SD4130 Communication and Visualization for Sustainable Development

Academic year

2024 to 2025 Semester 1

Further information on which modules are specific to your programme.

Key module information

SCOTCAT credits

30

The Scottish Credit Accumulation and Transfer (SCOTCAT) system allows credits gained in Scotland to be transferred between institutions. The number of credits associated with a module gives an indication of the amount of learning effort required by the learner. European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) credits are half the value of SCOTCAT credits.

SCQF level

SCQF level 10

The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) provides an indication of the complexity of award qualifications and associated learning and operates on an ascending numeric scale from Levels 1-12 with SCQF Level 10 equating to a Scottish undergraduate Honours degree.

Availability restrictions

A ballot system is in place

Planned timetable

Lecture: Mon 2pm; practical: Mon 3pm

This information is given as indicative. Timetable may change at short notice depending on room availability.

Module coordinator

Dr T C Mendo

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module Staff

Dr T Mendo

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module description

This module will explore the science behind effective communication through data visualization and the theories underpinning effective science communication and public engagement activities. The module will introduce the fundamentals of science communication, including principles of effective communication and how to create effective visualizations for Sustainable Development. Students will learn more advanced skills in creating well-designed graphics with free, open-source statistical analysis software (e.g., R/RStudio). Students will also learn how to develop a public engagement strategy and how to use social media for science communication.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisites

BEFORE TAKING THIS MODULE YOU MUST ( PASS SD2006 AND PASS SD2100 ) OR ( PASS SD2001 AND PASS SD2002 )

Assessment pattern

100% coursework

Re-assessment

100% coursework

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

1hr Lecture (x10 weeks), 2hr computer lab (x10 weeks), 3hr Student Conference (x1 week)

Scheduled learning hours

30

The number of compulsory student:staff contact hours over the period of the module.

Guided independent study hours

270

The number of hours that students are expected to invest in independent study over the period of the module.

Intended learning outcomes

  • Explain key foundational concepts in human’s perception of data
  • Describe best practices for data visualization, including with regard to accessibility
  • Understand and apply techniques to create data visualizations that communicate messages clearly and with impact
  • Evaluate visuals for communicating data and be able to select effective visuals for your communication strategy
  • Perform basic appraisals of science communication and public engagement strategies to assess effectiveness