DR. TERESA LARSEN
Computational Science Research Center
San Diego State University
San Diego, CA
tlarsen@sciences.sdsu.edu

Scientific Visualization and Communication

Background
Scientists and society both rely on Scientific Visualization for communicating scientific information. Indeed, visualization has shaped our collective view of science and technology. Desktop visualization tools have provided scientists and the media with ways to create very sophisticated imagery. Open source tools are making advanced functionality accessible to anyone. Formal training of scientists in technical communication falls far short of the thoroughness of their research training. This course intends to offset that deficit by providing some essential experience and guidelines for communicating science using visualization tools.

Description
This Short Course, based on a graduate-level class taught at San Diego State University, familiarizes scientists and engineers of any discipline with computer graphics tools. It emphasizes the role of Scientific Visualization in technical communication. This course will provide an overview of 2D, 3D and animation tools. Attendees will take away a set of guidelines for creating good imagery and making cogent presentations.