Syllabus
Geology 7200 - Spring 2022
Scientific Communication and Visualization
Tuesdays
10:30 am - 1:20 pm
347 Howe-Russell Bldg
Instructor:
Prof. Barb Dutrow
Rm 203 Howe-Russell Building (Old
Geology)
Office hours: 3:00 - 4:00 W; or by
appointment made at least 1 working day in advance
Class Home Page:
http://www.geol.lsu.edu/dutrow/presn
E-mail: dutrow @lsu.edu
Required
Text:
Visual
Explanations: Images and Quantities, Evidence and
Narrative (Edward R. Tufte, 1997)
(these are available on Amazon or through the Tufte
website - edwardtufte.com - electronic and paperback
versions available)
The
Elements of Style (Strunk and White)
Goals: "Soft skills" are necessary in today's workplace. Clear and accurate communication can advance an idea, inform about progress, convince a potential funder and justify an outcome. Communication involves not only written and orall\ presentations but developing the visual displays of information to accompany the words.
Students
will: (1) acquire tools to analyze and present
quantitative data using correct cognitive techniques and
styles; (2) learn to effectively communicate scientific topics in
visual, written and oral form including formulation of effective oral and
poster presentations; and
(3) prepare a written, journal-appropriate
research paper and a grant proposal incorporating these techniques.
Course Expectations:
January (date) |
Topic (lecture and activity) |
Reading - to be completed prior to class (reading will be
sent or available
in your book)
Assignments
- due dates shown
|
19 |
Introduction
to Class - Syllabus, Requirements Part
I: Visualization of Scientific Data, Visuals |
Homework 1: Due 25 January 1. Graphics in geologic literature. Summarize quantity, type, style per journal 2. E-mail research (thesis, dissertation) topic to Dr. Dutrow by 30 Jan. (or make an appointment for discussion of topic). Tufte (1997) Chapter 1 |
26 | Quantitative
Communication Types of visuals used - Understanding geologic phenomena from quantitative graphics, visualization - Chapter 2: Solving problems with visual display of data - discussion of cholera, space shuttle Challenger (good and bad) Discussion: Visuals assessment (Presentation of Hmwk 1) Optional: History of Graphics; Escaping flatland |
Read and be prepared for discussion: Tufte (1997), Chpt. 1 and 2 |
Fridays (3:30) |
Attend lectures throughout the semester -
tips for good lectures and for enhancing communication |
specific of critique
- handout on Moodle |
February | ||
2 |
Graphics
as an observational tool (cf. analysis and
presentation) Analysis Graphics Graphics Tools: data maps, images, diagrams, graphs, f(x,t), f(x,y,z,t) vector fields, animation + df/dt, tensor fields, multivariate; 2D vs. 3D Graphics Grammar; nouns/verbs e.g. physical boundaries vs. process Presentation Graphics - developing effective visuals Prior knowledge Apprehension Principle Design Strategies congruence principle, smallest effective difference (color) design density (maps), chartjunk, Design types - specific time-space narratives, small multiples Deriving Meaning Color: use and misuse (Powerpoint) printers vs. computer screens Image processing & mischief (graphical integrity) |
Read for
discussion: Tufte (1997)
Chpt 4, 6, Examples of analysis and presentation graphics Begin development of place map for your thesis research topic. If no place map, develop introductory figure. |
9 |
No class: Homework:
Due 16 Feb. Problem Set 1: Analyzing large data sets: example using heat transport near intrusive (handed out in class, data uploaded to moodle) Problem Set 2: Presentation graphics for heat transport analyses Development of Introductory figure |
Problem
solving by data
analyses;
analyze data
(analyses
graphics),
develop
presentation
graphic Homework: Due 16 Feb. Problem sets 1 and 2, intro figure |
16 |
Discussion of Problem Sets 1 and 2: analysis and presentations graphics homework Initial review of place/introductory figure Software: Introduction to xmgrace |
Be prepared for presentation of materials to class
|
23 |
Presentation of refined introductory graphics/map for research with class input Discussion of Problem Set 3: Analyze data sets from thesis research Lecture: Parallelism Data Resolution raster graphics (e.g. remote sensed data, hi resolution computing) vector graphics Visualization and animations in geoscience Do they communicate? |
Read and discuss: Tufte
(1997) Chpt 5 Bring data set of research materials to class, portable computer, if available. Bring your favorite graphics program Problem Set 3: Analyze data sets from thesis research |
March |
||
2 |
No Class - Happy
Mardi Gras holiday! |
|
9 |
Quiz
- Part I:
Visual
communication
(1 hr) Part II: Scientific Communication - Technical Writing Overview Target audience - Discussion of papers Journal Styles, Impact Factors, Discipline Specific Technical Writing vs. Thesis Writing (compare) Writing Constraints: Titles, Introduction, MethodsBrainstorm points - Outline of Research Paper (in class) |
Hand in final presentation graphics for research figure Homework: Due 23 March For 23
March: Read papers
on carbon sequestration -
designed for different
target audiences. |
16 |
No Class - Spring Break |
visualize |
23 |
Discussion target audience papers Writing, Proofing, Reviewing, Revising: Results, Discussion and Interpretations (fact vs. fiction) Conclusions; References Putting it all together: Abstracts in class exercise on abstracts Manuscript
for scientific journal, rewrite, revise External Review of Manuscripts |
Homework: Due 30 March Writing results/interpretation for thesis/research topic, abstract continue analyzing data, developing results; |
