Drawing on Evolution: The Skull

This short taster course, delivered by an art lecturer in collaboration with an anatomy academic, is running as part of EMS300 – a year-long programme of events and activities that marks 300 years of the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Edinburgh.  

Based at the Anatomy Museum, this course offers a unique opportunity to explore and understand the skeletal structures of various mammals. You’ll learn to identify key anatomical differences and evolutionary adaptations, while developing your observational and drawing skills.

Through a combination of guided study and practical drawing exercises, you will put your new knowledge into practice by recording bone structures in detail, using drawing as a tool for analysis and interpretation.

Basic drawing materials will be provided, but you are welcome to bring your own if you prefer. Please note that in the Museum, only dry drawing materials are to be used e.g. no paints or ink. 

Learning in this course is hands-on, and your skills will develop through practice, discovery, and engagement with materials and techniques.  

If you have fully engaged with all the learning activities, by the end of the course, participants will:

• Gain a basic knowledge of mammal anatomy;
• Gain a basic knowledge of making direct observational drawings;
• Gain a basic working knowledge of convey proportions, form and structure through drawing. 

This course is for those with little or no experience of the anatomy, but a basic knowledge of drawing would be beneficial although not essential.  

Learners with an enthusiasm for creative exploration or who have a natural appreciation for form and anatomy may find this course particularly rewarding. A willingness to experiment and express ideas visually is encouraged.

If you have a disability, learning difficulty, health condition, or personal circumstances which may affect your learning, please let us know so that we can make appropriate adjustments in accordance with the Equality Act 2010.  

Wherever possible, we mainstream adjustments in line with the University’s accessible and inclusive learning policy. 

Learners will have limited access to the University’s student support services who will signpost appropriate local sources of support. 

This course is for those with little or no experience of anatomy, but a basic knowledge of drawing would be beneficial although not essential.  

This course welcomes those with a vivid imagination and enthusiasm for creative exploration. This hands-on course requires no formal background in art or design.   

There is no recommended reading with this course; however, your course teacher will guide you to relevant sources. 

Reading, listening and communication skills are essential. You must be comfortable learning in English. You will need basic digital skills, such as using a computer and navigating a website, to access the learning materials.

Please note that the course booking deadline is 8 days before the course start date.