- Degree Level
- Undergraduate
- Degrees Offered
- Bachelor of Arts, Minor
- Department
- Visual and Performing Arts
- school/college
- College of Arts and Sciences
Bachelor of Arts in Scientific Illustration
Scientific Illustration is an interdisciplinary field concerned with the creation of images used to clarify scientific concepts. The program in Scientific Illustration combines study in biology with instruction in the fine and applied arts.
You can choose from two emphases within the program:
- Scientific Illustration, which prepares students for a number of possible careers in biological, botanical, or related scientific illustration
- Scientific Illustration (Pre-Medical Emphasis), which prepares students for graduate study in medical illustration
What can a degree in scientific illustration do for me?
- Provides preparation for graduate study in medical illustration (Pre-Medical Emphasis)
- Provides preparation for professional careers in biological illustration
- Allows students to take advantage of a well-respected and innovative biology department
- Offers internships at museums, research institutions, hospitals, and zoos
- Affords opportunities to study at some of the top universities around the world
Explore a Typical Course Path to Graduation
Featured Courses
Scientific Illustration I
Required Course
Learn the various techniques and media that function to visually interpret scientific principles. Both traditional and digital applications are presented, though the former is stressed. Explore the preparation of black and white illustrations suitable for publication. In addition, you will study representative scientific taxa through laboratory exercises designed to supplement your knowledge of systematics and scientific terminology. (SI 301)
This course consists of six studio hours weekly and independent work.
Scientific Illustration II
Required Course
In this companion class to Scientific Illustration I, you will explore techniques and media using color. Learn problem-solving and how to prepare your portfolio. Six studio hours weekly and independent work. (SI 302)
Advanced Drawing
Required Course
What is Drawing as a medium when not intended to represent the appearance of the world? This course introduces students to contemporary issues in drawing, building a bridge from work done in Drawing I and II. Figure/Ground, mark making, mapping, erasure, fragment, illusion/non-illusion, memory, as well as the use of non-traditional materials are topics for exploration. Attention to process, and the use of non-traditional materials are also included. Studio work is supported by slide lectures, discussions, and critiques. Six studio hours weekly and independent work. (FA 300)
