College of Engineering and Information Technology

Department of Information Technology

BSc in Data Analytics
DAT206 - Data Visualization
Number of Contact Hours, Credits, & Prerequisites
Credit: 3 Theory: 2 Lab: 2 Tut: 0
Prerequisites: DAT204 Data Engineering

Instructors Name and Contact Information:

Instructor Name - Office phone number - email address

Course Catalog Description

The course aims to introduce students to data visualization techniques beyond the common visualization
expressions, such as Bar chart and Line chart. The course provides an introduction of the underlying
structure of large data sets using advanced visualizations: data and image models, shapes, Maps and
Networks visualizations based on principles of graphic design and human cognition to choose the most
effective way to display a variety of data. Students will learn explanatory data analysis methods to present
information in an efficient, effective, understandable, and aesthetic manner, for the purposes of explaining
ideas and analyzing data. Students will develop skills in creating and evaluating data visualizations, and
how to use such visualizations to present clear evidence of results to the intended audience. This course
also will provide students with hands-on experience using one of the modern visualization tools, such as
Tableau and QlikView.

Course Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

DA Program
Course Learning Outcome
PLOs

a. Identify appropriate data visualization techniques to solve a problem PLO1

b. Identify user requirements of data visualization solutions PLO6
c. Apply data preparation and transformation methods PLO2
d. Identify data visualization constraints imposed by user needs PLO6
e. Create and evaluate data visualization solutions PLO2

Course Content (Theory Classes)

Week Unit # Study Unit Title and Contents
1 1 Introduction to Data Visualization: Why Visualize Data, Information
Visualization, Value of Visualization
2 2 Common Visualization Expressions: Bar, Vertical, Horizontal, Pie, Line, Area
3 3 Data and Image Models: Choosing variables, Understanding models
4 4 Data Shapes: Input for Visualization, Data and Tasks
5 5 Using Color and Size in Visualization: Encoding data using color or size
6 6 Understanding Audience of data visualization
 7 7 Advanced visualizations: Maps and Networks: Mapping basics, spatial models,
networks
8 8 Principles of graphic design and human cognition frameworks for information
visualization, such as working memory and chunking, attention resources, and
Proceduralization
9 9 Exploratory data analysis methods using visualization
10 10 Data Preparation for an impactful presentation
11 11 Interactivity: Webpages, java scripts, map libraries
12-13 12 Practicing visualization using some tools such as Excel, Tableau, or QlikView
14 13 How to evaluating and present different data visualizations
15 14 Big Data and Visualization

Course Content (Lab sessions)

Week Unit # Study Unit Title and Contents
1-2 1,2 Exploring basic visualization tools such as Excel and working on Common
Visualization Expressions: Bar, Vertical, Horizontal, Pie, Line, Area
3 3 Exploring different data and image models
4 4 Inspecting different Data Shapes
5-6 5-6 Manipulating visualizations using Color and Size to make them suitable for
different audiences
7 7 Working on advanced visualizations: Maps and Networks: Mapping basics,
spatial models, networks, applying human cognition principles
8-9 8 Using visualization tools for data exploration and preparation
10 9 Presenting visualization on webpages, java scripts, map libraries
11-13 10-11 Using modern tools such as Tableau, or QlikView
14 13 Working on visualization tools that are used for big data
15 Project discussion

Instructional Methodologies
Choose from the following:
Lecture X
Tutorial
Laboratory X
Class Discussions
Independent Learning: Projects X
Independent Learning: Case Studies
Independent Learning: Assignments
Independent Learning: Seminars
Online Instruction
Others (Specify): --------------------------------------------

Textbook:
Title & Edition Data Visualization: Charts, Maps, and Interactive Graphics (2018)
Authors Robert Grant

Publisher CRC Press

ISBN 978-1138707603
Reference
Title & Edition Data Visualization Made Simple: Insights into Becoming Visual (2018)
 Authors Kristen Sosulski
Publisher Routledge
ISBN 978-1138503915
Required Resources: /
Course Assessment
This section is to be filled by instructor at the beginning of the semester.
Course Assessment Tools:
Assessment Tools Grade Dates
First Test 10% Week 4
Mid Term 20% Week 9
Lab Exam 20% TBD
Project 20% Week 14
Final Exam 30% TBD

Course Assignments, seminars, project, etc.

Activity # Scope and Focus Activity Type Outcome #
Test: MCQs, Short answer questions and essay type a,b,c
1 Test
of questions
Mid: MCQs, Short answer questions and essay type a,b,c
2 Mid term
of questions
3 Project including discussion Project d,e
Final: MCQs, Short answer questions and essay b,c,d
4 Final
type of questions
Lab exam: Lab exercise will be given to students to d,e
5 Lab Exam
evaluate their technical skills

Course Outcomes Assessment:

Outcome # Covered by Unit # Assessment Tools
a 1-7 Test, Mid
b 6 Test, Mid, Final
c 8,9 Test, Mid, Final
d 10-13 Project, Lab Exam, Final
e 11-13 Project, Lab Exam