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IS41880

Academic Year 2026/2027

Data Storytelling with Python (IS41880)

Subject:
Information Studies
College:
Social Sciences & Law
School:
Information & Comms Studies
Level:
4 (Masters)
Credits:
10
Module Coordinator:
Dr Arjumand Younus
Trimester:
Autumn
Mode of Delivery:
Blended
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

Effective information systems have at their core information processes that facilitate the art of storytelling with data, and one modern-day tool for creation of data-based compelling narratives is data visualization. Building up from a study of basic Python programming we will move to understand Python-based data visualization tools such as area plots, histograms, bar charts, pie charts, scatter plots, and word clouds enabling complex data analytics. Various dataset case-studies will help facilitate a systematic understanding of getting actionable insights and compelling narratives from data.

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

• Acquire an understanding of Python programming to a somewhat advanced degree.
• Acquire ability to play around with data and the process of exploratory data analysis (EDA) for better decision-making processes.
• Learn to present information in a concise manner to both technical and non-technical audiences
• Gain expertise with various Python data visualization libraries such as Matplotlib, Seaborn, Dash, Plotly.

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

Critical Thinking

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

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.


 

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Specified Learning Activities

44
Autonomous Student Learning

170
Lectures

12
Computer Aided Lab

24
Total

250

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Active/task-based learning;
Peer and group work;
Lectures;
Lab/studio work;
Enquiry & problem-based learning;
Case-based learning

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 

Assessment Strategy
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade Component repeat (in-module) Offered
Quizzes/Short Exercises: Quiz sessions randomly throughout module to test students' understanding of various concepts covered in class: chiefly Python, Python libraries, data visualizations etc. Week 2, Week 3, Week 4, Week 5, Week 6, Week 7, Week 8, Week 9, Week 10, Week 11, Week 12 Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% No
20
 No
Individual Project: Individual project where you develop your own datastorytelling project with visualizations, compelling anaylsis and a detailed report Week 14, Week 15 Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% Yes
80
 Yes

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
 

Remediation Type Remediation Timing
In-Module Resit Prior to relevant Programme Exam Board
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.

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