Students

STAT723 – Statistical Graphics

2018 – S1 Day

General Information

Download as PDF
Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit Convenor and Lecturer
Tania Prvan
Contact via tania.prvan@mq.edu.au
12 Wallys Walk Level 6 Room 629
TBA
Credit points Credit points
4
Prerequisites Prerequisites
Admission to MRes
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
STAT823
Unit description Unit description
We present the principles of effective graphical presentation, set them in a historical context and apply them to a variety of statistical data sets. Emphasis is given to use of modern multivariate graphical techniques such as trellis/lattice graphs and mosaic plots to show a variety of displays of data and model fits, and to display model consistency with data. To present graphics, we introduce and use R, as well as other standard packages. Participants choose an area for further investigation related to their interests.

Important Academic Dates

Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:

  • Be familiar with important and contemporary examples of graphics, and be able to use them.
  • Be aware of the elements of graphical design, and use them to critically appraise presented graphics in articles and web pages and suggest appropriate ways to improve them.
  • Be able to use the computer to generate appropriate graphics using particular packages or languages and be able to develop the ability to do so in others.
  • Be familiar with a range of modern multivariate graphical techniques and know when it is appropriate to use them.
  • Use statistical graphics to investigate and analyse data, check statistical model assumptions and effectively present the results of statistical investigations graphically to a range of audiences.

General Assessment Information

In the case of a late submission for an assignment, if no special consideration has been granted, 10% of the earned mark will be deducted for each day that an assignment is late, up to a maximum of 50%. After 5 days, counted including weekends and public holidays, a mark of 0% will be awarded. NOTE: It is not the intention of this late penalty policy to cause a student to fail the unit when they have submitted their assignment no more than 5 days after the due date and they would have otherwise passed. In this case, if deductions for late assignments result in the final unit mark for a student being less than 50, when otherwise it would have been 50 or greater, the student's final mark will be exactly 50.

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due
Assessment 1 5% No 2pm 12 March 2018
Assessment 2 5% No 2pm 19 March 2018
Assessment 3 5% No 2pm 26 March 2018
Assessment 4 5% No 2pm 2 April 2018
Assessment 5 5% No 2pm 9 April 2018
Assignment 1 25% No 2pm 30 April 2018
Assignment 2 25% No 2pm 28 May 2018
Final Examination 25% No Exam Period

Assessment 1

Due: 2pm 12 March 2018
Weighting: 5%

A PowerPoint presentation with voice over of about 5 minutes duration to be submitted online via iLearn by 2pm on the due date. There should be four slides addressing questions asked at the end of the Week 1 lecture handout. Each slide must have your name and Student ID on it. Presentations with overcrowded slides will be penalised. Animations will be penalised.

There is no group work.

Same lateness penalty as that for an assignment applies. Please refer to General Assessment Information.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Be familiar with important and contemporary examples of graphics, and be able to use them.
  • Be aware of the elements of graphical design, and use them to critically appraise presented graphics in articles and web pages and suggest appropriate ways to improve them.

Assessment 2

Due: 2pm 19 March 2018
Weighting: 5%

A PowerPoint presentation with voice over of about 5 minutes duration to be submitted online via iLearn by 2pm on the due date.  There should be four slides addressing questions asked at the end of the Week 2 lecture handout. Each slide must have your name and Student ID on it. Presentations with overcrowded slides will be penalised. Animations will be penalised.

There is no group work.

Same lateness penalty as that for an assignment applies. Please refer to General Assessment Information.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Be familiar with important and contemporary examples of graphics, and be able to use them.
  • Be aware of the elements of graphical design, and use them to critically appraise presented graphics in articles and web pages and suggest appropriate ways to improve them.

Assessment 3

Due: 2pm 26 March 2018
Weighting: 5%

A PowerPoint presentation with voice over of about 5 minutes duration to be submitted online via iLearn by 2pm on the due date. There should be four slides addressing questions asked at the end of the Week 3 lecture handout. Each slide must have your name and Student ID on it. Presentations with overcrowded slides will be penalised. Animations will be penalised.

There is no group work.

Same lateness penalty as that for an assignment applies. Please refer to General Assessment Information.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Be familiar with important and contemporary examples of graphics, and be able to use them.
  • Be aware of the elements of graphical design, and use them to critically appraise presented graphics in articles and web pages and suggest appropriate ways to improve them.
  • Be able to use the computer to generate appropriate graphics using particular packages or languages and be able to develop the ability to do so in others.

