CSC 444 - Data Visualization (Spring 2021)
M/W 3:30-4:45pm, Live Online via Zoom
Course Syllabus
- Description of Course
- Course Content
- Course Policies
- Department and University Policies
- Department of Computer Science Code of Conduct
- Classroom Behavior Policy
- Threatening Behavior Policy
- Content Warning
- Accessibility and Accommodations
- Code of Academic Integrity
- UA Nondiscrimination and Anti-harassment Policy
- Additional Resources for Students
- Title IX
- Preferred Gender Pronoun
- Confidentiality of Student Records
- Land Acknowledgment
- Subject to Change Statement
Description of Course
In this course, you will learn how, and why, to create data visualizations.
A “visualization” is simply a visual representation of an object of our interest. It’s visual: we consume them with our eyes, and so it is essential that we know how our eyes work – and, more importantly, the parts of our brains connected to our eyes. It’s also a representation; we get to choose what this representation will be, and different choices lead to different pictures, some good and some bad. We will learn how to tell those apart, and how to make pictures that are more good than bad.
Good data visualization involves perceptual psychology, mathematics, and computer science. This makes our subject uniquely challenging: sometimes the way our eyes work stands in way of applying some beautiful result from computer science. Sometimes it’s the other way around: something deep about the math in the data will help guide the design process and let us make a picture that is beautiful, informative, and truthful.
Course Prerequisites or Co-requisites
CSC 335 (Object-Oriented Programming and Design) and CSC 345 (Analysis of Discrete Structures) While students majoring in areas other than CSC are encouraged to enroll, certain topics may prove challenging. Please contact the instructor if you are unsure if you satisfy the prerequisites.
We will write most of our code using the web stack. This means we are targeting modern web browsers, and writing our programs in a combination of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. If you don’t know these technologies, you will be expected to learn them. CSC 337 (Web Programming) is not a format pre-requisite for this course, but it might be considered helpful.
Instructor and Contact Information
- Instructor: Joshua A. Levine
- Phone: +1-520-621-3153
- Email: [username]@arizona.edu, my username is josh.
- Office: Online via Zoom, Schedule via Calendly
- Office Hours: M 10:00-11:00am, T/R 3:00-4:00pm
- Otherwise, we can schedule an appointment (via email or private message on Piazza) to meet.
- TAs:
- Md Dilshadur Rahman; dilshadurrahman@email.arizona.edu
- Yangzi Lu; yangzilu@email.arizona.edu
- TA Office Hours (primarily for issues with grading):
- Md Dilshadur Rahman: T 8:30-9:30am, (online via Zoom)
- Yangzi Lu: M 11:00-12:00am, (online via Zoom)
- Course Page: https://jalevine.bitbucket.io/csc444/s21/
- Instructor Homepage: http://www.cs.arizona.edu/~josh
- D2L: https://d2l.arizona.edu/d2l/home/995022
- Piazza: https://piazza.com/arizona/spring2021/csc444/home
CSC COVID 19 Policy
All Spring 2021 CSC courses, whether In-Person, In-Person Flex, or Live Online, will provide recorded lectures for students along with office hour accommodations via Zoom. Additionally, In-Person and In-Person Flex courses will accommodate students who cannot attend class in-person to take midterm exams. Attendance will not be factored into final grades for any computer science course during the Spring 2021 semester.
Course Format and Teaching Methods
Primarily, the format is driven by lectures combined with in-class discussion. Out-of-class activities include readings in relevant textbooks and research papers, programming assignments, take-home exercises, and online discussions.
Course Objectives and Expected Learning Outcomes
The content of the course is split roughly in three distinct aspects of visualization: mechanics, principles, and techniques.
Mechanics: You will learn how the modern web stack enables performant and portable data visualization programs. You will learn to use some of the most popular data visualization libraries, you will learn how they are implemented, and their limitations. Expected outcomes include.
