Module 16: Scientific Visualization for Connectomics

Teaching Deck

Learning Objectives

• Select visualization forms aligned to analytical intent
• Encode uncertainty and quality signals explicitly
• Avoid misleading visual encodings in dense connectomics data
• Produce publication-ready and presentation-ready figures

Session Outcomes

• Learners can complete the module capability target.
• Learners can produce one evidence-backed artifact.
• Learners can state one limitation or uncertainty.

Agenda (60 min)

• 0-10 min: Frame and model
• 10-35 min: Guided practice
• 35-50 min: Debrief and misconception correction
• 50-60 min: Competency check + exit ticket

Capability Target

Produce a figure set that communicates connectomics findings accurately, including uncertainty and data-quality context, for both expert and mixed audiences.

Concept Focus

1) Representation follows question

• Technical: geometry, topology, and statistical uncertainty require different visual encodings.
• Plain language: choose visuals that match what you are trying to prove.
• Misconception guardrail: one figure type can serve every claim.

Core Workflow

• Map each claim to required visual evidence.
• Draft candidate visuals with uncertainty layers.
• Run critique for misinterpretation risk.
• Revise for clarity, accessibility, and reproducibility.
• Export figure package with caption metadata.

60-Minute Run-of-Show

• 00:00-08:00 visual integrity examples (good/bad).
• 08:00-20:00 claim-to-visual mapping.
• 20:00-34:00 figure draft build.
• 34:00-46:00 uncertainty and quality overlays.
• 46:00-56:00 peer critique and revision.
• 56:00-60:00 competency check.

Misconceptions to Watch

• Misconception guardrail: one figure type can serve every claim.
• Misconception guardrail: cleaner-looking plots are always better.
• Misconception guardrail: aesthetics can replace methodological clarity.

Studio Activity

Scenario: Prepare a 3-figure package for a connectomics result summary.

Activity Output Checklist

• Evidence-linked artifact submitted.
• At least one limitation or uncertainty stated.
• Revision point captured from feedback.

Assessment Rubric

• Minimum pass: visuals map clearly to claims and include uncertainty context.
• Strong performance: high clarity across audiences with minimal misinterpretation risk.
• Failure modes: overloaded figures, missing scale context, hidden uncertainty.

Exit Ticket

Take one existing figure and add one uncertainty cue plus one caption sentence that narrows interpretation bounds.

References (Instructor)

• Visualization best-practice resources and connectomics exemplars.

Teaching Materials

• Module page: /modules/module16/
• Slide page: /modules/slides/module16/
• Worksheet: /assets/worksheets/module16/module16-activity.md