Life Sciences Illustration Courses

Introduction to 3D Modeling

Course No. LSI 345  Credits: 3.0

This course is designed to cover concepts in digital 3D organic and device model construction, whereby the virtual models designed are rendered and composited for 2D illustration purposes to solve specific visual communication problems. The subject matter within the Life Sciences Illustration curriculum reflects the subject matter of natural science, medicine, and biotechnology. Students outside the Life Sciences Illustration major are required to work with subjects appropriate to their major field of study for concept development and for long- term portfolio objectives. Projects include concepts and workflow for constructing a virtual 3D surface by: (1) defining the visual problem within a concept drawing in pre-production; (2) utilizing specific introductory modeling methods to build the 3D illustration components; (3) use of basic lighting and rendered materials; (4) export methods into Adobe Photoshop for illustrated compositing with digital illustration techniques and layout. Projects require the student to gain and improve upon research methods, visual communication skills, problem solving in specific media (digital 2D + 3D) and technical proficiency at an introductory level in 3D modeling.

Intro to 3D Animation

Course No. LSI 346  Credits: 3.0

This course serves as an introductory platform to investigate and discover object, environment, human and natural science 3D animation to create a narrative with goals to communicate a message and/or educate and instruct the viewer. The student will use the concept of narrative to tell animated short stories of the body, environment and/or natural science through the medium of 3D digital animation software. Within the course, strong conceptual skills are emphasized and developed through professional production techniques, workflow and time-based linear media. Successful animation breathes life into motion with clear communication of thought, emotion, narrative or experience. Any moving object is a “character” in film or animation. We will hold regular discussions and workshops on how the dialogue of an otherwise stagnant object changes and evolves when put to motion. Methods of instruction will consist of lectures, demonstrations, art & scientific research, studio assignments, in-class lab time, and group critiques. The principles of 3D space and motion/timing will be used as the foundation for understanding how to communicate a message through animation. Learning the ideas of simplistic object, environment and body motion accuracy/timing will be taught in 3D and students will be expected to create simple to complex animations (based on level and individual progress.) The computer will be explored like other art media and will serve as a tool for creation. This course is designed to benefit all majors AND non-majors who have had a pre-requisite course in 3D modeling.

Advanced Concepts & Methods

Course No. LSI 353  Credits: 3.0

This course serves as the first iteration of media concepts and problems in Life Sciences Illustration and builds on observational and other skills acquired from preceding Life Sciences Illustration courses. The course focuses on digital illustration and drawing techniques which help to explore editorial, narrative and educational communication problems. The course is also used for non-majors to develop strong skills in digital illustration / drawing techniques (Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign) The scope of the course entails developing skills and knowledge necessary for effective visual communication of biomedical concepts and subject matter such as human anatomy, veterinary/zoology subjects, body systems and natural science subject matter. The focus will be on developing advanced visual storytelling skills. Students will learn to take complex information presented by specific LSI subject matter and selectively simplify it to solve visual communication problems effectively. Students will work exclusively in digital media will to develop practical competence in the rendering methodologies and learn the conventions of modern production. When appropriate, project-based learning and client relationships will be incorporated into the course for specific assignments and exercises. Students outside the Life Sciences Illustration major will not be required to produce illustrations based on biomedical content, but instead will focus on developing visually illustrated narrative projects, of equal complexity, pertinent to their own areas of interest.

Interactive Narratives

Course No. LSI 359  Credits: 3.0

This course serves as an introductory platform to investigate and discover object, environment, human, and natural science 2D/web-based animation, in addition to basic interface design, to create a narrative with goals to communicate a message and/ or educate and instruct the viewer. The student will use the concept of narrative to tell animated short stories of the body, environment and/or natural science through use of modern time-based software and scripting in conjunction with Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and Dreamweaver. Within the course, strong conceptual skills are emphasized and developed through professional production techniques, workflow and time-based linear media. The principles of 2D animation and web-based interface design will be used as the foundation for understanding how to communicate a message. Learning the ideas of simplistic object, environment and body motion accuracy/timing will be taught in 2D and students will be expected to create simple to complex animations (based on level and individual progress.) This course is designed to benefit all majors and non-majors with required pre-requisites.

BFA Thesis Research

Course No. LSI 405  Credits: 3.0

This course is designed to act as a summative experience for the student. The final BFA Thesis Project will be defined by the student and work with a level of professional collaboration. The requirements for the BFA Thesis will be to solve and effectively visually communicate a medical or scientific problem. Integration of outside resources, research effective collaborator/expert communication, professional practices, presentation (oral and written) and documentation of the process of the specific yearlong project will be expected to determine successful BFA candidacy. The choice of media and concept will be evaluated on its appropriateness for communicating the message and solving the Thesis problem. The project visualization will be student driven; content needs will be determined by the student and the research/collaboration. The emphasis in this course will be on the conceptual development of the content accuracy/relevance and its realization through the design process. The process will fully address research, expert collaboration, target audience, time spent, visual communication problem and successful execution of completed production. The goal will be effective visual communication with a strong, aesthetic, fully considered project, which integrates several layers of media. The final work will have the following: A two sentence (maximum) Thesis Statement, a designed/written proposal, research paper, business oriented documentation, a digital presentation to explain the work, artist statement/project scope statement, and the final project depicting the solution for the BFA Exhibition.

Cellular & Molecular Illustration

Course No. LSI 470  Credits: 3.0

This course will focus on the current techniques for visualizing and illustrating the cellular structure and molecules that make up living organisms: phospholipid bilayers, chemical exchange, carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, nucleic acids, etc. The ability to accurately represent cellular and molecular structures has become critical with recent advances in microbiology, biotechnology, genetics, and pharmacology. You will learn how to locate 3D molecular model files on the Internet and manipulate these models on the computer. Working from conceptual drawings, you will use these files to render (and possibly animate) molecules in 2D using Photoshop and/or Illustrator and in 3D using a modeling application (such as 3D Studio Max).

Professional Practices: Entrepreneurial Ventures

Course No. PPEL 398A  Credits: 3.0

This course provides an overview of the environment surrounding the business of art and design, and the practice of the individual. One of the two class meeting per week is a core lecture series that covers self-promotion, networking, ethics, intellectual property, contracts, professional development, and guidance by practicing professionals. During the other weekly meeting, students attend a breakout session for the specific course in which they are enrolled. The breakout session for this course, Professional Practices: Entrepreneurial Ventures, transports the student through the key decisions required to establish a successful art/design business. 3 credits.

Pro Pract: Entrepreneurial Ventures

Course No. PPEL 398A  Credits: 3.0

This course provides an overview of the environment surrounding the business of art and design, and the practice of the individual. One of the two class meeting per week is a core lecture series that covers self-promotion, networking, ethics, intellectual property, contracts, professional development, and guidance by practicing professionals. During the other weekly meeting, students attend a breakout session for the specific course in which they are enrolled. The breakout session for this course, Professional Practices: Entrepreneurial Ventures, transports the student through the key decisions required to establish a successful art/design business. 3 credits.