30 |
Part III: Oral
Scientific Communication Professional meetings, invited lectures, thesis defense Dealing with Anxiety Target Audience - Analyzing Audience, Planning Presentation - Stage 1 Planning Presentation - Stage 2 Objectives, Brainstorming presentation - main points for oral presentation on research topic Visual Aids for Oral Presentations: Graphics, Words, Content slide prep. Review of visuals/ graphic analyses material Preparing oral presentation tips VI - Magic |
Read: Congitive Style of Powerpoint (Tufte) Read: handouts, Chpt 5 - Magic *Tufte 1997) Read Chpt. 7 AGI Homework: Due 6 April Preliminary Oral Presentation on Research Topic Homework: Due 13 April Review words, figures, graphics, etc for class Revised research paper |
April |
||
1 |
Rock Star Poster |
|
6 |
(EGU week) Develop oral presentation using techniques learned - work on in oral presentation in class Discussion: Cognitive Style of Powerpoint Any questions on research paper - preparing for publication |
continue analyzing data, developing results; Chpt. 15-17 AGI; Preparing paper for publication: Read: Congitive Style of Powerpoint (Tufte) Homework: Due 13 April Revised research paper, abstract oral presentation |
13 |
Student Practice - practice
Oral Presentations (2 hrs) (AGU Style practice judging by students) |
Homework: Due 20 April refine graphics, edit papers; Edit oral presentation, finish final paper Practice your oral presentation; use of pointer, precision in wording, etc. |
20 |
Developing posters: Oral
and Written Communication Preparing, presenting Posters - in class brainstorming (Powerpoint, Illustrator) Review of Posters in department - field trip Developing story
board for posters: Poster Draft in
class due at end of class Working
time, presentations, posters, papers |
Begin poster - Edit oral presentation according to feedback and review: Edit paper according to feedback Make appt with Dr. Dutrow to review oral presentation prior to Final Oral pres. Homework: Due at the end of class Preliminary poster due - print out on 8x11.5" paper give to Prof. Dutrow |
27 |
Final ORAL Component:
Oral presentations of selected
research topics |
Must meet with Dr.
Dutrow to review your oral presentation
prior to final presentation. Oral Evaluations by All Refer to Oral Rubric |
May |
||
4
(final class) |
POSTER
Presentations - 1+
hrs 7 - 10 min oral presentation with poster; encompasses all course components: written, speaking, visual communication |
Poster Evaluation by
All Refer to Poster Rubric |
9 (Monday) |
Final paper due |
Refer to Writing
Rubric; print out to hand in (mbox or my office) WRITTEN Component: FINAL Paper Due- for research topic; journal article formatting. |
14 (Sat) Final Exam 7:30 am - 9:30 am |
Code of
Student Conduct: Louisiana
State University is an interactive community in which
students, faculty, and staff together strive to pursue
truth, advance learning, and uphold the highest standards of
performance in an academic and social environment. It is a
community that fosters individual development and the
creation of bonds that transcend the time spent within its
gates. To
demonstrate my pride in LSU, as a member of its community, I
will:
The continued success of LSU depends on the
faithful commitment by each community member to these, our
basic principles.
(1)
Plagiarism is an
extremely serious violation of academic integrity. The Code of
Student Conduct defines plagiarism as “the unacknowledged
inclusion, in work submitted for credit, of someone else’s
words, ideas, or data.” (8.1-C.6)
Plagiarism can
occur in a myriad of forms and media. Please refer to websites
for additional details. We will also discuss in class.
Although
most commonly associated with writing, all types of
scholarly work, including computer code, music, scientific
data and analysis, and electronic publications can be
plagiarized. The aim of this section is to help students and
faculty deal with the complex and important issue of
plagiarism on campus.
(2)
Copying - Copying
from another student's test paper or assignment.
Students
with
disabilities:
Louisiana State University is
committed to providing reasonable accommodations for all
persons with disabilities. The syllabus is available in
alternate formats upon request. If you are seeking classroom
accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act,
you are required to register with the Disability Services
(DS). DS is located in 115 Johnston Hall. Phone is 225/
578-5919. To receive academic accommodations for this class,
please obtain the proper DS forms and meet with me at the
beginning of the semester.
Alcohol Policy (PS-67 Illegal Use of Drugs
and Alcohol Misuse): Louisiana
State University is committed to maintaining an environment
which supports the research, teaching, and service mission
of the University. Although the University respects an
employee's right to privacy, the illegal use of drugs or
alcohol within the University community interferes with the
accomplishment of the University's mission. Louisiana State
Law prohibits the consumption, possession, distribution,
possession with intent to distribute, or manufacture of
drugs described as controlled dangerous substances in the
Louisiana Revised Statutes 40:964; and other statutes define
the illegal possession and/or use of alcohol. As such, the
Department has reaffirmed the University policy of
alcohol-free and drug-free environment on University
property at all times and in areas and at times and
locations where an assembly of students and faculty would be
viewed as representative of LSU (field trips and field camp
property as both represent LSU).