Data Visualization of Global Trends, 7.5 Credits

Contents

This course is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to visualize, interpret, and communicate global trends using data visualization techniques. We discuss strengths and weaknesses in communication through data visualizations. During the course, students will acquire skills in data visualization through creation of plots, maps and animations. A key component in visualization of global trends is data of good quality. The students will explore where to find and how to obtain relevant data. Software used for preprocessing and visualization of data includes R and associated packages. Other modern tools for large and complex datasets can also be included. Students learn how to create compelling visual representations of global trends that facilitate understanding and decision-making, using real-world case studies on, for example, economic and social indicators and environmental and technological shifts.

Expected learning outcomes

Knowledge and understanding
Students must be able to

1. interpret and extract meaningful information from data visualizations.
2. identify data sources of relevance to global trends.
3. account for basic principles and strategies to create informative and compelling visualizations of data.

Skill and abilities
Students must be able to

4. collect, clean, and preprocess data for visualization.
5. create effective data visualizations of global trends using appropriate techniques and software based on the R programming language, and other tools included in the course.
6. choose an appropriate visualization method for a given problem.
7. present and interpret the results of a data visualization.

Judgment and approach
Students must be able to

8. critically review visualizations of global trends, identify strengths and weaknesses, and in the latter case suggest improvements.
9. evaluate ethical considerations and potential biases in data visualizations of global trends.

Required Knowledge

The course Business Analytics (15 ECTS) or equivalent. Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English B (English/6).

Form of instruction

Learning is supported by lectures, computer lab sessions, seminars and tutoring.

Examination modes

The examination consists of written and/or oral presentations of given assignments, and an individual written hall exam. The assignments are carried out as group projects. Opposition of another group's work is also part of the examination. Reports of assignments should be handed in or presented at predetermined dates (deadlines). The individual written hall exam is graded Pass with distinction (VG), Pass (G), or Fail (U), while the group assignments are graded G or U. The grade on the course is Pass with distinction (VG), Pass (G), or Fail (U). For the grade Pass (G) all examinations need at least the grade Pass (G). For the grade Pass with distinction (VG) the student also needs Pass with distinction (VG) on the written exam.

A student who has passed an examination is not allowed to take another examination in order to get a higher grade. For students who do not pass, an additional examination opportunity will be held according to a pre-determined schedule.

A student that has failed an examination on two occasions has a right to have another examiner or grading teacher appointed unless there are special reasons against it. A written request addressed to the Director of Studies should be made no later than two weeks before the next examination opportunity.

Examinations based on the same course syllabus as the ordinary examinations are guaranteed to be offered up to two years after the date of the student's first registration for the course.

Adaptations
Examiners may decide to deviate from the modes of assessment in the course syllabus. Individual adaptation of modes of assessment must give due consideration to the student's needs. The adaptation of modes of assessment must remain within the framework of the intended learning outcomes in the course syllabus. Students who require an adapted examination - and have received a decision on the right to support from the coordinator at the Student Services Office for students with disabilities - must submit a request to the department holding the course no later than 10 days before the examination. The examiner decides on the adaptation of the examination, after which the student will be notified.

Academic integrity and cheating
As a student, you are expected to act with academic integrity. This means writing and presenting within the limits of the academic rules and expectations communicated in the university's regulations and what is otherwise specified by the responsible department. Disciplinary action may be taken against students who use unauthorized help aids or in some other way try to mislead on a test or on another type of task for examination. Rules and regulations concerning the production of academic texts and correct referencing will be applicable to written assignments. Submitted material may be subject to plagiarism control. In addition, Umeå University rules and regulations for education and research apply.

Academic credit transfer
Academic credit transfers are according to the University credit transfer regulations.

Other regulations

This course partly overlaps with the course Visualisering av data (7.5 Credits) and cannot therefore be credited in the degree together with that overlapping course.