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Sample-based Learning Methods

A comprehensive course that equips learners with essential skills in sample-based reinforcement learning methods, blending theoretical knowledge with practical application.

access

Lifetime

level

Medium

certificate

Certificate of completion

language

English

What will you learn in this Sample-based Learning Methods Course

  • Understand Temporal-Difference (TD) learning and Monte Carlo methods as strategies for estimating value functions from sampled experience.

  • Implement and apply TD algorithms, including Expected Sarsa and Q-learning, for control tasks.

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  • Differentiate between on-policy and off-policy control methods.

  • Explore planning with simulated experience and implement the Dyna algorithm to enhance learning efficiency

Program Overview

1. Monte Carlo Methods
⏳  4 hours
Learn about Monte Carlo methods for prediction and control, using sampled returns to estimate value functions without requiring knowledge of the environment’s dynamics. 

2. Temporal-Difference Learning
⏳  4 hours
Explore TD learning, which combines aspects of Monte Carlo and Dynamic Programming methods, allowing for learning from incomplete episodes. 

3. TD Control Methods
⏳  4 hours
Delve into control methods like Sarsa, Expected Sarsa, and Q-learning, understanding their applications and differences 

4. Planning and Learning with Tabular Methods
⏳  4 hours
Investigate how to integrate planning and learning using the Dyna architecture, which combines model-based and model-free approaches. 

5. Final Project
⏳  6 hours
Apply the concepts learned to implement and analyze reinforcement learning algorithms in practical scenarios.

 

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Job Outlook

  • Prepares learners for roles such as Machine Learning Engineer, AI Researcher, and Data Scientist.

  • Applicable in industries like robotics, gaming, finance, and autonomous systems.

  • Enhances employability by providing practical skills in reinforcement learning and decision-making algorithms.

  • Supports career advancement in fields requiring expertise in adaptive systems and intelligent agents.

9.7Expert Score
Highly Recommended
An in-depth course offering practical insights into sample-based learning methods, suitable for professionals aiming to enhance their reinforcement learning skills.
Value
9
Price
9.2
Skills
9.6
Information
9.7
PROS
  • Taught by experienced instructors from the University of Alberta.
  • Hands-on projects reinforce learning.
  • Flexible schedule suitable for working professionals.
  • Provides a shareable certificate upon completion.
CONS
  • Requires foundational knowledge of probability, linear algebra, and Python programming.
  • Some advanced topics may be challenging without prior experience in reinforcement learning

Specification: Sample-based Learning Methods

access

Lifetime

level

Medium

certificate

Certificate of completion

language

English

FAQs

  • No advanced math is required, but basic statistics is useful.
  • The course explains ideas in an accessible, application-driven way.
  • Students will learn to focus on how sampling impacts model performance.
  • Sample-based learning focuses on drawing subsets of data for training.
  • It’s useful for improving efficiency with large datasets.
  • It enhances model generalization by reducing overfitting.
  • Fraud detection in banking using sampled transaction data.
  • Clinical trial design with representative subsets of patient groups.
  • Market research with survey sampling for faster decision-making.
  • Yes, sampling is used in deep learning for mini-batch training.
  • Helps handle massive datasets efficiently.
  • Improves performance while keeping training manageable.
  • Builds practical skills for handling large, messy datasets.
  • Prepares learners for roles where efficiency and scalability matter.
  • Adds a specialized technique to strengthen a data science portfolio.
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