material. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.

Reinforcement Learning: An Introduction

ISBN: 9780262039246

Sutton, R., and Barto, A., Random House 2nd 2018

Text refers to: All offerings

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