KIUA2004 Deep Reinforcement Learning & Neural Networks

    • Number of credits
      10
    • Teaching semester
      2026 Autumn
    • Language of instruction
      Norwegian/English
    • Campus
      Hamar
    • Required prerequisite knowledge

      Recommended: KIUA2003 High Performance Computing with Big Data

Course content

The course will provide students with advanced knowledge in deep reinforcement learning (RL) and covers topics such as deep Q-networks, policy gradients, stakeholder-critical models, ethical considerations and societal impacts. Students will develop practical skills in implementing deep reinforcement learning algorithms using neural networks, improving problem-solving capacity and mastering neural network optimisation. The course will also promote critical thinking, collaboration and ethical decision-making. Upon completion, students will be well-prepared for practical applications in artificial intelligence and able to make informed, ethical decisions and contribute to the advancement of the field.

  • Deep reinforcement learning (RL)
    • deep Q-networks, policy gradients, stakeholder-critical methods, trade-offs for exploration-exploitation, multi-agent RL, model-based RL, transfer learning and meta-reinforcement learning
  • Neural network architectures for RL
    • feedforward, convolutional and recurring networks with an understanding of network initialisation, regularisation techniques, batch normalisation and how to solve common problems such as overfitting, vanishing/exploding gradients and catastrophic forgetting

Learning Outcome

Upon successfully passing the course, students will have achieved the following learning outcomes:

Knowledge

The student will have

  • knowledge of deep reinforcement learning (RL) concepts
  • knowledge of neural network architectures used in deep RL
  • knowledge of certainty, fairness and interpretations in deep RL and the broader societal impact of deep RL in various domains
Skills

The student will be able to

  • implement advanced deep reinforcement learning algorithms using neural networks to learn to train, evaluate and fine-tune models, analyse performance and understand the impact of different hyperparameters and architectures
  • use advanced deep RL algorithms to solve complex reinforcement learning tasks and to learn to design and adapt algorithms for various scenarios, analyse trade-offs between exploration and exploitation and optimise performance in different environments
  • analyse and optimise neural network architectures for reinforcement learning using  techniques for network initialisation, regularisation and management of common challenges, such as “overfitting” and “vanishing/exploding” gradients in order to ensure stable and effective learning
General competence

The student will be able to

  • evaluate and compare different advanced deep RL algorithms and approaches in order to develop the ability to critically assess strengths, limitations and trade-offs associated with different techniques in different contexts
  • effectively communicate an understanding of advanced deep RL concepts through presentations, share insights and collaborate on problem-solving and algorithm design in projects
  • promote a research-oriented mindset and explore and contribute to progress in advanced deep reinforcement learning, propose innovative solutions and conduct experiments to push the boundaries of deep RL
Teaching and working methods

The course comprises a combination of lectures, practical exercises, independent study and academic supervision.

Required coursework
  • Two individual assignments in accordance with the course curriculum
  • Participation in teaching and laboratory exercises in accordance with the course curriculum

Compulsory coursework requirements that have been passed are valid for 12 months only. Students wishing to take examinations after 12 months must pass the compulsory coursework requirements again in connection with the next scheduled delivery of the course. 

Form of assessment
  • One individual project-based assignment

The assignment is assessed using a grading scale from A-F, where E is the lowest passing grade.

Students are able to choose which language to use for their examination. The available options are Norwegian Bokmål, Nynorsk and English.

Permitted aids:

  • Literature
  • All printed and written resources
  • Any use of AI-generated text and content must be clarified with the lecturer, clearly labelled and academically justified in the submission
Assessments
Form of assessmentGrading scaleGroupingDuration of assessmentSupport materialsProportionComment
Written assignment
ECTS - A-F
Individual
100
Faculty
Faculty of Audiovisual Media and Creative Technologies
Department
Department of Game Development - The Game School