Our study will be an incitement to further develop a manual skills teaching program that incorporates philosophy of science, ethics and communication in undergraduate education.

Background: The Mensendieck physiotherapy programme at Oslo University College includes nude drawing as part of the curriculum. Aim: To explore how nude drawing can be used as a tool for encouraging the students to reflect on observation from different perspectives. Method: The data are based on a thematic analysis of 50 reflection papers. Findings: The students' reflections indicate that nude drawing contributes to an awareness of perceiving the body as object and subject. Their reflections also illuminate a growing consciousness of preconceptions and ethical aspects of observation as a method. Conclusion: Nude drawing seems to be an effective teaching tool. However, the relevance of the knowledge needs to be made explicit in terms of its application for the students' clinical training.