Assessment 4

Due: 2pm 2 April 2018
Weighting: 5%

lA PowerPoint presentation with voice over of about 5 minutes duration to be submitted online via iLearn by 2pm on the due date.  There should be four slides addressing questions asked at the end of the Week 4 lecture handout. Each slide must have your name and Student ID on it. Presentations with overcrowded slides will be penalised. Animations will be penalised.

There is no group work.

Same lateness penalty as that for an assignment applies. Please refer to General Assessment Information.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Be familiar with important and contemporary examples of graphics, and be able to use them.
  • Be aware of the elements of graphical design, and use them to critically appraise presented graphics in articles and web pages and suggest appropriate ways to improve them.
  • Be able to use the computer to generate appropriate graphics using particular packages or languages and be able to develop the ability to do so in others.
  • Be familiar with a range of modern multivariate graphical techniques and know when it is appropriate to use them.

Assessment 5

Due: 2pm 9 April 2018
Weighting: 5%

A PowerPoint presentation with voice over of about 5 minutes duration to be submitted online via iLearn by 2pm on the due date. There should be four slides addressing questions asked at the end of the Week 5 lecture handout. Each slide must have your name and Student ID on it. Presentations with overcrowded slides will be penalised. Animations will be penalised.

There is no group work.

Same lateness penalty as that for an assignment applies. Please refer to General Assessment Information.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Be familiar with important and contemporary examples of graphics, and be able to use them.
  • Be aware of the elements of graphical design, and use them to critically appraise presented graphics in articles and web pages and suggest appropriate ways to improve them.
  • Be able to use the computer to generate appropriate graphics using particular packages or languages and be able to develop the ability to do so in others.
  • Be familiar with a range of modern multivariate graphical techniques and know when it is appropriate to use them.

Assignment 1

Due: 2pm 30 April 2018
Weighting: 25%

Five statistical graphics should be collected during the first half of the semester from published work. You must not draw your own graphics or get someone else to do so for you. Credit will be given for interesting, carefully chosen graphics which show evidence of searching widely. The graphics must be included in your submission along with the source of each graphic (title of the article, authors, source including title, page numbers etc.) and each graphic must be discussed. This discussion may include the reason why you chose this graphic, it must include strengths and  weaknesses of each graphic, and may include redrawn improved versions of the graphic.

There is no group work.

The report must be word processed and must be submitted in pdf format online via iLearn by 2pm on the due date. It should be at most 5 pages long (1500 word count) including the graphics. Note that a word document can be saved as pdf.

Please refer to General Assessment Information for lateness penalty.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Be familiar with important and contemporary examples of graphics, and be able to use them.
  • Be aware of the elements of graphical design, and use them to critically appraise presented graphics in articles and web pages and suggest appropriate ways to improve them.
  • Be able to use the computer to generate appropriate graphics using particular packages or languages and be able to develop the ability to do so in others.
  • Be familiar with a range of modern multivariate graphical techniques and know when it is appropriate to use them.

Assignment 2

Due: 2pm 28 May 2018
Weighting: 25%

A data set with some documentation will be available from iLearn at the end of Week 10. This data set must be analysed and a concise, well-organised report on your analysis must be prepared. The analysis must be appropriate and be substantially graphical. Appropriate statistical graphics explored or mentioned in the lectures should be used. The statistical package R must be used.

There is no group work.

The report must be word processed and must be submitted in pdf format online via iLearn by 2pm on the due date. It should be at most 4 pages long (1500 word count) including the graphics. Note that a word document can be saved as pdf.

Please refer to General Assessment Information for lateness penalty.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Be familiar with important and contemporary examples of graphics, and be able to use them.
  • Be aware of the elements of graphical design, and use them to critically appraise presented graphics in articles and web pages and suggest appropriate ways to improve them.
  • Be able to use the computer to generate appropriate graphics using particular packages or languages and be able to develop the ability to do so in others.
  • Be familiar with a range of modern multivariate graphical techniques and know when it is appropriate to use them.
  • Use statistical graphics to investigate and analyse data, check statistical model assumptions and effectively present the results of statistical investigations graphically to a range of audiences.

Final Examination

Due: Exam Period
Weighting: 25%

The final examination will be held during the Examination period. The final exam is 2 hours long (with an additional 10 minutes reading time).

The final examination covers all course material. Students may take into the final examination ONE A4 page of notes handwritten (not typed) on BOTH sides. Rulers will be needed.

You are expected to present yourself for the examination at the time an place designated in the University Examination Timetable. The timetable will be available in draft form approximately eight weeks before the commencement of examinations.

If unable to sit the Examination due to documented illness or unavoidable disruption you may wish to consider applying for a Special Consideration.

