Key facts

UNE unit code: COSC380

*You are viewing the 2027 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.

Start
  • Trimester 2 - On Campus
  • Trimester 2 - Online
Campus
  • Armidale Campus
24/7 online support
  • Yes
Intensive schools
  • No
Supervised exam
  • Yes
Credit points
  • 6

Unit information

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Machine learning is at the forefront of development in computer science, presenting us with unprecedented opportunities to harness the power of artificial intelligence. From medical research to security, to language translation and self-driving cars, its applications in daily life are rapidly increasing.

This unit introduces you to some of the main algorithms used in machine learning.

Using key results from basic probability as a foundation, topics include inferring variables from data, clustering data, mixture models for clustering data, Monte Carlo methods for modelling probability distributions, Bayesian neural networks for classification, and Hopfield neural networks for modelling associative memories.

Emphasising strategies to derive algorithms with nice properties that can be proved, you will learn how to implement these algorithms for simple data sets.

Assignments addressing theory and programming components are designed to help you to fine tune skills that are in demand.

Offerings

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

Teaching period
Mode/location
Trimester 2On Campus, Armidale Campus
Trimester 2Online

*Offering is subject to availability

Intensive schools

There are no intensive schools required for this unit.

Enrolment rules

Pre-requisites
MTHS120 or MTHS130 or (MATH101 and MATH102) and (COSC230 or AMTH250 or SCI210 or MATH260 or STAT330) or candidature in a postgraduate award
Restrictions
COSC580
Combined units

Notes

Please note that it is necessary to have a basic background in probability, calculus, and linear algebra before taking this unit.

Please note that this unit does not cover software libraries such as tensor flow. All algorithms covered will be fully implemented by the student.

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

Unit coordinator(s)

profile photo of Peter Loxley
Peter LoxleyLecturer - School of Science and Technology

Learning outcomes

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

  1. demonstrate programming skills in a high-level programming language;
  2. demonstrate knowledge in algorithms related to machine learning;
  3. critically assess and appraise the approaches presented in this unit; and
  4. demonstrate problem-solving and algorithm-development skills.

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
Assessment Yes10%All offerings

Math/theory/programming tasks. All assessment tasks must be attempted.

Assessment 1Yes5%All offerings

Math/theory/programming tasks. All assessment tasks must be attempted.

Assessment 3Yes25%All offerings

Math/theory/programming tasks. All assessment tasks must be attempted.

Final Examination - Assurance TaskYes60%All offerings

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

There is a supervised exam at the end of the teaching period in which you are enrolled. The exam will be offered online with supervision via webcam and screen sharing technology. Coordinated by UNE Exams Unit.

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: Recommended material may be held in the University Library — purchase is optional.

Pattern Recognition and Machine Learning

ISBN: 9780387310732

Bishop, C., Springer 2006

Text refers to: All offerings

Information Theory, Inference and Learning Algorithms

ISBN: 9780521642989

MacKay, D.J.C., Cambridge University Press 2003

Text refers to: All offerings

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