MSc Medical Visualisation & Human Anatomy School of Innovation & Technology
Areej Bin Mohammed
Hello! I’m Areej, an MSc student in Medical Visualisation and Human Anatomy, this program has given me a passion for transforming complex medical topics into clear, engaging, and accessible visuals.
Medical Visualisation plays a vital role in bridging medical imaging with both education and clinical practice. It enables students to go beyond the limitations of textbooks, supports healthcare professionals in training and communication, and makes medical knowledge more approachable for the wider public.
Following this degree, I aspire to further develop innovative visualisation projects in health communication and to expand my research in medical imaging, interactive applications, and public health education.
Finally, I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to Dr. Matthieu Poyade and all the staff at the GSA and the University of Glasgow for their invaluable teaching and support.
An Interactive Web-based (WebGL) Educational Medical Visualisation to Enhance Public Understanding of Cancer Cachexia
During my Master’s research, I focused on cancer cachexia a serious condition that causes weight and muscle loss in many cancer patients. Despite how common and impactful it is, cancer cachexia is often not well understood by patients, families, or even the wider public. This inspired me to create an interactive web-based application that explains the condition in a clear and visual way.
The application uses 3D models and side-by-side comparisons of healthy and cachectic bodies, simple explanations, and interactive elements that allow users to explore and learn at their own pace. My goal was to provide a tool that not only educates, but also supports patients and families by making medical information more accessible and less overwhelming.
This project was supervised by Ibrahim Buksh (Glasgow School of Art – School of Innovation and Technology). Additional supervision and guidance were provided by Dr David Lewis, Dr Lisa Duff, and Dr Algernon Bloom, in collaboration with Cancer Research UK (CRUK) and the University of Glasgow.
Volumetric visualisation
Volumetric visualisation converts patient data, such as MRI or CT scans, into 3D models. It is useful for patient communication, surgical planning, and as a basis for further 3D work. The course explores two main methods: direct rendering, which ensures anatomical accuracy, and indirect rendering, which produces cleaner visuals. Knowing when to use each is a key skill in this field.
3D modelling and animation
The project entailed the full development of a bicep muscle model, which was sculpted, textured, and painted from the ground up using ZBrush. The completed model was then integrated and animated onto a provided skeletal framework. The sequence was subsequently refined in 3ds Max through retopology, and further enhanced through post-processing techniques that incorporated freeze frames, slow-motion effects, and anatomical labelling, thereby improving both the clarity and the educational value of the final output.
