Incorporating data visualization in a course on computer graphics

Data visualization techniques and tools can facilitate the identification of meaningful correlations within data as well as exploring new models and theories. Visualization has become an integral component for computer science programs that support data analytics or "big data" curriculums. This paper describes an introductory computer graphics course that incorporates learning objectives outlined in the ACM-IEEE curriculum guidelines for a unit on data visualization. We identify challenges related to teaching an introduction to computer graphics course, particularly at small-to-medium sized universities, and propose a unit on data visualization within an introductory computer graphics course with example assignments and student work.