The HIVE (Hackspace for Innovation and Visualization in Education) is an interdisciplinary, creative lab at UBC where students, educators, and researchers collaborate at the intersection of art, science, and technology. It is also home to the Biomedical Visualization and Communication certificate program, which helps learners translate complex scientific concepts into stories and visuals that inspire understanding. The HIVE’s new course package, Creative Communication in Biomedical Sciences, introduces students to this exciting interdisciplinary practice through two complementary courses—Science Communication Through Storytelling and Design Studio for Biomedical Visualization. Together, these courses provide a unique opportunity to explore how empathy, narrative, and design can bring biomedical ideas to life.
What you might expect/course format
Students can expect a hands-on, studio-style learning experience that combines creativity with scientific thinking. Classes are a blend of interactive workshops, collaborative group activities, and guided project work. You will practice listening, observing, sketching, prototyping, and sharing your ideas with peers in an encouraging and supportive environment. No previous art or design training is required, just curiosity and a willingness to experiment. By the end of the program, you will have developed written, audio, and visual communication pieces that demonstrate your ability to make scientific ideas clear and engaging for diverse audiences.
July 2026 Course Packages
Science Communication Through Storytelling
Effective science communication begins with listening. In this course, students will learn how empathy and curiosity can transform complex biomedical information into meaningful stories that connect with diverse audiences. Through case studies, creative exercises, and collaborative projects, students will explore how storytelling can make scientific ideas engaging and accessible. Emphasis is placed on understanding audience perspectives, identifying communication goals, and building trust through clarity and compassion. By the end of the course, students will be able to craft, share, and amplify stories about scientific ideas that inspire understanding across disciplines.
Design Studio for Biomedical Visualization
This hands-on studio course invites students to translate scientific ideas into visual forms. Working in small teams, students will explore the creative process behind biomedical visualization, including sketching to understand, storyboarding, and interactive prototypes. No prior design experience is required; students will learn through guided experimentation and feedback from instructors who work at the intersection of art, science, and technology. Emphasis is placed on design thinking, visual communication principles, and collaborative problem-solving. By the end of the course, students will have a working visual prototype that demonstrates how visual storytelling can clarify, educate, and inspire in the biomedical sciences.
Prerequisite: Background in biomedical/life sciences or related discipline strongly preferred. The course activities depend on an existing understanding of foundational of biomedical sciences, as these scientific concepts will not be taught during the courses.
For more information
UBC HIVE: hive.arts.ubc.ca
Biomedical Visualization and Communication Certificate: exl.ubc.ca/biomed
For VSP BMVC-specific questions, email bmvc.certificate@ubc.ca
