Aims

This module introduces the principles of data visualisation, the grammar of graphics, and software for data visualisation. Students will learn and acquire skills in data exploration and visualisation. By the end of the module, students will be able to process and clean raw data sets, apply the grammar of graphics and visualise the data in the most appropriate way.

Outline Of Syllabus

The syllabus covers topics from:

* The grammar of graphics and aesthetics
* Summary statistics for data sets
* Visualisation of numerical and categorical data
* Visualisation of spatial and temporal data
* Visualisation of high dimensional data
* Embedding visualisation in dynamic document generation
* Interactive and dynamic visualisation
* Visualisation for accessibility
* The limitations of statistics and the need for visualisation
* Human perception and the limitations of visualisation

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

The teaching methods are appropriate to allow students to develop a wide range of skills, from understanding basic concepts and facts to higher-order thinking. Lectures are used for the delivery of theory and explanation of methods, illustrated with examples, and for giving general feedback on marked work. Computer practical classes are used to help develop the students’ abilities at applying the theory to solving problems. Module drop-in sessions allow students to receive learning support in areas where they may need additional guidance.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

A substantial practical/digital exam is appropriate for the assessment of the material in this module. The format will enable students to reliably demonstrate their own knowledge, understanding and application of learning outcomes. The assurance of academic integrity forms a necessary part of the programme accreditation.

Examination problems may require a synthesis of concepts and strategies from different sections, while they may have more than one ways for solution. The examination time allows the students to test different strategies, work out examples and gather evidence for deciding on an effective strategy, while carefully articulating their ideas and explicitly citing the theory they are using.

The coursework assignments allow the students to develop their problem solving techniques, to practise the methods learnt in the module, to assess their progress and to receive feedback; these assessments have a secondary formative purpose as well as their primary summative purpose.