Studying online

There are now 2 possible online modes for units:

Units with modes Online timetabled and Online flexible are available for any student to self-enrol and study online.

Click on an offering mode for more details.

Unit Overview

Description

Artists are increasingly working with living systems as a palette for making art (BioArt). This unit provides the basic practical and theoretical working methodologies for the growth, construction and care of works of art that include living elements. Students will investigate the basic techniques of growing and manipulating living materials and organisms for cultural expression. In this unit, the biological laboratory will function as the artist's studio so that students can experience ‘hands-on' engagement with the interaction between art and biology. Additionally, students are expected to interrogate and reflect upon the ethical, political and aesthetic issues of living art. This is the first unit in the art and biotechnologies specialisation for students enrolled in the Fine Arts major.

Credit
6 points
Offering
AvailabilityLocationMode
Not available in 2025UWA (Perth)Face to face
Details for undergraduate courses
  • Level 2 option in the Fine Arts major sequence
  • Level 2 elective
Outcomes

Students are able to (1) discuss the focus of your creative work in relation to the methods and materials of biotechnological art; (2) apply creative and critical processes to the development of your ideas and creative work in relation to biotechnological art; (3) articulate a clear and comprehensive creative concept which is verified during development and resolution; (4) demonstrate technical competency in the realisation of your creative work; and (5) communicate information and ideas effectively in written, oral and creative modes.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) creative work; (2) written work; and (3) oral presentation(s). Further information is available in the unit outline.



Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Unit Coordinator(s)
Dr Ionat Zurr
Unit rules
Prerequisites
ARTF1052 Fine Arts Studio: Record, Visualise & Imagine (formerly VISA 1050 Art of Visualisation and Recording) and/or ARTF1053 Fine Arts Studio: Space, Time & Beyond (formerly VISA1053 Video Art: Methods and Means)
Incompatibility
VISA2249 Art and Life Manipulation
Incidental fees
Incidental student fees and charges are costs incurred by students as part of their studies at UWA that are in addition to their tuition fees (further information is available "
Participation in this unit will incur the following incidental fee(s):
Fine Arts consumables (estimated cost - $75-$350).
Contact hours
Up to 4 hours per week.
  • The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
  • All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
  • Visit the Essential Textbooks website to see if any textbooks are required for this Unit. The website is updated regularly so content may change. Students are recommended to purchase Essential Textbooks, but a limited number of copies of all Essential Textbooks are held in the Library in print, and as an ebook where possible. Recommended readings for the unit can be accessed in Unit Readings directly through the Learning Management System (LMS).
  • Contact hours provide an indication of the type and extent of in-class activities this unit may contain. The total amount of student work (including contact hours, assessment time, and self-study) will approximate 150 hours per 6 credit points.