- Implementing basics in HTML, CSS, Scalable Vector Graphics, Javascript
- Developing visualizations in d3 using the concepts of selections, scales, transitions, events
- Being familiar with the basics of remedial linear algebra, including:
- Vector operations
- Eigenanalysis of real symmetric matrices
Principles: These principles are based on perceptual psychology and physiology, and how they constraint the algorithms for displaying data effectively and efficiently. They also intertwine with a collection of design principles the design process that includes abstracting, encoding, and interacting with data. Expected outcomes include:
- Becoming familiar with scales of measurement
- Applying perceptual channels and color vision
- Recognizing the effect of preattentiveness
- Describing the pros and cons of interaction and animation
- Demonstrating when to employ filtering, aggregation, linked views, and visual querying
- Using these principles for informed critique and analyzing the visualization design processes
Techniques: You will learn the fundamental algorithms behind many of the techniques created to display data effectively. Expected outcomes include:
- Mastering basic visualizations that employ scatterplots, line plots, small multiples
- Explaining the challenges of visualizing high-dimensional data and possible methods of dimensionality reduction
- Understanding the pros and cons of visualizing hierarchies and networks
- Utilizing visualization of maps and 2D scalar fields: i.e. choropleths, heatmaps, and isocontours.
- Extending these visualizations to 3D data through isosurfaces and direct volume rendering
- Being familiar with visualization for vector fields that utilize streamlines and derived fields
Pandemic-Related Information
Academic advising: If you have questions about your academic progress this semester, or your chosen degree program, consider contacting your department’s academic advisor(s). Your academic advisor and the Advising Resource Center can guide you toward university resources to help you succeed. Computer Science major students are encouraged to email advising@cs.arizona.edu for academic advising related questions.
CS Tutor Center: The Department of Computer Science offers FREE tutoring for students enrolled in CSC courses. You can view tutor schedules and sign up for tutoring sessions by visit our CS Tutoring Page.
Life challenges: If you are experiencing unexpected barriers to your success in your courses, please note the Dean of Students Office is a central support resource for all students and may be helpful. The Dean of Students Office can be reached at 520-621-2057 or DOS-deanofstudents@email.arizona.edu.
Physical and mental-health challenges: If you are facing physical or mental health challenges this semester, please note that Campus Health provides quality medical and mental health care. For medical appointments, call (520-621-9202. For After Hours care, call (520) 570-7898. For the Counseling & Psych Services (CAPS) 24/7 hotline, call (520) 621-3334.
Course Content
Location
This class is scheduled to be taught in the LIVE ONLINE modality.
Meeting Times: The class will meet M/W 3:30-4:45pm at Live Online via Zoom. Our meetings will be synchronous: I will lecture at these types to everyone who attends the Zoom meetings.
Class attendance: If you feel sick, or may have been in contact with someone who is infectious, stay home and rest. Except for seeking medical care, avoid contact with others and do not travel.
- Campus Health is testing for COVID-19. Please call 520-621-9202 before you visit in person.
- Visit the UArizona COVID-19 page for regular updates.
Class Recordings: For lecture recordings, students must access content in D2L only. Students may not modify content or re-use content for any purpose other than personal educational reasons. All recordings are subject to government and university regulations. Therefore, students accessing unauthorized recordings or using them in a manner inconsistent with UArizona values and educational policies are subject to suspension or civil action.
Equipment and software requirements: For this class you will need daily access to the following hardware: laptop or web-enabled device with webcam and microphone; regular access to reliable internet signal; ability to download and run the following software: web browser, Zoom, and Adobe Acrobat.
Lecture Topics
Week | Date | Monday | Date | Wednesday |
1 | Jan 11 | -- No Class -- | Jan 13 | Introduction |
2 | Jan 18 | -- MLK Day -- | Jan 20 | HTML/CSS/SVG Basics |
3 | Jan 25 | Javascript Basics | Jan 27 | Javascript + DOM, SVG |
4 | Feb 01 | d3 Intro | Feb 03 | d3 Joins and Scales |
5 | Feb 08 | Design Principles | Feb 10 | Perception |
6 | Feb 15 | Data Abstraction | Feb 17 | Visual Encoding |
7 | Feb 22 | Color | Feb 24 | Color in d3 |
8 | Mar 01 | Tasks and Interaction | Mar 03 | Views, Focus+Context |
9 | Mar 08 | Midterm | Mar 10 | -- Reading Day -- |
10 | Mar 15 | Tabular Arrangements | Mar 17 | Hierarchies/Trees |
11 | Mar 22 | Graphs | Mar 24 | Cartography |
12 | Mar 29 | Interpolation | Mar 31 | Isosurfaces |
13 | Apr 05 | Volumetric Data | Apr 07 | Volume Rendering |
14 | Apr 12 | Transfer Function Design | Apr 14 | Flow Data |
15 | Apr 19 | Flow Visualization | Apr 21 | -- Reading Day -- |
16 | Apr 26 | Uncertainty | Apr 28 | Text and Sets |
17 | May 03 | Retrospective | May 05 | Final Exam Review |
Required Texts and Readings
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Munzner, Visualization Analysis and Design, 2014, ISBN 978-1466508910. (Note: the textbook is available electronically through the UA Library for those on campus or VPN).
