Visualize your Science

Credits:
4.0 ECTS credits

Course code:
FOR062F

Level:
Third cycle

Prerequisites:
The course is open to doctoral students admitted to third-cycle studies at LTU.

Course content:
The course provides a practical and theoretical introduction to visual scientific communication. Participants learn to create graphical abstracts, scientific posters, and illustrations that effectively communicate research findings. The course covers design principles, digital illustration using vector-based tools (e.g., Adobe Illustrator), and visual storytelling. Through three assignments, participants develop their skills in visualizing their own research. The course concludes with a mini-conference where participants present their posters.

Learning outcomes:
After completing the course, participants will be able to: - Use professional illustration software to create scientific illustrations. - Apply effective design principles to maximize message impact. - Summarize and visualize the core of their research through graphical abstracts and posters. - Reflect on visual communication as a tool for research dissemination. - Give and receive constructive feedback on visual work.

Implementation:
The course is conducted entirely online and includes: - Video lectures and tutorials (approx. 14 hours) - Three assignments of increasing complexity: 1. Illustration of an object (e.g., lab equipment) 2. Graphical abstract based on own research 3. Design of research poster - Q&A sessions - Mini-conference (online or physical, depending on the semester)

Examination:
The course is examined through active participation in feedback sessions and completion of all assignments. A final presentation of the research poster is included.

Grading scale:
Pass/Fail

Course literature:
Video materials, tutorials, and examples

Course period:
Study period 2

Course offered:
Yes, annually

Application:
Send application to professor Tobias Bauer. The application must include the following information: the doctoral student's name, personal identity number, email adress, division and department affiliation.

Deadline October 1st every year.

• Tobias Bauer
  
  
  

Open to doctoral students from other universities:
No

Maximum number of participants:
Not limited

Course fee:
No, the course is free of charge for doctoral students admitted at LTU

Contact person/Course coordinator:
Tobias Bauer

Examiner:
Tobias Bauer

Approved by:
Lale Andreas, Third-Cycle Programmes Coordinator at CENE.

Approval date:
2026-04-20