Course Syllabus

 

ACCESS TO CLASSROOM: 

From Skindergade 26, CODE: Key-button +2024 to open the green gate and two following doors.

(DIS ID Card does not work here!)

Course Description 

In this introductory course, students will learn fundamental illustration techniques using pencil, pen and ink, and watercolor, and will apply principles of communication to convey scientific information visually in class and through field studies.

In the first part of the course, students will be introduced to specific techniques. In the second part of the course students will explore ways of communication and story. In the third and last part of the course, students will develop a scientific illustration project of their own design, drawing on inspiration from their science courses, past scientific experiences, or experiences from their own life combined with scientific insights.

 

Expected Learning Outcomes

This course will appeal to STEAM students who have a strong interest in the language and techniques of science illustration. Prior art experience is not required, only a willingness to participate fully in the process. By the end of the course, students will:

1. Gain a deeper facility of several media traditionally used for science illustration, specifically, pencil, pen and ink and watercolor. 
2. Understand the history, conventions and language of science illustration
3. Create multiple examples of work in three different techniques.
4. Create a final illustration project, based on own interests, that explores how a illustration for science might look like in a contemporary setting.

 

Faculty

Rikke Otte Pedersen Rikke is a freelance maker and facilitator within drawing, design and ecological thinking.  She has professional experience within illustration, communication design, experience design, and workshop facilitation for companies, NGO’s and in research settings. Connecting storytelling, embodied practises and workshop facilitation, her own practise is particularly focused on exploring human relationships with the more-than-human as enabler for change. M.A. (Engaged Ecology, Schumacher College, UK, 2022). B.A. and Specialist Diploma (Communication Design, Kolding School of Design, DK, 2009).

 

Field Studies

These may include some or all of the below:

The Copenhagen Zoo / Zoologisk Have København

The Botanical Garden / Botanisk Have

Museum of Natural History / Statens Naturhistoriske Museum

The National Aquarium / Den Blå Planet

The Medical Museum / Medicinsk Museion

 

Required Readings

(Required readings are available on Canvas under Modules)

Science Illustration: A History of Visual Knowledge from the 15^th Century to today, Anna Escard

The Guild Handbook of Scientific Illustration, Elaine Hodges

Josef, A. (2013) ‘I Color recollection - visual memory, II Color reading and contexture’, in Interaction of Color. 4th edn. New Haven & London: Yale University Press, pp. 3–5.

 

Materials

You can buy art materials with a student discount at Tutein and Koch, Farvergade 8, Kreatima, Vestergade 2 or Stelling City Kunst Artikler, Amagertorv 9.

Materials students are responsible for:

1. Minimum 3 Graphite pencils; 1 each of 2H, HB, 2B.
2. A white eraser.
3. A pencil sharpener with screw on lid.
4. Drawing pens. Waterproof. A set will give you a wide variety. Sakura Pigma Micron pens are recommended.
5. Watercolors. You need a simple set with 10-12 basic colors.
6. Watercolor brushes of reasonable quality.

Materials provided by DIS:

1. One sketchbook. This will be handed out the first day of class.
2. Painting Palette.
3. Watercolor paper. Some 185gr cold press.
4. Bristol Board, heavyweight drawing paper.
5. Toned Paper.
6. If needed, drafting film.

 

 

Expectations

The expectations for the class are as follows:

- Attend on time on class sessions and field trips - we are meeting once a week as a class, so time is precious! 

- Complete all independent sketchbook work. Independent exercises will be given out in class, and will be designed to advance observational and drafting skills. 

- Participate in classroom viewings, where all members of the class share their work. 

- Bring all necessary materials to every class, ready for use.

- Bring your ideas and ambition to the Final Project, integrating techniques, media and communication skills acquired throughout the semester.

 

Major Topics/Modules

1. History, language and uses of Science Illustration
2. Practical techniques - Pencil, pen and ink, watercolor
3. Botanical or Zoological illustration
4. Illustrations of "processes" of science (i.e., Human digestion, processing of sugar cane, life cycle of a tick)

 

Evaluation and Grading

Based on the Expectations, participants will be evaluated on their effort, both in class and in independent work. 

**Note**:  To be eligible for a passing grade in this class you must complete all of the assigned work.  

Grade breakdown:

Component	Weight
Attendance	7.5%
Participation	10%
Independent Sketchbooks	42.5%
Independent Drawings	Fail / Pass
Midterm Illustration	10%
Final Project	30%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Attendance

Attendance is mandatory for all scheduled class sessions and field studies.

• Each absence from a class session or field study will automatically result in a deduction of 10 points from your attendance grade (out of 100 total points).
• Exceptions to this point deduction policy can only be made if supported by prior approval from DIS Academic Support (e.g., for serious personal or family matters).

 

 

Policies 

Use of Laptops or Phones in Class

Laptops and phones may be used for class reference, or work, but otherwise should not be part of class.

Policy on late papers and/or assignments

Late assignments will be accepted when arranged with the course lecturer, but your grade will be reduced.

 

  DIS - Study Abroad in Scandinavia - www.DISabroad.org