Course syllabus for Information visualization

Course syllabus adopted 2023-02-02 by Head of Programme (or corresponding).

Overview

  • Swedish nameInformation visualization
  • CodeCIU187
  • Credits7.5 Credits
  • OwnerMPIDE
  • Education cycleSecond-cycle
  • Main field of studyComputer Science and Engineering, Software Engineering
  • ThemeMTS 3 c
  • DepartmentCOMPUTER SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
  • GradingTH - Pass with distinction (5), Pass with credit (4), Pass (3), Fail

Course round 1

  • Teaching language English
  • Application code 23123
  • Maximum participants55 (at least 10% of the seats are reserved for exchange students)
  • Open for exchange studentsYes

Credit distribution

0115 Examples class 1.5 c
Grading: UG		0 c0 c1.5 c0 c0 c0 c
0215 Project 2 c
Grading: TH		0 c0 c2 c0 c0 c0 c
0315 Examination 4 c
Grading: TH		0 c0 c4 c0 c0 c0 c
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Examiner

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Eligibility

General entry requirements for Master's level (second cycle)
Applicants enrolled in a programme at Chalmers where the course is included in the study programme are exempted from fulfilling the requirements above.

Specific entry requirements

English 6 (or by other approved means with the equivalent proficiency level)
Applicants enrolled in a programme at Chalmers where the course is included in the study programme are exempted from fulfilling the requirements above.

Course specific prerequisites

To be eligible for the course the student must have a Bachelor degree of 180 credits. Additionally, the course DAT420 Human - computer interaction 7.5 credits, or the equivalent is required. In addition, students need to have successfully completed the course TDA492 Graphical Interfaces 7.5 credits or the equivalent on advanced level.

Aim

The course aims to give an understanding in how information can be presented to provide efficient and effective knowledge transfer, as well as how to design interactive systems that allow users to easily adapt these presentations depending on task and context.

Learning outcomes (after completion of the course the student should be able to)

Knowledge and understanding
  • explain well-known information visualization techniques, including the pros and cons they have in respect to types of data and contexts
  • describe how the cognitive and perceptive abilities of humans affect the possibilities of information visualization
Skills and abilities
  • create concepts for information visualizations taking into consideration specific data sets, users, technologies, and use context
  • develop visualizations from concepts to functional prototype
Judgement and approach
  • evaluate different interactive visualization techniques to judge their effectiveness and suitability for both generic and specific use
  • analyze and provide constructive criticism on specific solutions to visualize information

Content

The course gives the students the ability to design and develop interactive information visualizations capable of communicating specific information in an efficient manner. In order to achieve this ability it is vital to have an understanding of the human sensory and cognitive system, and to be able to argue, motivate and criticize information visualizations based on this understanding. Not only actual applications are covered, but also the development of methods to pre-process data and the creation of interfaces so users can personalize the information presentations available so it suits their needs.

Organisation

The course is structured into three different modules, each consisting of reading material taken from academic research within one area of visualization; assignments, a project and a written exam. Areas covered include specific techniques with information visualization, e.g. data visualization, scientific visualization and virtual reality. The course consists of a series of lectures, assignments, and a project.

Literature

See separate literature list.

Examination including compulsory elements

The course is examined by means of three modules, namely: - Assignments 1.5 credit (fail/pass) - Design Project 2.0 credits ((fail, 3, 4, 5) - Written Exam 4.0 credits (fail, 3, 4, 5) In case a student fails the written exam, the student will have to retake a new exam. The grading scale comprises Fail (U), 3, 4 and 5. To receive a passing grade for the whole course, a student must have a passing mark on the exam, and the assignments, and the project. To get a 4 or a 5, a student must have a 4 or a 5 on the written exam and on the project.

The course examiner may assess individual students in other ways than what is stated above if there are special reasons for doing so, for example if a student has a decision from Chalmers on educational support due to disability.