Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Data Visualisation

Credit Points: 12.00


Course Coordinator: Russell Kerr

Course Coordinator Phone: Via email

Course Coordinator Email: russell.kerr@rmit.edu.au

Course Coordinator Location: Building 9, Floor 5

Course Coordinator Availability: Please make an appointment via email


Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

None


Course Description

In this course, you will explore a range of ways to translate data into compelling, multi-modal narratives. You will examine how the processes of gathering, analysing, and visualising data have significant social, cultural, and ethical implications. You will learn how data visualisation can shape opinions, support decision-making, and influence behaviour. Through a combination of quantitative and qualitative approaches, and digital and analogue techniques, you will investigate functional and innovative methods of data representation, while considering the perspectives of all stakeholders. 

This is a core course in the Illustration major and an option course in the Typography major in BP115P26 Bachelor of Graphic Design.


Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

Program Learning Outcomes

This course contributes to the following BP115P26 Bachelor of Graphic Design learning outcomes:

PLO2: Integrate a broad and deep range of design skills for professional and creative problem solving 

PLO6: Practice reflexively and ethically, demonstrating awareness of multiple and located knowledge systems, with a commitment to inclusion, diversity, equity, access and sustainability 

If you are taking this course as an option course or as part of a minor, this course will complement the learning outcomes you are developing in your program.


Course Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to:

  1. Critically analyse and apply specialised principles and methods of data visualisation. 
  2. Develop data visualisations with a responsible approach to data sets, visualisation methods, and audiences and other stakeholders.  
  3. Integrate data visualisation principles and methods into your broader graphic design practice. 


Overview of Learning Activities

You will be actively engaged in a range of face to face and/or online learning activities such as lectures, tutorials, individual and group activities, class discussions, and workshops.


Overview of Learning Resources

RMIT will provide you with resources and tools for learning in this course through our online systems.

Weekly learning resources are set up and available in Canvas.

The link to the Library Subject Guide for Graphic Design can find here: https://rmit.libguides.com/graphic-design.

There are services and resources available to support your learning through the University Library. The Library provides guides on academic referencing and subject specialist help as well as a range of study support services. For further information, please visit the Library page on the RMIT University website and the RMIT student website.


Overview of Assessment

You will be assessed on how well you meet the course learning outcomes.

Grading in this Course

After submitting assessment tasks for this course, you will receive either a Pass Grade (PX) or a Fail Grade (NN)

Assessment task percentage weightings give you an indication of the volume and significance of the work required relative to the whole course experience.  

To successfully complete this course, you will need to meet all the prescribed criterion for each assessment task The PX grade is not included in the calculation of your Grade Point Average (GPA) and if the course is a Weighted Average Mark (WAM) course, the PX final result will be calculated at 50.

This approach to grading and assessment is aimed at ensuring each course is inclusive of student diversity and prior learning and capabilities can be developed as is appropriate to your discipline and interests.

Assessment Tasks

Assessment Task 1: Interpreting data (30%) 
CLOs: 1 

Assessment Task 2: Visualisation prototypes (30%) 
CLOs: 1, 2 

Assessment Task 3: Data visualisation portfolio (40%)  
CLOs: 1, 2, 3 

Feedback will be given on all assessment tasks.

If you have a long term medical condition and/or disability it may be possible to negotiate to vary aspects of the learning or assessment methods. You can contact the program coordinator or Equitable Learning Services if you would like to find out more.

Your course assessment conforms to RMIT assessment principles, regulations, policies, procedures and instructions.