Students need to apply for Special Consideration online at https://ask.mq.edu.au

If you receive special consideration for the final exam, a supplementary exam will be scheduled in the interval between the regular exam period and the start of the next session.  By making a special consideration application for the final exam you are declaring yourself available for a resit during the supplementary examination period and will not be eligible for a second special consideration approval based on pre-existing commitments.  Please ensure you are familiar with the policy prior to submitting an application. You can check the supplementary exam information page on FSE101 in iLearn (bit.ly/FSESupp) for dates, and approved applicants will receive an individual notification one week prior to the exam with the exact date and time of their supplementary examination.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Be familiar with important and contemporary examples of graphics, and be able to use them.
  • Be aware of the elements of graphical design, and use them to critically appraise presented graphics in articles and web pages and suggest appropriate ways to improve them.
  • Be familiar with a range of modern multivariate graphical techniques and know when it is appropriate to use them.
  • Use statistical graphics to investigate and analyse data, check statistical model assumptions and effectively present the results of statistical investigations graphically to a range of audiences.

Delivery and Resources

There are 2 hours of lectures and 1 tutorial each week in this unit. Lectures commence in Week 1 and tutorials commence in Week 2. Lecture material will be put up on iLearn.

There is no specified textbook  for this unit and a variety of readings will be available. The following books are good general references that may be used during the semester.

  • Chen, C., Hardle, W. and Unwin, E. (eds.) (2008) Handbook of Data Visualization. Springer-Verlag, Berlin.
  • Cleveland, W. (1993) Visualizing Data. Hobart Press, New Jersey.
  • Rahlf, T. (2017) Data Visualisation with R. Springer International Publishing AG.
  • Tufte, E. (2001) The Visual Display of Quantitative Information (Second Edition). Graphics Press: Cheshire, Conn.
  • Tufte,  E. (1990) Envisioning Information. Graphics Press: Cheshire,  Conn.
  • Tufte, E. (1997) Visual Explanations: Images, and quantities, evidence and narrative (third edition). Graphics Press: Cheshire,  Conn.

In this unit we rely less on formal lectures and more on individual reading, preparation and learning to use the computer, and on collaborative investigation and discussion of problems. There may be some 'guest lectures' which will be presented live and be available afterwards on iLearn. There will be weekly readings.

Technologies used and required

Lecture material will be placed on iLearn. R (https://www.r-project.org/) and Mondrian (http://www.theusrus.de/Mondrian/) will be used in some of the lectures. Students will need to use R and Mondrian. All assessments except for the final examination must be word processed and converted to pdf files for online submission in iLearn. A Word document can be saved as pdf. 

Unit Schedule

This list is tentative and subject to change.

Week Topic
1 Introduction to statistical graphics
2 Principles of statistical graphics
3 Getting familiar with R
4 More R
5 Mosaic Plots
6 Parallel Coordinate Plots
7 Guest Lecture: Topic to be announced
8 Linear Models I
9 Linear Models II
10 Time and time-oriented data
11 Visual Data Mining
12 High dimensional graphics
13 Review

 

Policies and Procedures

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

Undergraduate students seeking more policy resources can visit the Student Policy Gateway (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/student-policy-gateway). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.

If you would like to see all the policies relevant to Learning and Teaching visit Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central).

Student Code of Conduct

Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/study/getting-started/student-conduct​

Results

Results shown in iLearn, or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au.

Student Support

Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/

Learning Skills

Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.

Student Services and Support

Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.

Student Enquiries

For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au

IT Help

For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/

When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.

Graduate Capabilities

PG - Capable of Professional and Personal Judgment and Initiative

Our postgraduates will demonstrate a high standard of discernment and common sense in their professional and personal judgment. They will have the ability to make informed choices and decisions that reflect both the nature of their professional work and their personal perspectives.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Be familiar with important and contemporary examples of graphics, and be able to use them.
  • Be aware of the elements of graphical design, and use them to critically appraise presented graphics in articles and web pages and suggest appropriate ways to improve them.
  • Be able to use the computer to generate appropriate graphics using particular packages or languages and be able to develop the ability to do so in others.
  • Be familiar with a range of modern multivariate graphical techniques and know when it is appropriate to use them.
  • Use statistical graphics to investigate and analyse data, check statistical model assumptions and effectively present the results of statistical investigations graphically to a range of audiences.

