MBI Graduate program: ME:120.715

Biological Illustration

Offered: 3rd and 4th Quarter, First year
Instructors: Jeffrey Day, Assistant Professor Lead Instructor
Timothy H. Phelps, Professor
Guest Faculty from The National Aquarium in Baltimore
Credits: 2 Credits: 2 Lecture hours and 8 Studio hours per week

summary

Students will produce a biological illustration in partnership with experts from the National Aquarium in Baltimore. The course will draw from all techniques and methods developed during the first year of coursework. 

Course Description

Objectives

  • Develop existing artistic and research skills as applied to biological subjects
  • Create an original illustration depicting an aspect of natural science
  • Coordinate information from specimens, content experts, on-site participation, textbooks, journals, and internet.

Assignments

Research and illustrate a plate depicting some concept of natural science illustration in student’s choice of medium in consultation with client. Student will consult appropriate resources and content experts connected with the National Aquarium.

Resources

  • Hodges, E. Ed. 1989. The Guild Handbook of Scientific Illustration. Van Nostrand Reinhold
  • The National Aquarium in Baltimore, Maryland

Mac computer hardware/software, removable media, scanners, modems, stylus-based input devices, laser printers, ink-jet printers, and dye-sub printers. Handouts, software manuals, tutorials, and 3rd Party books on various computer topics will be available

Student Evaluations

  • 1:1 faculty-student interface
  • Interim class critiques
  • Review of sketches
  • Written critique on final project
  • Final grade

Schedule

Two half days per week during Third and Fourth Quarter. See departmental calendar for the First Year.

Student Artwork

Gallery of Biological Illustration

The health and wellness of students are of utmost importance to us here at Johns Hopkins. If you are struggling with anxiety, stress, depression, or other wellbeing-related concerns, please consider contacting Mental Health Services at 410-955-1892 or one of the other wellness resources within Student Health and Well-Being. If you are concerned about a friend, please encourage that person to seek out support. If you or someone you know needs immediate assistance for a mental health concern, please call the Behavioral Health Crisis Support Team at 410-516-9355.

Students who would like to request disability-based accommodations should contact the Disabilities Service Coordinator, Ellen Kaplan, at [email protected] or complete the online accommodations application. Documentation guidelines are provided on the application.