-
Murray, Interactive Data Visualization for the Web: An Introduction to Designing with D3, 2017, ISBN 978-1491921289. (Note: the textbook is available electronically through the UA Library for those on campus or VPN)
- As we will be using Javascript in this course, if you are not familiar you will need to find a reference. I recommend:
- Haverbeke, Eloquent JavaScript, 3rd Edition: A Modern Introduction to Programming, 2018, ISBN 978-1593279509, and
- Rauschmayer, Speaking JavaScript: An In-Depth Guide for Programmers, 2018, ISBN 978-1449365035.
In addition to being great books, both of these books are freely available online. See https://eloquentjavascript.net and http://speakingjs.com/.
- Other handouts, research papers, and materials linked to on the course webpage
Assignments and Examinations
Programming Assignments (61% of final grade)
Name | Topic | Post Date | Due Date | Graded By | Percentage |
Assignment 01 | Survey | Jan 13 | Jan 25 | Jan 31 | 1 |
Assignment 02 | HTML + SVG | Jan 25 | Feb 01 | Feb 07 | 5 |
Assignment 03 | Javascript | Feb 01 | Feb 08 | Feb 14 | 5 |
Assignment 04 | D3 | Feb 08 | Feb 15 | Feb 21 | 5 |
Assignment 05 | Scales, Axes, Transitions | Feb 15 | Feb 24 | Mar 02 | 6 |
Assignment 06 | Color Spaces | Feb 24 | Mar 03 | Mar 09 | 5 |
Assignment 07 | Linked Views, Brushing | Mar 03 | Mar 15 | Mar 21 | 6 |
Assignment 08 | Parallel Coordinates | Mar 15 | Mar 22 | Mar 28 | 5 |
Assignment 09 | Treemaps | Mar 22 | Mar 31 | Apr 06 | 6 |
Assignment 10 | Marching Squares | Mar 31 | Apr 12 | Apr 18 | 6 |
Assignment 11 | Transfer Functions | Apr 12 | Apr 19 | Apr 25 | 5 |
Assignment 12 | Flow Visualization | Apr 19 | Apr 28 | May 04 | 6 |
Assignment 13 | Review (Extra Credit) | Apr 28 | May 05 | May 10 | 0 |
Total Assignment Percentage: | 61 | ||||
Class Participation (10% of final grade)
This class participation grade is the instructor’s subjective judgement of the student’s contribution to a lively classroom atmosphere. He will consider mainly active, informed participation in classroom discussions, and homework reviews. Obviously, students not attending class are not contributing in this way.
While the instructor does not grade on attendance, nor is attendance required for the course, you are obligated to participate in class to receive credit for this portion of your grade. Participation will also be gauged through virtual mechanisms, such as contributions to the class discussions on Piazza.
Midterm Examination (11% of final grade)
A midterm exam will be held in class on Mon., Mar 8, 3:30-4:45pm, and it will cover all material discussed in class prior to the date of the examination.
Final Examination (18% of final grade)
The final examination will be comprehensive. A review will be conducted on the final lecture.
Exam Date/Time/Location: Tues., May 11, 3:30-5:30pm, Live Online via Zoom
See also, UA Final Exam Schedule: https://registrar.arizona.edu/courses-catalog/final-examination-schedule-spring-2021
Submission, Lateness, and Revision Policy
All assignments have a fixed due date. Revisions and resubmissions after grading will not be accepted.
