As biological datasets increase in size and complexity, we are moving more and more from an hypothesis-driven research paradigm to a data-driven one. As a result, exploration of that data has become even more crucial than in the past.

In this 5-day workshop, we will dive into the topic of biological data visualization and how it can be used to gain insight in and get a "feel" for a dataset, so that targeted analyses can be defined. We will start by covering theoretical questions like: What is data visualization? How do we perceive images? How can we visualise data in the best possible way? As the workshop continues, it will become more and more hands-on and interactive. In the workshop, we will focus on omics (e.g. genomics, transcriptomics) data rather than e.g. imaging data.

Who is this course for?

This course is targeted at biologists who want to explore, and gain further insight, into their own data through the use of visualisation and design approaches. Some prior experience in programming would be beneficial, but pre-reading and exercises will be sent out to all successful applicants prior to the start of the course. Example datasets will be provided which include:

• gene-gene interaction data
• gene-disorder links
• phylogeny of transcription factors
• ChIP-Seq and RNA-Seq

What will I learn?

Learning outcomes

After this course you should be able to:

• Explore theories of perception and cognition
• Identify frameworks to comprehend data visualisation
• Understand the concepts of visual design process
• Implement visualisations with specific tools (D3)

Course content

During this course you will learn about:

• Textbook (included): "Making data visual" (D Fisher & M Meyer)
• Recommended Textbook: "Visualization analysis and design" (T Munzner)

Trainers

In order to be considered for the course, applicants are required to submit a visualisation in WORD document format that you have created recently and would like to improve after you have attended the course. If you haven't created a visualisation yet, please attach an example visualisation similar to what you expect to produce and improve. Please submit your document to Frank O'Donnell frank@ebi.ac.uk on/before 25 January 2019 - 12:00 GMT