The aim of this course is to provide an introduction to anatomy through visual arts, using an integrated approach. Students will have an opportunity to gain knowledge and visual comprehension of the structures that compose the human body and develop communication skills relevant to both disciplines. The structure and function of the body will be explored and put in context using a variety of two-dimensional and three-dimensional materials and processes including live and anatomical models. The course will be co-taught by academics in the College of Arts and Social Sciences and The College of Health and Medicine. Sessions are delivered at the Medical School anatomy facility and the School of Art and Design, Foundation Studies studios. A peer mentoring process will be established between science students with a background in anatomy and visual art students. Applying a blended learning model this course will take advantage of the University's online learning environment.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Describe the structures of the human body, and their relationships and functions, using appropriate anatomical terminology.
- Demonstrate original exploration of visual arts materials and process in the context of anatomical studies.
- Apply visual arts processes to communicate their understanding of anatomy to a range of audiences.
- Evaluate and reflect upon knowledge and skills gained using relevant terminologies and techniques.
Research-Led Teaching
The convenors and lecturers of this course are active researchers in the field of anatomy, neuroscience, medical education and art. Their expertise in these fields are utilised in the content delivery and the assessment style of this course. Students are actively encouraged to experiment in their interpretation of the content and apply their knowledge. A number of students have returned to our laboratories to conduct research after their exposure to the research-led nature of this course.
Field Trips
The Session 1 course introduction commences with an 'Anatomy and Art' Tour at the National Gallery of Australia.
Students are expected to organise their own transport to and from the National Gallery of Australia: https://nga.gov.au/visiting/gettinghere.cfm
Please note that if driving, there are parking charges at the Gallery.
Prior to attending, please note the Gallery conditions of entry: https://nga.gov.au/visiting/conditions.cfm
Additional Course Costs
There is a material fee for this course that will be advised at the Introduction session.
Required Resources
A4 Visual Diary (minimum size)
Additional resources may need to be sought or purchased for the independent course project (this is dependent on the student's independent course project plans)
Recommended Resources
The course textbook is Classic Human Anatomy: The Artist's Guide to Form, Function, and Movement. Valerie L. Winslow. Watson-Guptill (December 23, 2008)
Recommended student system requirements
ANU courses commonly use a number of online resources and activities including:
- video material, similar to YouTube, for lectures and other instruction
- two-way video conferencing for interactive learning
- email and other messaging tools for communication
- interactive web apps for formative and collaborative activities
- print and photo/scan for handwritten work
- home-based assessment.
To fully participate in ANU learning, students need:
- A computer or laptop. Mobile devices may work well but in some situations a computer/laptop may be more appropriate.
- Webcam
- Speakers and a microphone (e.g. headset)
- Reliable, stable internet connection. Broadband recommended. If using a mobile network or wi-fi then check performance is adequate.
- Suitable location with minimal interruptions and adequate privacy for classes and assessments.
- Printing, and photo/scanning equipment
For more information please see https://www.anu.edu.au/students/systems/recommended-student-system-requirements
Staff Feedback
Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:
- written comments
- verbal comments
- feedback to whole class, groups, individuals, focus group etc
Student Feedback
ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). The feedback given in these surveys is anonymous and provides the Colleges, University Education Committee and Academic Board with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement. The Surveys and Evaluation website provides more information on student surveys at ANU and reports on the feedback provided on ANU courses.