Submission for programming assignments will be due on 3:29:59PM of the due date unless otherwise noted. A late submission will receive a penalty of 10% per day for each work day it is late, up to a maximum of 5 days late. Grades for assignment submitted late may not be posted within the same time frame as assignments submitted on time, but the instructor will make their best effort to expedite the grading of late submissions.
Course Policies
Absence and Class Participation Policy
The UA’s policy concerning Class Attendance, Participation, and Administrative Drops is available at http://catalog.arizona.edu/policy/class-attendance-participation-and-administrative-drop
The UA policy regarding absences for any sincerely held religious belief, observance or practice will be accommodated where reasonable: http://policy.arizona.edu/human-resources/religious-accommodation-policy.
Absences for groups of more than three students that are pre-approved by the UA Dean of Students (or Dean Designee) will be honored. See: http://policy.arizona.edu/employment-human-resources/attendance.
Participating in the course and attending lectures and other course events are vital to the learning process. That said, attendance is not required for lectures. To request a disability-related accommodation to this attendance policy, please contact the Disability Resource Center at (520) 621-3268 or drc-info@email.arizona.edu. If you are experiencing unexpected barriers to your success in your courses, the Dean of Students Office is a central support resource for all students and may be helpful. The Dean of Students Office is located in the Robert L. Nugent Building, room 100, or call 520-621-7057.
Nevertheless, failing to stay up-to-date on course content may affect a student’s final course grade. Class participation is an important part of your grade in this course, and it is difficult for a student to participate and the instructor to gauge participation if a student does not attend.
Late Instructor
Your instructor will make every effort to be in class on time, or to inform you of any delay or cancellation. In the unusual event that he should not arrive in class or send word by 15 minutes from the class start time, the class is officially cancelled.
Makeup Policy for Students Who Register Late
Students who register after the first class meeting may make up missed assignments at a deadline set in consultation with the instructor.
Course Communications
We will use official UA email and Piazza as the primary mode of contact. D2L will be used only for the instructor to securely distribute the course calendar, class materials, and grades to students.
Grading Scale and Grading Policies
Grades will be assigned based on the following scale:
- A >= 90%
- 80% <= B < 90%
- 70% <= C < 80%
- 60% <= D < 70%
- E < 60%
Grading will be based on performance on the set of assignments, the midterm and final exam, and class participation:
- Programming Assignments: 61%
- Midterm Exam: 11%
- Final Exam: 18%
- Class Participation: 10%
Each assignment description will include a specific rubric for how it is graded, typically out of a score between 0 and 100. Scores on such assignments will be weighted according to the relative point value of each assignment as highlighted above.
Department of Computer Science Grading Policy
- Instructors will explicitly promise when every assignment and exam will be graded and returned to students. These promised dates will appear in the syllabus, associated with the corresponding due dates and exam dates.
- Graded homework will be returned before the next homework is due.
- Exams will be returned “promptly”, as defined by the instructor (and as promised in the syllabus).
- Grading delays beyond promised return-by dates will be announced as soon as possible with an explanation for the delay.
Requests for incomplete (I) or withdrawal (W)
Request must be made in accordance with University policies, which are available at http://catalog.arizona.edu/policy/grades-and-grading-system#incomplete and http://catalog.arizona.edu/policy/grades-and-grading-system#Withdrawal, respectively.
Dispute of Grade Policy
After receiving any grade for any submission, a student has 24 hours to respond to the instructor with any disputes in an email with the subject “Grade Dispute”. Such a response must enumerate a specific set of disputed items for the submission and provide evidence that each item was improperly graded. The instructor will then completely regrade the entire submission, including both the disputed items as well as non-disputed items, with the potential for all aspects of the grade to change.
Department and University Policies
Department of Computer Science Code of Conduct
The Department of Computer Science is committed to providing and maintaining a supportive educational environment for all. We strive to be welcoming and inclusive, respect privacy and confidentiality, behave respectfully and courteously, and practice intellectual honesty. Disruptive behaviors (such as physical or emotional harassment, dismissive attitudes, and abuse of department resources) will not be tolerated. The complete Code of Conduct is available on our department web site. We expect that you will adhere to this code, as well as the UA Student Code of Conduct, while you are a member of this class.
