BIOSM 1140

Introduction to Scientific Illustration

Course Description

Course information provided by the 2025-2026 Catalog.

This one-week introductory course covers basic skills needed for scientific illustration using visual opportunities found around Appledore Island (Shoals Marine Lab). Instruction provides foundational knowledge for visual science communication, with significant time devoted to observational drawing, including key features of subjects like size comparisons and basic shapes. Students are encouraged to practice and experiment using a variety of media including graphite, pen & ink, colored pencil and watercolor to complete a project using each medium. These four assignments take advantage of the unique nature of the coast for finding inspiration and reference, including locations and subjects found around the island and live specimens housed in sea tables. The course is designed to allow students with any art background to succeed with their drawing ability. One-week. Intended for high school students. Attendees live at Shoals Marine Lab (Appledore island, Gulf of Maine) during the course.

Forbidden Overlaps BIOSM 1140, BIOSM 2040

Enrollment Priority Enrollment limited to: high school students.

Last 4 Terms Offered (None)

Learning Outcomes

• Students taking this course will be able to: Apply skills in observational illustration to analyze and distinguish details that are needed to communicate a particular natural science concept.
• Produce accurate and clear scientific illustrations in a variety of media and materials.
• Demonstrate knowledge of composition, color, and tonal values in their illustrations.
• Recognize how visual science communication can be incorporated into the service of science.

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