Assessment tasks

  • Assessment 1
  • Assessment 2
  • Assessment 3
  • Assessment 4
  • Assessment 5
  • Assignment 1
  • Assignment 2
  • Final Examination

PG - Discipline Knowledge and Skills

Our postgraduates will be able to demonstrate a significantly enhanced depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content knowledge in their chosen fields.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Be familiar with important and contemporary examples of graphics, and be able to use them.
  • Be aware of the elements of graphical design, and use them to critically appraise presented graphics in articles and web pages and suggest appropriate ways to improve them.
  • Be able to use the computer to generate appropriate graphics using particular packages or languages and be able to develop the ability to do so in others.
  • Be familiar with a range of modern multivariate graphical techniques and know when it is appropriate to use them.
  • Use statistical graphics to investigate and analyse data, check statistical model assumptions and effectively present the results of statistical investigations graphically to a range of audiences.

Assessment tasks

  • Assessment 1
  • Assessment 2
  • Assessment 3
  • Assessment 4
  • Assessment 5
  • Assignment 1
  • Assignment 2
  • Final Examination

PG - Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking

Our postgraduates will be capable of utilising and reflecting on prior knowledge and experience, of applying higher level critical thinking skills, and of integrating and synthesising learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments. A characteristic of this form of thinking is the generation of new, professionally oriented knowledge through personal or group-based critique of practice and theory.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Be familiar with important and contemporary examples of graphics, and be able to use them.
  • Be aware of the elements of graphical design, and use them to critically appraise presented graphics in articles and web pages and suggest appropriate ways to improve them.
  • Be able to use the computer to generate appropriate graphics using particular packages or languages and be able to develop the ability to do so in others.
  • Be familiar with a range of modern multivariate graphical techniques and know when it is appropriate to use them.
  • Use statistical graphics to investigate and analyse data, check statistical model assumptions and effectively present the results of statistical investigations graphically to a range of audiences.

Assessment tasks

  • Assessment 2
  • Assessment 3
  • Assessment 4
  • Assessment 5
  • Assignment 1
  • Assignment 2
  • Final Examination

PG - Research and Problem Solving Capability

Our postgraduates will be capable of systematic enquiry; able to use research skills to create new knowledge that can be applied to real world issues, or contribute to a field of study or practice to enhance society. They will be capable of creative questioning, problem finding and problem solving.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Be familiar with a range of modern multivariate graphical techniques and know when it is appropriate to use them.
  • Use statistical graphics to investigate and analyse data, check statistical model assumptions and effectively present the results of statistical investigations graphically to a range of audiences.

Assessment tasks

  • Assessment 3
  • Assessment 4
  • Assessment 5
  • Assignment 2
  • Final Examination

PG - Effective Communication

Our postgraduates will be able to communicate effectively and convey their views to different social, cultural, and professional audiences. They will be able to use a variety of technologically supported media to communicate with empathy using a range of written, spoken or visual formats.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Be familiar with important and contemporary examples of graphics, and be able to use them.
  • Be aware of the elements of graphical design, and use them to critically appraise presented graphics in articles and web pages and suggest appropriate ways to improve them.
  • Be able to use the computer to generate appropriate graphics using particular packages or languages and be able to develop the ability to do so in others.
  • Be familiar with a range of modern multivariate graphical techniques and know when it is appropriate to use them.
  • Use statistical graphics to investigate and analyse data, check statistical model assumptions and effectively present the results of statistical investigations graphically to a range of audiences.

Assessment tasks

  • Assessment 1
  • Assessment 2
  • Assessment 3
  • Assessment 4
  • Assessment 5
  • Assignment 1
  • Assignment 2
  • Final Examination

PG - Engaged and Responsible, Active and Ethical Citizens

Our postgraduates will be ethically aware and capable of confident transformative action in relation to their professional responsibilities and the wider community. They will have a sense of connectedness with others and country and have a sense of mutual obligation. They will be able to appreciate the impact of their professional roles for social justice and inclusion related to national and global issues

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Be familiar with important and contemporary examples of graphics, and be able to use them.
  • Be aware of the elements of graphical design, and use them to critically appraise presented graphics in articles and web pages and suggest appropriate ways to improve them.
  • Be able to use the computer to generate appropriate graphics using particular packages or languages and be able to develop the ability to do so in others.
  • Be familiar with a range of modern multivariate graphical techniques and know when it is appropriate to use them.
  • Use statistical graphics to investigate and analyse data, check statistical model assumptions and effectively present the results of statistical investigations graphically to a range of audiences.

Assessment tasks

  • Assignment 1
  • Assignment 2
  • Final Examination

Changes from Previous Offering

The Portfolio of five items has been replaced by five assessments each requiring submission of four PowerPoint slides with voice over of about 5 minutes duration online via iLearn. There are no longer any live presentations by students in the lecture. The project and large presentation has been replaced by two word processed assignments and the final examination is no longer a take home exam but is a two hour examination (plus 10 minutes reading time)  held during the Examination period on campus.

Changes since First Published

Date Description
25/01/2018 Spelling correction.