Classroom Behavior Policy
To foster a positive learning environment, students and instructors have a shared responsibility. We want a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment where all of us feel comfortable with each other and where we can challenge ourselves to succeed. To that end, our focus is on the tasks at hand and not on extraneous activities (e.g., texting, chatting, reading a newspaper, making phone calls, web surfing, etc.).
Students are asked to refrain from disruptive conversations with people sitting around them during lecture.
Some learning styles are best served by using personal electronics, such as laptops and iPads. Nevertheless, these devices can be distracting to other learners. While all students are welcome to use personal electronics in class, they must be used in a way that does not disrupt either the instructor or other students’ experience.
Students observed engaging in disruptive activity will be asked to cease this behavior. Those who continue to disrupt the class will be asked to leave lecture or discussion and may be reported to the Dean of Students.
Threatening Behavior Policy
The UA Threatening Behavior by Students Policy prohibits threats of physical harm to any member of the University community, including to oneself. See http://policy.arizona.edu/education-and-student-affairs/threatening-behavior-students.
Content Warning
While the instructor does not intend to include topics and/or course material includes content that are explicit or offensive in any way. The instructor will make every effort to provide advance notice when such materials may potentially be or potentially violate this intent. Please contact the instructor to discuss any content-related concerns, as alternative materials may be available.
Accessibility and Accommodations
At the University of Arizona, we strive to make learning experiences as accessible as possible. If you anticipate or experience barriers based on disability or pregnancy, please contact the Disability Resource Center (520-621-3268, https://drc.arizona.edu/) to establish reasonable accommodations.
Code of Academic Integrity
Students are encouraged to share intellectual views and discuss freely the principles and applications of course materials. However, graded work/exercises must be the product of independent effort unless otherwise instructed. Students are expected to adhere to the UA Code of Academic Integrity as described in the UA General Catalog. See https://deanofstudents.arizona.edu/policies/code-academic-integrity.
Uploading material from this course to a website other than D2L (or the class piazza) is strictly prohibited and will be considered a violation of the course policy and a violation of the code of academic integrity. Obtaining material associated with this course (or previous offerings of this course) on a site other than D2L (or the class piazza), such as Chegg, Course Hero, etc. or accessing these sites during a quiz or exam is a violation of the code of academic integrity. Any student determined to have uploaded or accessed material in an unauthorized manner will be reported to the Dean of Students for a Code of Academic Integrity violation, with a recommended sanction of a failing grade in the course.
The University Libraries have some excellent tips for avoiding plagiarism, available at http://new.library.arizona.edu/research/citing/plagiarism. Publicly available sources for code or other material, in small amounts, may be freely used if appropriately attributed. A good rule of thumb: when in doubt about whether the use of small snippets of code not your own in a programming assignment is allowed, first ask the instructor.
Selling class notes and/or other course materials to other students or to a third party for resale is not permitted without the instructor’s express written consent. Violations to this and other course rules are subject to the Code of Academic Integrity and may result in course sanctions. Additionally, students who use D2L or UA e-mail to sell or buy these copyrighted materials are subject to Code of Conduct Violations for misuse of student e-mail addresses. This conduct may also constitute copyright infringement.
UA Nondiscrimination and Anti-harassment Policy
The University of Arizona is committed to creating and maintaining an environment free of discrimination. In support of this commitment, the University prohibits discrimination, including harassment and retaliation, based on a protected classification, including race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or genetic information. For more information, including how to report a concern, please see http://policy.arizona.edu/human-resources/nondiscrimination-and-anti-harassment-policy
Our classroom is a place where everyone is encouraged to express well-formed opinions and their reasons for those opinions. We also want to create a tolerant and open environment where such opinions can be expressed without resorting to bullying or discrimination of others.
