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Evolutionary AI: Deep Reinforcement Learning in Python (v2) (Udemy.com)

Build Artificial Intelligence (AI) agents using Evolution Strategies (ES) and Augmented Random Search (ARS)

Created by: Lazy Programmer Inc.

Last updated February 2026

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What you will learn

  • Understand and implement Evolution Strategies (ES) from scratch
  • Understand and implement Augmented Random Search (ARS) from scratch
  • Apply evolutionary methods to MuJoCo (physics simulation environment)
  • Apply evolutionary methods to classic control reinforcement learning environments
  • Apply evolutionary methods to stock trading and portfolio optimization

How it compares

Against the other 461 rated Udemy courses in Data Science on CourseDuck:

  • Rating4.9 out of 5higher than 98% of them
  • Reviews151#376 of 462 by number of reviews
  • Length12.1 hourslonger than 63% of them
  • Last updatedFebruary 2026more recently than 59% of them

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Course Description

Discover the cutting edge of reinforcement learning with a fresh, evolutionary approach. In this course, you’ll master Evolution Strategies (ES) and Augmented Random Search (ARS) - two powerful algorithms that bypass many of the challenges of traditional deep RL, while still achieving state-of-the-art results.

Unlike gradient-heavy methods, these algorithms are simple, scalable, and surprisingly effective. You’ll implement them from scratch in Python and apply them to exciting real-world problems:

  • MuJoCo Environments: Train agents to walk, run, and jump in a physics-based simulation that’s widely used in robotics research. Watching your neural network–powered agent learn to control a simulated robot is one of the most rewarding experiences in reinforcement learning.

  • Algorithmic Trading: Apply evolutionary RL to trading strategies, where direct gradients are difficult to define. You’ll see how these algorithms adapt naturally to noisy, complex environments like financial markets.

By the end of this course, you’ll have:

  • A deep understanding of ES and ARS, and how they compare to policy gradients and Q-learning.

  • Working Python implementations you can extend to your own projects.

  • The skills to leverage evolutionary AI in domains ranging from robotics to finance.

If you’re ready to move beyond the usual deep RL algorithms and explore approaches that are elegant, efficient, and highly practical, this course is for you.

Tools and Libraries

  • Python (with full code walkthroughs)

  • Gymnasium (formerly OpenAI Gym)

  • NumPy, Matplotlib

Why This Course?

  • Version 2 updates: Streamlined content, clearer explanations, and updated libraries.

  • Real implementations: Go beyond theory by building working agents — no black boxes.

  • For all levels: Includes a dedicated review section for beginners and deep dives for advanced learners.

  • Proven structure: Designed by an experienced instructor who has taught thousands of students to success in AI and machine learning.

Who Should Take This Course?

  • Data Scientists and ML Engineers who want to break into Reinforcement Learning

  • Students and Researchers looking to apply RL in academic or practical projects

  • Developers who want to build intelligent agents or AI-powered games

  • Anyone fascinated by how machines can learn through interaction

Join thousands of learners and start mastering Reinforcement Learning today — from theory to full implementations of agents that think, learn, and play.

Enroll now and take your AI skills to the next level!

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Instructor Details

Lazy Programmer Inc.

The Lazy Programmer is a seasoned online educator with an unwavering passion for sharing knowledge. With over 10 years of experience, he has revolutionized the field of data science and machine learning by captivating audiences worldwide through his comprehensive courses and tutorials.


Equipped with a multidisciplinary background, the Lazy Programmer holds a remarkable duo of master's degrees. His first foray into academia led him to pursue computer engineering, with a specialized focus on machine learning and pattern recognition. Undeterred by boundaries, he then ventured into the realm of statistics, exploring its applications in financial engineering.


Recognized as a trailblazer in his field, the Lazy Programmer quickly embraced the power of deep learning when it was still in its infancy. As one of the pioneers, he fearlessly embarked on instructing one of the first-ever online courses on deep learning, catapulting him to the forefront of the industry.


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Reviews

4.9

151 ratings on Udemy

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By Vincent Yong on 2/8/2026

Easy to understand examples for beginner and explains very thoroughly. I have not leaned finance yet so have to skip the VIP bonus for now.

By Eric Foster on 1/1/2026

5 stars! This is my favorite course on Udemy! It is lots of fun. I have taken a few others machine learning courses so I have something to compare it to. The course is well laid out and organized in an efficient manner. The explanation on gradient approximations was excellent. I always get help on the Q&A when I need it.

By Aamir Mirza on 12/24/2025

Good course, however, it could be more practical and less theoretical, for example . The Welford algorithm is clearly implemented in Python; the presenter is wasting time."

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Overall Score : 98 / 100