FIT3179 - Data visualisation - 2018

Data visualisation is a powerful technique that allows us to use our visual system to understand data. Interactive data visualisation is now common in business, engineering and design and the social and physical sciences. This unit introduces the main kinds of information graphics and interactive visualisation systems and their areas of application. It investigates the reasons why visualisation can be effective and based on this students will gain experience in critically assessing data visualisations and in designing their own visualisations. Students will learn how to create visualisations with representative computer tools and gain experience in creating a data visualisation for an application domain of their choice.

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

1. critically analyse data visualisations;
2. create effective data visualisations;
3. describe the main applications of data visualisation in business, engineering and design, and the social and physical sciences;
4. describe the advantages, drawbacks and pitfalls of the visual presentation of data as compared to its presentation using other media.

Examination (2 hours): 40%; In-semester assessment: 60%

Minimum total expected workload equals 12 hours per week comprising:

1. Contact hours for on-campus students:
   • Two hours of lectures
   • Two hour studio session
2. Additional requirements (all students):
   • A minimum of 8 hours independent study per week for completing lab and project work, private study and revision.

See also Unit timetable information

Business analytics

Computational science

Data science

Digital humanities