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COMP40610

Academic Year 2026/2027

Information Visualisation (COMP40610)

Subject:
Computer Science
College:
Science
School:
Computer Science
Level:
4 (Masters)
Credits:
5
Module Coordinator:
Dr Anh Vu Vo
Trimester:
Autumn
Mode of Delivery:
On Campus
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

This module is suitable for students interested in the fundamental and practical underpinnings of Information Visualisation. Information Visualisation is a research area that focuses on the use of graphical techniques to present data in an explicit form. Such static or dynamic presentations (pictures) help people formulate an understanding of data and an internal model of it for reasoning about. Such pictures of data are an external artifact supporting decision making. While sharing many of the same goals of Scientific Visualisation, Human Computer Interaction, User Interface Design and Computer Graphics, Information Visualisation focuses on the visual presentation of data without a physical or geometric form. As such it relies on research in mathematics, data mining, data structures, algorithms, graph drawing, human-computer interaction, cognitive psychology, semiotics, cartography, interactive graphics, imaging and visual design.

This module explores the most important topics in information visualsiation addressing both practical and theoretical concerns. Specific tools for creating data visualsiations are also explored.

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this module, the learner will be able to

1. Demonstrate an understanding of human visual perception & how it can be exploited to design effective visualisations
2. Identify visualisation approaches suitable for specific data types (including tabular data, spatial data, and network data)
3. Critically evaluate different visualisation approaches as applied to particular tasks
4. Implement interactive visualisation approaches using a programming language
5. Design experiments to test the effectiveness of a specific visualisation approach

UNESCO highlights a set of key competencies that support individuals in their development and support society in achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UCD has adapted these competencies and is combining them with others to form a general framework of learning competencies. This module will help you develop the competencies below to the levels specified. 
Learning Competency Additional Information Level

Collaboration

 The ability to learn from others; to understand and respect the needs, perspectives and actions of others (empathy); to understand, relate to and be sensitive to others (empathic leadership); to deal with conflicts in a group; and to facilitate collaborative and participatory problem solving. Competent

Critical Thinking

 The ability to question norms, practices and opinions; to reflect on one’s own values, perceptions and actions. Proficient

Systems Thinking

 The ability to recognize and understand relationships; to analyse complex systems; to think of how systems are embedded within different domains and different scales; and to deal with uncertainty. Proficient

Strategic

 The ability to collectively develop and implement innovative actions that further sustainability at the local level and further afield. Competent

Integrated Problem Solving

 The overarching ability to apply different problem-solving frameworks to complex sustainability problems and develop viable, inclusive and equitable solution options that promote sustainable development, integrating the competencies in this list. Proficient

Digital Literacy and Judgement

 The ability to access, evaluate, create and communicate information in digital environments; to engage critically, ethically and responsibly with digital technologies and digital information; to understand their opportunities, limitations, risks and impact on individual’s digital identities; and to exercise informed judgement in digital participation and decision-making. Proficient

The United Nations identified seventeen Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as core to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and UCD contributes in general to SDG 4 Quality Education. Further SDGs explored within this module if relevant are listed below. A scale of 1 - 5 indicates the extent to which the SDG is covered.


Goal Name Description Coverage

Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation 1

Reduce inequality within and among countries 2
 

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Autonomous Student Learning

75
Lectures

24
Practical

24
Total

123

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
- Lectures
- Labs
- In class group activities
- In class activities
- In class group discussion
- Assigned reading
- Assignments

If students are permitted to use generative AI tools in assignments, that will be indicated in the assignment specification.

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Requirements:

Prior knowledge of a specific programming language is not required. However all students must be comfortable programming in some language (e.g. R/Python/Java/C). Students should also be able to use a text editor to edit code.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Incompatibles:
COMP30750 - Information Visualisation -DS , COMP47970 - Information Visualisation BD


 

Assessment Strategy
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade Component repeat (in-module) Offered
Assignment(Including Essay): Implement a static visualisation in Vega-Lite, using the Vega-Lite functionality that is covered in the labs. Week 7 Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% No
15
 No
Assignment(Including Essay): Design and implement an interactive visualisation tool that enables the exploration and analysis of a complex quantitative dataset. Week 10 Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% No
45
 No
Exam (In-person): A timed in-class, closed book, test including multiple choice questions, short answer questions, and some longer form questions, covering all topics on the module. Week 12 Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% No
40
 No

As part of UCD's student support, under the Additional Consideration policy, extensions may be available for the following assessments in the module: Assignment (including essay/poster), Portfolio, Reflective Assignment, Report(s), and Individual Project.


Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 

Resit In Terminal Exam
Spring No
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Not yet recorded.

Name Role
Oluwadara Adedeji Tutor

Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
Autumn Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - Autumn: All Weeks Wed 11:00 - 12:50
Autumn Practical Offering 1 Week(s) - 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 Fri 13:00 - 14:50
Autumn Practical Offering 1 Week(s) - 6 Fri 13:00 - 14:50
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