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Scientific Graphics Design
(NR525, 3 credits, fall semester: Course begins October
15) |
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Required course materials: |
Graphics Software:
SigmaPlot
is graphics software that is most commonly used in the scientific community.
This program is a comprehensive and full-featured program for creating
journal-quality scientific graphics, and is used by over 100,000 scientist
world-wide. SigmaPlot will have long-term value for your education and
future profession. Thus, ready access to this scientific graphics program is
a requirement for the course.
SigmaPlot is available for purchase educational price. A free 30-day
evaluation version is also available directly from
Systat (see below). I highly recommended that
you purchase this program for use on your own computer. SigmaPlot is
not available on the University of Idaho computer laboratories. This course requires proficiency with Windows-based computer systems. Ready access to a modern personal computer is highly recommended. Because we will use SigmaPlot for the course, ready access to this scientific graphics program or a program with equivalent features is a requirement for the course. Experience with photo-editing graphics software is also recommended. SigmaPlot by Systat | Brochure To purchase SigmaPlot at the education price of $100 (one-year subscription) or $200 (one-year subscription): Purchase student license from Systat To obtain the free evaluation version (30-day trial): Download from Systat Be sure to download and activate the free version so that is coincides with the four-week duration of this course Tutorials on using SigmaPlot | Technical tips for SigmaPlot Other graphics programs: If you use a different graphics software program, it must be able to create graphs at the same level of quality and style that can be produced with SigmaPlot. Photo-editing software may be required for additional revisions and additions to graphs. |
Optional textbooks: |
Tufte, E. R. 2001. The visual display of quantitative information. Second edition. Graphics Press. |
Recommended
reference materials: |
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Tufte, E. R. 2001.
The visual display
of quantitative information.
Second edition.
Graphics
Press. |
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Yau, N. 2011. Visualize This: The FlowingData Guide to Design,
Visualization, and Statistics. Wiley. |
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Huff, D. 1954. How to lie with statistics.
W.W. Horton & Company. |
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Monmonier, M. 1996. How to lie
with maps. Second edition. The University of Chicago Press. |
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Gigerenzer, G.
2002. Calculated risks: How to know when numbers deceive you. Simon &
Schuster. |
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Salisbury, F.B. 1996. Units, Symbols, and Terminology for Plant Physiology.
Oxford University Press. |
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CBE Style Manual. 2006. Seventh edition. Council of Biology Editors. This is an excellent reference book for learning how to write scientific articles, reports, and books. |
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Off-campus access to the UI Library - journals, articles, and catalog
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*These links are provided for your convenience. The University of Idaho and the professor have no connection with, and do not endorse or support these companies. |
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Scientific graphics design is an essential aspect of research, both during the data analysis phase and for publication. Therefore, a high level of competence in the fundamental elements of graphs for any scientific discipline is critical to a successful career as a scientist or professional. |
All assessments are posted in the Announcements section, which includes the learning achievement targets for each week of the course. |
Assessment and final course grade |
This course is offered on a "Pass or Fail" basis. To achieve grade level of "Pass," you must complete the course projects at a superior level of professional quality and demonstrate mastery of the fundamental elements of scientific graphic design. Also, you must achieve competence in the student learning objectives listed above. |
Important Events |
Date |
Course begins | October 21 |
Final date for withdrawal from course with a grade of "W" | October 25 |
Thanksgiving holiday - UI closed | November 25- 29 |
Course ends | December 16 |
Course schedule & weekly
learning achievement targets |