Unit rationale, description and aim
Artificial intelligence (AI) is the intelligence demonstrated by machines, devices, agents or computer programs, in addition to the natural intelligence displayed by humans and animals. AI is often considered as the study of intelligent and rational agents or machines that mimic cognitive functions associated with the human mind, such as problem solving, reasoning, planning, learning, actioning and decision making. Machine learning is a subfield of AI that studies the ability to improve machine performance based on experience. Machine learning (ML) employs algorithms and mathematical models that computer systems use to make decisions or predictions and it is prevalent in many contemporary AI applications that make common good and build better stewardship ranging from microelectronic devices to online services benefiting billions of users.
This unit will cover essential aspects of AI and ML, both theoretically and practically. This includes understanding, design and implementation of fundamental problem-solving algorithms in AI such as heuristic search and game theory as well as supervised and unsupervised ML algorithms. The aim of the unit is to learn essential concepts and techniques of AI and ML towards designing and building AI-enabled applications that makes people's lives better.
Learning outcomes
To successfully complete this unit you will be able to demonstrate you have achieved the learning outcomes (LO) detailed in the below table.
Each outcome is informed by a number of graduate capabilities (GC) to ensure your work in this, and every unit, is part of a larger goal of graduating from ACU with the attributes of insight, empathy, imagination and impact.
Explore the graduate capabilities.
Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of ML programm...
Learning Outcome 01
Demonstrate both theoretical AI concepts and knowl...
Learning Outcome 02
Critically design an AI application that builds be...
Learning Outcome 03
Critically apply AI and ML techniques and tools to...
Learning Outcome 04
Content
Topics will include:
- Recap of ML basics and project design
- Bayesian statistics and information theory
- Support vector machines and k-nearest neighbors
- Decision trees, random forests and ensemble learning
- Unsupervised learning techniques
- Introduction to artificial neural networks
- Introduction to AI and intelligent agents
- Fundamental use cases for AI that makes common good and builds better stewardship
- Heuristic search techniques in AI
- Game theory in AI
- Overview of AI logic, knowledge, reasoning, planning and decision making
- AI ethics and safety with impact on the common good and human dignity
Assessment strategy and rationale
A range of assessment procedures will be used to meet the unit learning outcomes and develop graduate attributes consistent with University assessment requirements. The first assessment item is a programming practical that consists of several machine learning and AI programming tasks. The second assessment item is a Kaggle inclass competition to solve real-world problems via applying ML and AI techniques. It is used to assesses students’ AI and machine learning knowledge and understanding as well as practical AI programming skills with consideration of AI ethics and safety. The final assessment is Microsoft Azure AI Fundamentals certificate exam.
The assessments for this unit are designed to demonstrate the achievement of each learning outcome. To pass this unit, you are required to obtain an overall mark of at least 50%.
Overview of assessments
Assessment Task 1: programming practical The fir...
Assessment Task 1: programming practical
The first assessment item consists of several programming tasks. The purpose is to comprehensively assess students’ practical machine learning and AI skills using python and sophisticated machine learning/AI models. The deliverable is python code and solution/algorithm description.
Submission Type: Individual
Assessment Method: Practical Tasks
Artefact: Codes and comments in Jupyter Notebook
30%
Assessment Task 2: A Kaggle Inclass competition ...
Assessment Task 2: A Kaggle Inclass competition
The second assessment item is to solve real-world problems via attempting ML/AI techniques in the format of Kaggle in-class competition. The deliverable is python code (with solution/algorithm description) and scores and rankings in the leaderboard of the competition.
Submission Type: Individual
Assessment Method: Practical Task + Online Viva
Artefact: Codes and comments and scores and rankings in Kaggle and Online Viva
30%
Assessment Task 3: Microsoft Azure AI Funda...
Assessment Task 3: Microsoft Azure AI Fundamentals certificate exam.
The final assessment is a Microsoft certificate exam. The purpose is to assess students’ overall AI and machine learning knowledge and understanding in Microsoft certificate level.
Submission Type: Individual
Assessment Method: Proctored Exam via Certiport Exam from Home System
Artefact: Exam
40%
Learning and teaching strategy and rationale
This unit is offered in two delivery modes—Attendance and Online—to support diverse learning needs and maximise access for isolated or marginalised groups.
Attendance Mode
Students attend weekly face-to-face classes at designated locations and engage directly with lecturers to support achievement of learning outcomes. The unit requires preparation before workshops (typically around one hour) and at least one hour of consolidation afterwards. Online learning platforms provide additional preparatory and practice activities to reinforce learning.
Online Mode
The online mode enables students to explore core disciplinary knowledge through both synchronous and asynchronous learning. Weekly discussion activities and active learning tasks encourage the application of theoretical concepts in professional contexts. Engagement with peers supports constructive learning, and students receive regular, timely feedback throughout the semester.
Students should anticipate undertaking 150 hours of study for this unit, including class attendance, readings, online engagement and forum participation and assessment preparation.