Biological Illustration

In this course, biological concepts and structures are learned through direct direct observation and simple illustrative techniques. Lecture topics
include plant ID and structure, microscopic life forms, comparative anatomy and identification of animals. Laboratory/studio work
emphasizes close observation of detailed structures and comparative anatomy as well as visual communication and drawing techniques to produce accurate illustrations of specimens.

No drawing skills are necessary as students learn to draw during class.

Student Exhibits:

Learning Outcomes:
At the conclusion of this course, students will be able to:

  • Demonstrate biological knowledge of diversity, anatomy, taxonomy, and evolutionary change.
  • Describe similarities in skills sets between scientific illustration and biology, including perceptual skills in recording visual data from direct observation, attention to detail, awareness of patterns, and the visual isolation of parts of a whole.
  • Research scientifically‐supported information regarding anatomical structures or functions; Communicate information by combining visual constructs and concisely written text.
  • Generate accurate illustrations that incorporate observational data, drawing skills, and biological understanding.
  • Critique biological illustrations by evaluating representational quality and biological accuracy.
  • Demonstrate ability to use compound and dissecting microscopes; Utilize dichotomous keys, scientific descriptions, and synapomorphic structures to identify unknown organisms.
  • Use observational skills to collect visual anatomic data and hypothesize about function and evolutionary relationships of specimens.