University of St Andrews

Key information

SCOTCAT credits : 15

ECTS credits : 7

Level : SCQF level 11

Semester: Both

Availability restrictions: Available only to students studying the PG Cert/PG Dip/MSc in Data Science (Digital)

This module provides an introduction to information visualisation. It focuses on the question of how to utilise visual representations to make information accessible for exploration and analysis. The module covers basic principles of visualisation design and interaction principles. It introduces a range of visualisation techniques and tools, and discusses how these can be effectively applied in various scenarios for communication, exploration and analysis, and how to evaluate information visualisations in different contexts. Skills in designing, developing, and evaluating information visualisations are reinforced through practical assignments.

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact: Students should expect to engage in approximately six tutorials over the course of the module, which will be scheduled with an awareness of the pace at which they are progressing, rather than at a fixed time each week. Students should consider the amount of independent study time this module involves when planning their learning.

Scheduled learning hours: 6

Guided independent study hours: 148

Assessment pattern

As used by St Andrews: Coursework = 100%

As defined by QAA
Written examinations : 0%
Practical examinations : 0%
Coursework: 0%

Re-assessment: Coursework = 100%

Personnel

Module coordinator: Professor T W Kelsey
Module teaching staff: Dr Areti Manataki

Intended learning outcomes

• Be able to design and justify the design of a visual representation of a given data set.
• Be able to critically assess the design of a data visualisation based on the nature of its underlying data, target audience, and general purpose.
• Be able to make use of existing low- and high-level visualization toolkits to create effective information visualisations.
• Be able to communicate and document their visualisation design process and outcomes.