CMT212: Visual Communication and Information Design
School | Cardiff School of Computer Science and Informatics |
Department Code | COMSC |
Module Code | CMT212 |
External Subject Code | 100358 |
Number of Credits | 20 |
Level | L7 |
Language of Delivery | English |
Module Leader | Dr Martin Chorley |
Semester | Spring Semester |
Academic Year | 2023/4 |
Outline Description of Module
The aim of this module is to give students an understanding of the processes and tools required to create interactive visualisations and explanations of data. The module will allow students to appreciate correct visualisations, and to identify biased or manipulated interpretations. It will focus on the practical skills required to create visualisations using tools such as Python and JavaScript, while also examining the theory of design required.
On completion of the module a student should be able to
- Describe and discuss the theory behind visualisation design
- Critically analyse visualisations of data
- Examine and explore data to find the best way it can be visually represented
- Apply statistical methods to data
- Access web APIs and data sources, retrieve and manipulate data
- Create static, animated and interactive visualisations of data
How the module will be delivered
Theoretical material and practical demonstrations will be delivered via online videos, to be watched by students prior to the weekly contact sessions.
Weekly contact sessions will include a mixture of activities reinforcing and expanding upon the theoretical concepts introduced online. Laboratory classes will allow students to practice implementation of the practical skills taught.
Skills that will be practised and developed
Use of appropriate tools for data analysis and visualisation
Critical analysis of visualisation.
JavaScript and Python for data access, manipulation, statistical analysis and visualisation
How the module will be assessed
There are 2 points of assessment in this module.
The first assessment examines the students understanding of visualisation theory, covering learning outcomes LO1 and LO2 by asking them to critically assess a number of visualisations.
The second assessment tests the students ability to retrieve, analyse and present conclusions from datasets, covering learning outcomes LO3, LO4, LO5 and LO6.
All assessments will allow the student to demonstrate their knowledge and practical skills and to apply the principles covered online and in contact sessions.
The potential for reassessment in this module is an individual 100% coursework during the summer.
Assessment Breakdown
Type | % | Title | Duration(hrs) |
---|---|---|---|
Written Assessment | 30 | Visualisation Analysis | N/A |
Written Assessment | 70 | Data Analysis Visualisation Creation | N/A |
Syllabus content
Use of appropriate tools for data analysis and visualisation
Critical analysis of visualisation.
JavaScript and Python for data access, manipulation, statistical analysis and visualisation