Natural History Illustration: Illustrating the Effects of Climate Change

Overview

As a Natural History Illustrator there will be jobs that come up that you have real passion for, for example climate change and its effect on the natural world. This module will cover how to research and create your own illustrated article to highlight a species affected by climate change. This module is employability focused, giving you skills required for the job market. In this module we will discuss climate change from a natural history and ecology point of view and how it has affected species. It will include video interviews with real world experts and knowledge that you can use to inspire your own research. You will then move on to research your own chosen species and develop an illustrated article highlighting the issues faced, using your own carefully researched text and hand-painted illustrations.

Programme

This 10-credit course not only covers research techniques, drawing and painting and graphic design skills but helps you put Natural History Illustration into a real-world context.  

This online, self-paced module will take you through step-by-step demonstrations of techniques with useful hints and information on how you will create your own illustrated article. Why not then try and get it published? 

Each unit will enable you to practice techniques, develop your ideas, reflect upon what you have learnt and conduct research to complement your study and extend your learning. You will also have the opportunity to map ideas and discuss with your fellow students your chosen subject and develop ideas using the Discussion Board within the Module. Students should aim to complete at least 100 hours of study (even more is advisable) to get the most out of this module in order to fulfil the criteria for the course. All module content is accessed through our online learning portal; you need access to a computer, camera/phone camera and to be proficient in using email. 

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this module, students should be able to:   

1. Demonstrate an understanding of their chosen subject via photos and research put together in their Visual Diary.
2. Demonstrate the skills learned through the drawing and painting tasks.
3. Demonstrate their design skills by putting together an effective design for their article.
4. Demonstrate the development of their research skills as well as show their ability to discuss ideas and concepts with their peers.

Assessments

1. Create a fully illustrated article on the subject of climate change (70%)
2. Visual diary (30%)

 Reading Suggestions

Reading suggestions will be offered throughout the course.

Entry Requirements

This course is for everyone. No previous experience is needed and there are no formal entry requirements.

What Do I Need? 

A list of materials, not included in the course fees, will be available prior to the course start date.