Skip to main content
Unit of study_

COMP4318: Machine Learning and Data Mining

2025 unit information

Machine learning is the process of automatically building mathematical models that explain and generalise datasets. It integrates elements of statistics and algorithm development into the same discipline. Data mining is a discipline within knowledge discovery that seeks to facilitate the exploration and analysis of large quantities for data, by automatic and semiautomatic means. This subject provides a practical and technical introduction to machine learning and data mining. Topics to be covered include problems of discovering patterns in the data, classification, regression, feature extraction and data visualisation. Also covered are analysis, comparison and usage of various types of machine learning techniques and statistical techniques.

Unit details and rules

Managing faculty or University school:

Engineering

Study level Undergraduate
Academic unit Computer Science
Credit points 6
Prerequisites:
? 
DATA3888 or COMP3888 or COMP3988 or CSEC3888 or ISYS3888 or SOFT3888 or ENGG3112 or SCPU3001
Corequisites:
? 
None
Prohibitions:
? 
COMP5318 or OCMP5318
Assumed knowledge:
? 
A major in a computer science area. Experience with programming and data structures as covered in COMP2123 or COMP2823 or COMP9123 or equivalent. Discrete mathematics and probability (e.g. MATH1064 or equivalent); linear algebra and calculus (e.g. MATH1061 or equivalent)

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. LO1: understand the basic principles, strengths, weaknesses and applicability of machine learning algorithms for solving classification, regression, clustering and reinforcement learning tasks.
  • LO2. LO2: have obtained practical experience in designing, implementing and evaluating machine learning algorithms
  • LO3. LO3: have gained practical experience in using machine learning software and libraries
  • LO4. LO4: present and interpret data and information in verbal and written form

Unit availability

This section lists the session, attendance modes and locations the unit is available in. There is a unit outline for each of the unit availabilities, which gives you information about the unit including assessment details and a schedule of weekly activities.

The outline is published 2 weeks before the first day of teaching. You can look at previous outlines for a guide to the details of a unit.

Session MoA ?  Location Outline ? 
Semester 1 2024
Normal evening Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney
Semester 2 2024
Normal evening Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney
Session MoA ?  Location Outline ? 
Semester 1 2025
Normal evening Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney
Outline unavailable
Semester 2 2025
Normal evening Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney
Outline unavailable
Session MoA ?  Location Outline ? 
Semester 1 2023
Normal evening Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney
Semester 1 2023
Normal evening Remote
Semester 2 2023
Normal evening Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Find your current year census dates

Modes of attendance (MoA)

This refers to the Mode of attendance (MoA) for the unit as it appears when you’re selecting your units in Sydney Student. Find more information about modes of attendance on our website.