Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2020 - IAT 355 D100

Introduction to Visual Analytics (3)

Class Number: 7840

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 9 – Dec 8, 2020: Tue, Thu, 4:30–5:50 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Dec 19, 2020
    Sat, 7:00–10:00 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Instructor:

    Christopher Shaw
    shaw@sfu.ca
    1 778 782-7506

  • Prerequisites:

    IAT 201 and IAT 267 and either IAT 265 or CMPT 225. Recommended: IAT 235.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Focuses on the design and implementation of interactive computer visualization techniques for the analysis, comprehension, and explanation of large collections of abstract information. The application of principles from perception, information visualization, interaction and visual analytics will be covered. Introduces tools for programming geometric information and displaying the results. Emphasizes development of practical skills in using graphics libraries and tools: students will develop programming experience with relevant examples and techniques.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course focuses on the design and implementation of interactive computer visualization techniques for the analysis, comprehension and explanation of large collections of digital data. The application of principles from perception, information visualization, interaction and visual analytics will be covered. Introduces tools for programming geometric information and displaying the results. Emphasizes development of practical skills in using graphics libraries and tools; students will develop programming experience with relevant examples and techniques.
Fall 2020: Due to the Covid-19 Pandemic, a significant proportion of this term's offering of IAT 355 will be online. There will be a blend of online lectures and online class activities. There may be in-person class activities depending on the advice of the BC Health officer.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

Courses Objectives:

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

Design and implement interactive visualization and visual analytics techniques to support human activities

Describe visualization design guidelines, explain the guidelines in terms of human perception and cognition

Describe major sub-disciplines within the fields of visualization and visual analytics

Delivery Method: Lecture (LEC) and Open Lab (OPL)

Learning Activities:
This course is divided into three parts: introduction to basic graphics for information visualization, techniques, algorithms and methods for interactive information analysis and visual analytics. 

  1. Foundations of Visualization: students learn how the representation of simple visual forms supports or impedes perception and interpretation of their meaning. Perceptual and cognitive issues are covered. Basic design principles for visual encoding are introduced and motivated with practical examples, based on design principles from perception and visual attention
  2. Information Visualization: students are introduced to methods of representing and interacting with complex collections of abstract information, including techniques based on color, space and order, trees, graphs and networks, detail and context, filtering, brushing and navigation. They learn the basics of two-dimensional representations through graphical two-dimensional transformations, using Javascript and the visualization toolkits D3 and/or Vega.
  3. Visual Analytics: students are introduced to dealing with large volumes of dynamic data and the ideas of linking computational/analysis techniques with interactive informational visualization methods

Students will learn both theoretical methods and practical programming implementations using modern web-based languages and tools.

Grading

  • Assignments (Individual) 50%
  • Project (2-person team) 20%
  • Quizzes (Individual) 30%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

"Visualization Analysis & Design" (2014) by Tamara Munzner; 1st Edition; A K Peters/CRC Press; available as an eBook (http://proquest.safaribooksonline.com.proxy.lib.sfu.ca/9781466508910) in the library.
ISBN: 9781466508910

 “Visual Thinking:  for Design” (2008) by Colin Ware; 1st Edition; Morgan Kaufmann; available as an eBook in the  library. ISBN: 9780123708960

RECOMMENDED READING:

"Design for Information:  An Introduction to the Histories, Theories & Best Practices behind Effective Information Visualizations" (2013) by Isabel Meirelles; Rockport Publishers; available as an eBook in the library.
ISBN: 9781592538065

"Interactive Data Visualization for the Web:  An Introduction to Designing with D3" (2017) by Scott Murray; 2nd  Edition; O'Reilly Media   ISBN: 9781491921289

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

TEACHING AT SFU IN FALL 2020

Teaching at SFU in fall 2020 will be conducted primarily through remote methods. There will be in-person course components in a few exceptional cases where this is fundamental to the educational goals of the course. Such course components will be clearly identified at registration, as will course components that will be “live” (synchronous) vs. at your own pace (asynchronous). Enrollment acknowledges that remote study may entail different modes of learning, interaction with your instructor, and ways of getting feedback on your work than may be the case for in-person classes. To ensure you can access all course materials, we recommend you have access to a computer with a microphone and camera, and the internet. In some cases your instructor may use Zoom or other means requiring a camera and microphone to invigilate exams. If proctoring software will be used, this will be confirmed in the first week of class.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who believe they may need class or exam accommodations, including in the current context of remote learning, are encouraged to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112).