Scientific Illustration
The Scientific Illustration program at the Lamar Dodd School of Art instructs students in the use of artwork as visual tools of communication in the service of education, specifically in the field of biological and medical illustration. The production of illustrations of measured accuracy, conceptualized illustrations, and diagrammatic illustrations enable communication between scientist and author, teacher and student, or physician and patient. An artist must, therefore, be aware of the viewer’s level of knowledge and relate the message in a logical sequence without confusing the viewer with too much or too little information. Because they communicate subtleties and eliminate ambiguities of language, scientific illustrations are an important, often necessary, element in precise communication in scientific education. Student learning in the area of Scientific Illustration is supported with dedicated classroom space. Learn more about the facilities and the studio spaces at the School of Art.
Scientific Illustration Faculty
Scientific Illustration News
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Degree Requirements
Area VI
ARST 1040, ARST 1050, ARST 1060, ARST 2020, ARST 1080, ARST 2010, ARST 2800
60 hours in major
Minimum grade of C required for all courses
Course Requirements
ARST 2000 Introduction to the Figure (3 hours)
ARST 2800 Introduction to Digital Imaging (3 hours)
ARGD 3310 Fundamentals of Scientific Illustration (6 hours)
ARGD 3320 Intermediate Scientific Illustration (6 hours)
ARGD 3330 Advanced Scientific Illustration (6 hours)
ARST 4020 Anatomy for the Figure (3 hours)
Studio Electives (at least 3 hours must be at the 3/4000-level) (12 hours)
ARST studio courses 2000-level or above
ARGD courses
THEA 5810
THEA 5820
THEA 5830
Science Electives (15 hours)
CBIO 2200/2200L
CBIO 2210/2210L
CBIO 3010/3010L
CBIO 3050
CBIO 3060
CBIO 3710
CBIO 3800
Or any 3/4000-level BCBM, BINF, BIOL, CBIO, CHEM, ECOL, ENTO, GENE, GEOG, MARS, MIBO, PBIO, or WILD course.
*Note: CBIO 2200/2200L, CBIO 2210/2210L, and CBIO 3000/3000L are required for Medical Illustration.
Capstone Exhibition (3 hours)
ARGD 3340, ARGD 4110, ARST 4450, or ARST 4995
Art History (6 hours)
ARHI 300/4000 level (take two 3000-level courses before enrolling in a 4000-level course)
Facilities
Last updated: September 28, 2025