Class Schedule
Week/Session | Summary of Activities | Assessment |
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1 | Introduction - 2nd July Medical School Induction School of Art Induction National Gallery of Australia ‘Anatomy & Art’ Tour | Meet in front of ANU Medical School, Florey Bld (Bld 54 Mills Rd) at 10:15am. |
2 | Structure and Shape - 5 July 9.30am-12.30pm Structured Workshops 12.30pm-1.30pm Lunch 1.30pm-4.30pm Supervised Studio Practice | School of Art & Design |
3 | Classification and Landmarks - 6 July 9.30am-12.30pm Structured Workshops 12.30pm-1.30pm Lunch 1.30pm-4.30pm Supervised Studio Practice | School of Art & Design |
4 | Architecture of the Body - 7 July 9.30am-12.30pm Structured Workshops 12.30pm-1.30pm Lunch 1.30pm-4.30pm Supervised Studio Practice | School of Art & Design |
5 | Muscles and Mobility - 8 July 9.30am-12.30pm Structured Workshops 12.30pm-1.30pm Lunch 1.30pm-4.30pm Supervised Studio Practice | School of Art & Design |
6 | The Powerhouse 1 – Thoracic Cavity - 9 July 9.30am-12.30pm Structured Workshops 12.30pm-1.30pm Lunch 1.30pm-4.30pm Supervised Studio Practice | Students to arrive at ANU Medical School, Florey Bld. Morning session will be held in the Anatomy laboratories, after lunch, students return to the School of Art rooms. |
7 | The Powerhouse 2 – Thoracic Cavity - 12 July 9.30am-12.30pm Structured Workshops 12.30pm-1.30pm Lunch 1.30pm-4.30pm Supervised Studio Practice | School of Art & Design |
8 | Vision and Colour - 13 July 9.30am-12.30pm Structured Workshops 12.30pm-1.30pm Lunch 1.30pm-4.30pm Supervised Studio Practice | School of Art & Design |
9 | Perception – Constructing Our World - 14 July 9.30am-12.30pm Structured Workshops 12.30pm-1.30pm Lunch 1.30pm-4.30pm Supervised Studio Practice | Students to arrive at ANU Medical School, Florey Bld. Morning session will be held in the Anatomy laboratories, after lunch, students return to the School of Art rooms. |
10 | Independent Course Project - 15 July 9.30am-4.30pm Independent Work in the Studio | School of Art & Design |
11 | Independent Course Project - 16 July 9.30am-4.30pm Independent Work in the Studio | School of Art & Design |
12 | Independent Course Project - 19 July 9.30am-4.30pm Independent Work in the Studio | School of Art & Design |
13 | Independent Course Project - 20 July 9.30am-4.30pm Independent Work in the Studio | School of Art & Design |
14 | Completion of independent project and video compilation -21 July 9.30am-12.30pm | School of Art & Design |
15 | Exhibition - 22 July 5:30pm-6:30pm | Assessment |
16 | Group Feedback, and final packing and clean up - 23 July 9:30am - 12.30pm | Assessment |
Assessment Summary
Assessment task | Value | Learning Outcomes |
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Portfolio of works, visual diary & reflective account, participation | 20 % | 1,2,3,4 |
Portfolio of works, visual diary & reflective account, participation | 20 % | 1,2,3,4 |
Portfolio of works, visual diary & reflective account, participation | 30 % | 1,2,3,4 |
Independent Course Project | 30 % | 1,2,3,4 |
* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details
Policies
ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines, which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Misconduct Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:
- Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
- Special Assessment Consideration Policy and General Information
- Student Surveys and Evaluations
- Deferred Examinations
- Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure
Assessment Requirements
The ANU is using Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the Academic Integrity . In rare cases where online submission using Turnitin software is not technically possible; or where not using Turnitin software has been justified by the Course Convener and approved by the Associate Dean (Education) on the basis of the teaching model being employed; students shall submit assessment online via ‘Wattle’ outside of Turnitin, or failing that in hard copy, or through a combination of submission methods as approved by the Associate Dean (Education). The submission method is detailed below.
Moderation of Assessment
Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.
Participation
Participation is assessed from the portfolio of works and the documentation of engagement evident in independent project, visual diary & reflective account, interaction with peers and teachers, contribution to discussion and critique, participation in compiling exhibtion as well as participation in group feedback and clean-up.
Assessment Task 1
Learning Outcomes: 1,2,3,4
Portfolio of works, visual diary & reflective account, participation
1 & 2 - Assessment of Portfolio of all two- and three-dimensional works created in class (please submit a USB stick containing images of all works created during the course) (40%). These will be assessed twice, at the completion of the two themes: MSK and viscera/neuroanatomy (20% ea).
3 - Visual Diary & Reflective Account (20%), + Active Participation during the course (10%) will be assessed at the completion of the course .
More details on the submissions of portfolio will be given in class.
A visual diary is used to document, through drawing, writing and other materials, the development of your observational and analytical skills, and to demonstrate your commitment to independent study. Every visual diary reflects an individual's approach to keeping notes, drawings and visual observations in context of the course learning resources, outcomes and independent research. The visual diary should reflect the development of ideas over the duration of the course, experimentation and reflections on own work and that of other artists. The visual diary forms a significant part of assessing the engagement with the course and the set activities for each week. It should show references pertaining to the concepts taught as well as the outcomes of the individual study projects and evidence of reflective engagement with the course. Students can reference the above through a combination of visual materials, drawings and text.