Additional Resources for Students
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UA Academic policies and procedures are available at http://catalog.arizona.edu/policies
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Campus Health (http://www.health.arizona.edu/). Campus Health provides quality medical and mental health care services through virtual and in-person care. Phone: 520-621-9202
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Counseling and Psych Services (CAPS) (https://health.arizona.edu/counseling-psych-services). CAPS provides mental health care, including short-term counseling services. Phone: 520-621-3334
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The Dean of Students Office’s Student Assistance Program (http://deanofstudents.arizona.edu/student-assistance/students/student-assistance). Student Assistance helps students manage crises, life traumas, and other barriers that impede success. The staff addresses the needs of students who experience issues related to social adjustment, academic challenges, psychological health, physical health, victimization, and relationship issues, through a variety of interventions, referrals, and follow up services. Email: DOS-deanofstudents@email.arizona.edu. Phone: 520-621-7057
Survivor Advocacy Program (https://survivoradvocacy.arizona.edu/). The Survivor Advocacy Program provides confidential support and advocacy services to student survivors of sexual and gender-based violence. The Program can also advise students about relevant non-UA resources available within the local community for support. Email: survivoradvocacy@email.arizona.edu. Phone: 520-621-5767
Title IX
The University of Arizona is committed to removing educational barriers created by sex discrimination and sexual harassment. Sex discrimination under Title IX can include acts of violence based on sex, such as sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking. If you (or someone you know) has experienced or experiences any of these incidents, you have options for help at the University. The University of Arizona has staff members trained to support you in navigating campus life, accessing health and counseling services, providing academic and housing accommodations, helping with legal protective orders, and more.
Please be aware that UA faculty and instructors who work with students are required to report allegations of sex discrimination to the Title IX Office. This means that if you tell me about a situation involving sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, or stalking that involves another student or employee, or that happens on campus or in a UA program, I must share that information with the Title IX Coordinator. Although I have to make that notification, you will have choices regarding whether or not you want to pursue a formal complaint against anyone on campus. Our goal is to make sure you are aware of the range of options available to you and have access to the resources you need.
If you wish to speak to someone privately, you can contact any of the following on-campus resources:
- Counseling & Psych Services (CAPS), https://health.arizona.edu/counseling-psych-services, 520-621-6490, 520-570-7898 (after hours)
- Oasis Sexual Assault, Relationship Violence, and Trauma Services, https://health.arizona.edu/counseling-oasis (same phone as CAPS)
- Campus Health, https://health.arizona.edu/home, 520-621-6490
- University of Arizona Ombuds, https://ombuds.arizona.edu/, 520-626-5589
- Title IX section on sexual assault support & resources (https://titleix.arizona.edu/title-ix/sexual-harassment-violence) has more information, as well as a link explaining options if you have a concern, need assistance/support, or would like to file a complaint.
Preferred Gender Pronoun
My pronoun preference: he, him, his.
This course affirms people of all gender expressions and gender identities. If you prefer to be called a different name than what is on the class roster, please let me know. Feel free to correct instructors on your preferred gender pronoun. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me directly in class or via email (instructor email). If you wish to change your preferred name or pronoun in the UAccess system, please use the following guidelines:
Preferred name: University of Arizona students may choose to identify themselves within the University community using a preferred first name that differs from their official/legal name. A student’s preferred name will appear instead of the person’s official/legal first name in select University-related systems and documents, provided that the name is not being used for the purpose of misrepresentation. Students are able to update their preferred names in UAccess.
Pronouns: Students may designate pronouns they use to identify themselves. Instructors and staff are encouraged to use pronouns for people that they use for themselves as a sign of respect and inclusion. Students are able to update and edit their pronouns in UAccess. More information on updating your preferred name and pronouns is available on the Office of the Registrar site at https://www.registrar.arizona.edu/.
Confidentiality of Student Records
Land Acknowledgment
The University of Arizona sits on the original homelands of indigenous peoples who have stewarded this land since time immemorial. Aligning with the university’s core value of a diverse and inclusive community, it is an institutional responsibility to recognize and acknowledge the people, culture, and history that make up the Wildcat community. At the institutional level, it is important to be proactive in broadening awareness throughout campus to ensure our students feel represented and valued.
Subject to Change Statement
Information contained in the course syllabus, other than the grade and absence policy, may be subject to change with advance notice, as deemed appropriate by the instructor.