ECE6179 Neural networks and deep learning
Faculty of Engineering
ECE6179 Neural networks and deep learning is a level 6, 0-credit-point, postgraduate unit from the Faculty of Engineering, offered in 2027 in Semester 2 at Clayton. It has no prerequisites.
- Credit points
- 0
- Offered in 2027
- Semester 2
- Clayton
- Assessment
- Exam 50%
- and 3 other tasks
- Workload
- 144 hours
- per semester
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Requisites
Before ECE6179
Prohibitions
You can't enrol if you have passed any of these.
After ECE6179
No unit lists ECE6179 as a prerequisite in the 2027 handbook.
Enrolment rules
You must be enrolled in the Engineering PhD program. Students enrolled in another PhD program may seek permission from the Faculty of Engineering.
Equivalent units
The same content under another code. Only one of them counts.
Overview
This unit introduces fundamentals of deep learning and how it can solve problems in many areas such as image classification, filter design and natural language processing. Neural networks are first described and how training can be achieved with backpropagation. Various forms of deep neural networks are developed such as multilayer perceptrons, convolution neural networks and recurrent neural networks. Deep reinforcement learning is discussed. The mathematics of stochastic optimisation is used to interpret and understand the behaviour and training of these networks. Programming approaches are discussed for training and deploying neural networks. Deep learning technologies and design examples are discussed in areas such as robotics, driverless cars, personal cognitive assistants and mastering of games such as GO.
Offerings in 2027
| Teaching period | Campus | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Second semester | Clayton | Flexible |
Assessment
- Engagement quizzesQuiz / Test5%
- Mid-semester testQuiz / Test15%
- AssignmentsWritten30%
- Final assessmentExamination50%
Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.
Learning outcomes
When you finish this unit, you should be able to:
- 1
Describe concepts and fundamentals of deep learning such as the backpropagation algorithm and adversarial learning.
- 2
Appraise various forms of deep neural networks such as multilayer perceptrons, convolution neural networks and recurrent neural networks.
- 3
Interpret and apply the mathematics of deep learning such as stochastic optimisation.
- 4
Design deep learning solutions to problems in computer vision, natural language processing and signal processing. Examples are image classification, object detection, sequence modelling and filter design.
- 5
Design and synthesise the training and deployment of neural networks using a high-level programming language.
- 6
Critically assess sources of information and contents of scientific publications and choose relevant information
Workload and teaching
- Assessments2 hours
- Studio activities24 hours
- Workshops22 hours
- Teaching approachActive learning
- Teaching approachProblem-based learning
- Teaching approachOnline learning
The minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of 3-6 hours of scheduled learning activities and 6-9 hours of independent study per week. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher-directed learning, peer-directed learning and online engagement. Independent study may include associated readings, assessment and preparation for scheduled activities.
The theory and concepts of deep learning and neural networks covered in the lectures are practised in the 2-hour workshops. This includes the design of new algorithms and applications based on the theory and problem-solving classes. We will host industry experts to provide guest lectures at the end of the semester.
Pracs will be delivered online
Lectures will be delivered online
Learning resources
Required resources
Materials available on the unit's Moodle site.
Recommended resources
Text book: Available online at https://www.d2l.ai and http://www.deeplearningbook.org
Technology resources
Anaconda package: Available at https://www.anaconda.com
PyTorch package: Available for Anaconda at https://pytorch.org
Contacts
- Chief Examiners
- Associate Professor Mehrtash Tafazzoli Harandi
- Unit Coordinators
- Associate Professor Mehrtash Tafazzoli Harandi
Common questions
What are the prerequisites for ECE6179?
ECE6179 has no prerequisites, but enrolment rules apply.
When is ECE6179 offered?
In 2027, ECE6179 runs in Semester 2 at Clayton.
How much work is ECE6179?
The handbook expects about 144 hours of study across the semester. No students have rated its difficulty yet.
Does ECE6179 have an exam?
Yes. The exam is worth 50% of the final mark, alongside 3 other tasks.