Synthetic Anatomy: arts based learning to explore the possibilities of form and function

Abstract

We have developed an interdisciplinary module for students in their second year of undergraduate education which imports, into anatomy, the techniques and perspectives of success & assessment practices of art school. The module brings together biomedical engineers and anatomy students to speculate on and design imagined bodies that probe the boundaries of clinical, evolutionary and developmental anatomy. The students produce a technical and critical reflective portfolio and participate in a small, collaborative group project to 3D print imagined anatomy. Teaching and assessment emphasise the freedom to take risks and learn from failed avenues of investigation. A key emphasis is on structural exploration and experimentation coupled with reflection rather than literature review or writing per se. Technical teaching on 3D prints is accompanied by class workshops that explore the dimensions of documentation, the language of visual presentation and value of reflection. Workshops are led by visiting artists and we have applied the technique of the “crit”, which is a widely used form of group reflection in art and architecture schools, as a means of delivering a high degree of rigour into the science classroom. Projects are completed by mixed teams of engineering and anatomy students. There is no exam but a final “show” of projects is assessed on outcomes that are in part designed by the class at the start of the module. For learning outcomes and assessment, in addition to applying a technical and cognitive taxonomy we have introduced elements of Bloom’s less well‐known, affective taxonomy to authentically assess student commitment, pride, value and engagement. We have found that students are highly satisfied with their learning experience regardless of assessed outcome and show an extraordinary commitment to the course. Our emerging conclusion is that by paying attention to the material craft of science and exploring and reflecting on its community of practice, we can design and deliver modules that are a more valid preparation for higher level research both in terms of skills and passion for this subject.Support or Funding InformationKings College London Cultural InstituteStudent project work from the Synthetic Anatomy moduleFigure 1