Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2025 - IAT 355 BLS1

Introduction to Visual Analytics (3)

Class Number: 6800

Delivery Method: Blended

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: TBA, TBA
    Surrey

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Dec 8, 2025
    Mon, 3:30–6:30 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    IAT 201 and IAT 267 and either IAT 265 or CMPT 225, all with a minimum grade of C-. 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.

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

 

Grading

  • Assignments 40%
  • Final Project 30%
  • Quiz 15%
  • Final Presentation 15%

Materials

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

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

"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

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.