MA304-7-SP-CO:
Data Visualisation

The details
2021/22
Mathematics, Statistics and Actuarial Science (School of)
Colchester Campus
Spring
Postgraduate: Level 7
Current
Monday 17 January 2022
Friday 25 March 2022
15
28 October 2021

 

Requisites for this module
(none)
(none)
(none)
(none)

 

(none)

Key module for

MSC G30512 Applied Data Science,
MSC G30524 Applied Data Science,
MSC G305JS Applied Data Science

Module description

In a world increasingly driven by data, the need for analysis and visualisation is more important than ever. In this course we will look at data through the eyes of a visual detective.

We will work on the lost art of exploratory data analysis, reviewing appropriate methods for data summaries with the aim to summarise, understand, extract hidden patterns and identify relationships. We will then work on graphical data analysis, using simple graphs to understand the data, but also advanced complex methods to scrutinise data and interactive plots to communicate data information to a wider audience. We will also explore the use of visualizations linked to textual analysis.

For data analysis and visualisations we will use R-studio, ggplot2 and plotly packages as well as google visualisations and interactive plotting.

Module aims

The aim of the module will be to create data analysts that can identify patterns and display information from data of several sources. The module will encourage statistical and critical thinking by a series of examples of good and not-so-good visualisations and will guide students to develop their creativity within a scientific framework. The module will highlight how visualization plays a key role in many disciplines.

Module learning outcomes

At the end of the module students will be able to:

1. Summarise and understand information on text,categorical and continuous variables
2. Display graphical information and complex relationships in datasets using R
3. Use advanced statistical packages like ggplot2 and produce statistical reports with Rmarkdown
4. Create interactive plots

Module information

Syllabus

1. Historical examples of visualization
2. Cognition linked to visualization including linguistics, mathematics, natural sciences, art and wider cultural topics.
3. Data Visualization for Human Perception
4. What makes a good graph – What makes a bad graph
5. Examining variables and basic R charts
6. Exploring relationships, looking for structure
7. Advanced plots with ggplot2
8. Creating statistical reports with Rmarkdown
9. Interactive graphs
10. Testing data quality through graphs
11. Plotting Maps
12. Text, Sentiment and Natural Language visualization
13. Data visualization within industry
14. Telling a story


Learning and teaching methods

Teaching will be delivered in a way that blends face-to-face classes, for those students that can be present on campus, with a range of online lectures, teaching, learning and collaborative support.

Bibliography

This module does not appear to have a published bibliography for this year.

Assessment items, weightings and deadlines

Coursework / exam Description Deadline Coursework weighting
Coursework   Assignment    100% 

Exam format definitions

  • Remote, open book: Your exam will take place remotely via an online learning platform. You may refer to any physical or electronic materials during the exam.
  • In-person, open book: Your exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer to any physical materials such as paper study notes or a textbook during the exam. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
  • In-person, open book (restricted): The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer only to specific physical materials such as a named textbook during the exam. Permitted materials will be specified by your department. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
  • In-person, closed book: The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may not refer to any physical materials or electronic devices during the exam. There may be times when a paper dictionary, for example, may be permitted in an otherwise closed book exam. Any exceptions will be specified by your department.

Your department will provide further guidance before your exams.

Overall assessment

Coursework Exam
100% 0%

Reassessment

Coursework Exam
100% 0%
Module supervisor and teaching staff
Dr Andrew Harrison, email: harry@essex.ac.uk.
Dr Andrew Harrison & Dr Osama Mahmoud
Dr Andrew Harrison (harry@essex.ac.uk), Dr Osama Mahmoud (o.mahmoud@essex.ac.uk)

 

Availability
No
No
Yes

External examiner

Prof Fionn Murtagh
University of Huddersfield
Professor of Data Science
Dr Yinghui Wei
University of Plymouth
Resources
Available via Moodle
Of 2240 hours, 9 (0.4%) hours available to students:
2231 hours not recorded due to service coverage or fault;
0 hours not recorded due to opt-out by lecturer(s).

 

Further information

Disclaimer: The University makes every effort to ensure that this information on its Module Directory is accurate and up-to-date. Exceptionally it can be necessary to make changes, for example to programmes, modules, facilities or fees. Examples of such reasons might include a change of law or regulatory requirements, industrial action, lack of demand, departure of key personnel, change in government policy, or withdrawal/reduction of funding. Changes to modules may for example consist of variations to the content and method of delivery or assessment of modules and other services, to discontinue modules and other services and to merge or combine modules. The University will endeavour to keep such changes to a minimum, and will also keep students informed appropriately by updating our programme specifications and module directory.

The full Procedures, Rules and Regulations of the University governing how it operates are set out in the Charter, Statutes and Ordinances and in the University Regulations, Policy and Procedures.