External Lecturer - 'Illustrating Science' - DIS Copenhagen

Opportunity to teach highly motivated American students
DIS- Study Abroad in Scandinavia is currently hiring an external lecturer to teach the Illustrating Science course from January 2025.

Course Description
In this introductory course, students will learn fundamental illustration techniques using pencil, pen and ink, and watercolor, and will apply principles of communication to convey scientific information visually. In the first half of the course, students will practice with a variety of subjects (for example, botany, zoology, biomedical) through field work and in the studio. In the second half of the course, students will develop a scientific illustration project of their own design, drawing on inspiration from their science courses, past scientific experiences, or experiences from their own life.

View the current syllabus here

Intended student audience
This course will appeal to STEAM (Science, Technology, Arts, Engineering and Math) students who have a strong interest in the language and techniques of science illustration. Prior art experience is not required, only a willingness to participate fully in the process.

There are many good reasons to teach at DIS, such as excellent opportunities to:

• Work in an international, informal, and enthusiastic environment with emphasis on cross-cultural understanding, teamwork, innovation, and adaptability
• Develop interactive, experiential teaching skills and teaching experience in English
• Impact American students/upcoming professionals by sharing Scandinavian heritage and best practices
• Expand professional networks in Scandinavia and in the U.S.

Main tasks and responsibilities

• Classroom teaching and other experiential learning activities
• Student assessment, grading and feedback throughout the course
• Teaching Spring (mid January – mid May) and Fall (mid August – mid December) semesters
• Teaching for the Spring 2025 semester Fridays from 10:05 - 13:00. This might change for the fall semester.
• As part of the course, the students will go on Field Studies relevant to the course (examples including: the botanical garden, natural history museum, the medical museum)

Total course load is the equivalent to 23 lectures (1.5 hours each) and 2 Field Studies per semester, plus grading and feedback. Teaching takes place at DIS Copenhagen or other locations if relevant. Salary according to ‘AC overenskomst’

Professional competencies
This class is intended to accommodate university students who are seeking a creative experience in conjunction with an interest in science; many will be coming to the class with minimal experience in art technique.

Therefore, the applicant should have a strong knowledge of - and ability to - teach techniques in pencil, pen and ink, and watercolor in service of science communication. A strong proficiency in English is required, as the class will be taught in English.

A successful candidate will lead students through a progression of technique that will include the following:

• Beginning drawing lessons, in areas such as contour drawing, gestures, perspective, and discussions of line and value
• An introduction to pencil, building up rough drafts, and finished work in pencil
• An introduction to pen and ink, using the same techniques to prepare a drawing, and then creating a work in pen and ink
• An introduction to watercolor, discussing color theory, and working through various techniques, such as grisaille painting
• A semester long sketchbook as the students work on their own, and on Field Studies led by the instructor to locations like the botanical garden, the Natural History Museum, and the National Museum.
• Intensive work on a final project that the students will choose for themselves
• Several student-led critiques throughout the semester, as they share their work and identify areas that need improvement
• Several instructor critiques of the sketchbook process to aid the students in gaining confidence, and to clarify areas needing work
• Discussions on science illustration and what makes a successful image in this context

Additional information
There are teaching materials available as well as support by the current faculty, who will be teaching another section of this course during the Spring 2025 semester.

Contact Information
Contact Program Director, Science and Health, Susana LS Dietrich at [email protected] or +45 3067 1042.

Department: Science and Health

Location: Vestergade 7, 1456, København K, Denmark