Rubric
Criteria/ Learning outcomes | HD | D | CR | P | N (Fail) |
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Describe the structures of the human body, and their relationships and functions, using appropriate anatomical terminology. | All anatomical information correctly and comprehensively covered. No spelling errors at all. No errors of fact. | Sound coverage of content. All information correct. No spelling errors. No errors of fact. | Sound coverage of content. Some spelling errors. Minor factual errors. | Not all content covered. Errors or gaps in material. Spelling or factual errors. | Fails to demonstrate correct and relevant anatomical content. |
Demonstrate original exploration of visual arts materials and process in the context of anatomical studies | Evidence of very high levels of original exploration of visual materials and process in the context of anatomical studies | Evidence of high levels of original exploration of visual materials and process in the context of anatomical studies | Evidence of an adequate level of original exploration of visual materials and process in the context of anatomical studies | Evidence of basic original exploration of visual materials and process in the context of anatomical studies | Fails to demonstrate sufficient level of original exploration of materials in the context of anatomical studies |
Application of visual arts processes to communicate their understanding of anatomy to a range of audiences | Demonstrates an exceptionally high application of visual arts processes to communicate understanding of anatomy | Demonstrates a high application of visual arts processes to communicate understanding of anatomy | Demonstrates a competent application of visual arts processes to communicate understanding of anatomy | Demonstrates basic application of visual arts processes to communicate understanding of anatomy | Fails to demonstrate a sufficient application of visual arts processes to communicate understanding of anatomy |
Evaluate and reflect upon knowledge and skills gained using relevant terminologies and techniques | Extensive reflection of the development of ideas, experimentation and research documented in the visual diary. | Very good evidence of reflection of the development of ideas, experimentation and research documented in the visual diary. | Adequate reflection of the development of ideas, experimentation and research documented in the visual diary. | Basic reflection of the development of ideas, experimentation and research documented in the visual diary. | Fails to demonstrate reflection of the development of ideas, experimentation and research documented in the visual diary.
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Assessment Task 2
Learning Outcomes: 1,2,3,4
Portfolio of works, visual diary & reflective account, participation
See details in assessment task #1
Assessment Task 3
Learning Outcomes: 1,2,3,4
Portfolio of works, visual diary & reflective account, participation
See details in assessment task #1
Assessment Task 4
Learning Outcomes: 1,2,3,4
Independent Course Project
Work of student’s own choice created independently during the course and documentation thereof in your Visual Diary as well as active participation in the exhibition.
Students are expected to work together as a team to prepare the virtual exhibition. Submission of the exhibition pieces and the processes involved in running a virtual exhibition will be discussed during the course. Projects must include a completed BIOL Assignment Cover (see Wattle site).
Rubric
Same as Task #1 | |||||
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Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a core part of the ANU culture as a community of scholars. At its heart, academic integrity is about behaving ethically, committing to honest and responsible scholarly practice and upholding these values with respect and fairness.
The ANU commits to assisting all members of our community to understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. The ANU expects staff and students to be familiar with the academic integrity principle and Academic Misconduct Rule, uphold high standards of academic integrity and act ethically and honestly, to ensure the quality and value of the qualification that you will graduate with.
The Academic Misconduct Rule is in place to promote academic integrity and manage academic misconduct. Very minor breaches of the academic integrity principle may result in a reduction of marks of up to 10% of the total marks available for the assessment. The ANU offers a number of online and in person services to assist students with their assignments, examinations, and other learning activities. Visit the Academic Skills website for more information about academic integrity, your responsibilities and for assistance with your assignments, writing skills and study.
Online Submission
You will be required to electronically sign a declaration as part of the submission of your assignment. Please keep a copy of the assignment for your records. Unless an exemption has been approved by the Associate Dean (Education) submission must be through Turnitin.
Hardcopy Submission
For some forms of assessment (hand written assignments, art works, laboratory notes, etc.) hard copy submission is appropriate when approved by the Associate Dean (Education). Hard copy submissions must utilise the Assignment Cover Sheet. Please keep a copy of tasks completed for your records.
Late Submission
Individual assessment tasks may or may not allow for late submission. Policy regarding late submission is detailed below:
- Late submission permitted. Late submission of assessment tasks without an extension are penalised at the rate of 5% of the possible marks available per working day or part thereof. Late submission of assessment tasks is not accepted after 10 working days after the due date, or on or after the date specified in the course outline for the return of the assessment item. Late submission is not accepted for take-home examinations.
Referencing Requirements
Accepted academic practice for referencing sources that you use in presentations can be found via the links on the Wattle site, under the file named “ANU and College Policies, Program Information, Student Support Services and Assessment”. Alternatively, you can seek help through the Students Learning Development website.
Returning Assignments
Students will be required to collect their independent and portfolio works after the exhibition.
Students will be notified when the marking is completed so that they can come to collect the USB, visual diary and reflective account.
Extensions and Penalties
Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure. Extensions may be granted for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.
Privacy Notice
The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information.In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service – including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy.
If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.
Distribution of grades policy
Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes.
Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.
Support for students
The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).
- ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
- ANU Diversity and inclusion for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
- ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
- ANU Academic Skills and Learning Centre supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
- ANU Counselling Centre promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
- ANUSA supports and represents undergraduate and ANU College students
- PARSA supports and represents postgraduate and research students
Convener
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Research Interests |
AsPr Alexandra Webb
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Convener
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Research Interests |
Elisa Crossing
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Convener
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Research Interests |
AsPr Krisztina Valter-Kocsi
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