Detailed facial reconstructions of figures such as Richard III, Johann Sebastian Bach and Robert Burns have brought acclaim to Dundee University academics.
Their expertise has also been deployed in criminal cases around the globe, utilising forensic art techniques to aid identification of suspects and victims, secure convictions and trace missing people.
Now, the university’s groundbreaking work in forensic and medical art is being further developed with the creation of a range of pioneering new courses.
In 2007, it was the first in the world to offer courses in those fields and intends to build in those with new studies in forensic art and facial identification and in medical art.
Anatomy for artists will see students study anatomy from cadavers and prosecutions along with life drawing, facial anatomy sculpture and anatomical illustration.
“We are already one of the world’s leading centres for education in the field of forensic and medical art,” said Caroline Erolin, course co-ordinator for the MSc in Medical Art.
“What we are offering them now is an updated and refreshed set of courses, taking into account the latest developments in technology which are impacting on the field, which will help us maintain our international position.”
The reconstruction of the face of Richard III in 2013 was hailed for casting new light upon the king and iconic Shakespearean villain.