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The production of photographic protocols is susceptible to many pitfalls for those research workers who do not have a sound working knowledge of the imaging modalities and processes that they intend to use. It also presents a problem to students in medical illustration who need to undertake a research project for their professional qualification. Guidance is given on the control of equipment and processes when designing and piloting a photographic protocol.

The 'conversion course' described in this paper has been set up following discussions between the Institute of Medical Illustrators (IMI) and Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU). The 'conversion course' will take the form of a degree triple module with a credit rating of 60 Scottish Credit and Accumulation Transfer (SCOTCAT) credits at Scottish Degree (SD) level 3. This module will require the student to undertake an extended theoretical based investigative project. The project will permit the student to study in-depth an aspect of his/her specialist interest that has a particular professional relevance. The topic of the project will be negotiated between the student and a scrutiny panel under the aegis of the department of Biological Sciences at Glasgow Caledonian University. The project will be written up in the style of an academic paper for the Institute's journal. Successful students will be awarded the BSc in Medical Illustration.

As a part-time work-based degree with students registered from all parts of the United Kingdom, and potentially from abroad, the Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Medical illustration does not have assessment in the conventional form as used by full-time courses undertaken in a university. It incorporates the expertise of medical illustrators actually working in the profession. The unique nature of the Institute of Medical Illustrators (IMI) and Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU) BSc has required the development of an assessment system that satisfies the quality assurance demands of both the awarding and professional body. This paper details the system devised to meet the needs of the provision and to ensure consistent assessment.

The Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) and Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL) scheme described in this paper has been prepared following discussions between the Institute of Medical Illustrators (IMI) and Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU), departments of Learning and Educational Development and Biological Sciences. The scheme gives specific academic credit under the Scottish Credit Accumulation and Transfer (SCOTCAT) scheme for learning gained from experience, allowing access onto the Bachelor of Science Degree (BSc) in Medical Illustration to potential students who do not have the required Higher National Diploma (HND) or equivalent entry qualification. The need, rationale and structure of the scheme are described.

This paper relates the history leading to the validation of the Institute of Medical Illustrators (IMI) Diploma as a part-time, work-based, Bachelor of Science Degree by Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU) on the 11th June 1996. It also outlines a description of the structure and content of this degree programme. The BSc is a joint venture between GCU, who are the awarding academic institution, and the IMI, who are the professional examining body. The Institute hopes that it will become a standard qualification for the profession.