The course aims to provide students with a set of basic notions in Italian Legislation, Forensic Medicine, and Forensic Anthropology, all contextualized within an archaeological framework. To achieve this, lecturers from various universities and with different academic backgrounds are involved. Among them are Prof. Ezio Fulcheri from the University of Genoa, Prof. Rosa Boano from the University of Turin, Prof. Marta Licata from the University of Insubria, as well as the course coordinator Prof. Alessandro Bonsignore, affiliated with the Section of Forensic Medicine at DISSAL, togegther with the experts Prof. Camilla Tettamanti and Dr. Francesca Frigiolini..
Recognize and distinguish on ancient human remains: a) the effects of the various types of burial and / or conservation of bodies or remains over time (thanatology) b) the various types of casual, intentional, ritual or violent manipulations and deformations of the body in life or post mortem. c) provide adequate information on the legislation in force on the subject of burial and conservation or museumization of human remains.
The application of the above-mentioned learning objectives will be achieved through classroom and field laboratories, where the instructors listed in the course overview will provide hands-on educational experiences. This will allow students to apply the theoretical knowledge previously acquired directly in the field. Learning outcomes are further detailed in the section "Exam Modalities" within the "second part" of this course syllabus.
There are no substantial prerequisites to access the course, other than having completed a three-year undergraduate university program that allows access to the ARCHEOPES Master’s Degree.
Lectures will preferably be held in person, with the option for students to attend remotely. Recordings will not be provided.
Introduction to the course: forensic medicine, forensic pathology, legislation (Mortuary Police Regulation, Penal and Civil Codes, special laws, etc.)
Principles of the history of anatomy and anatomical and terminological framework
Basic anatomy: the axial skeleton (skull and spine) and appendicular skeleton (upper and lower limbs)
Embryology and skeletal development; bone histology
Crime scene investigation and recovery of remains
Genetic identification
Skeletal system – anthropological identification (species, sex, age)
Case studies: practical examples of crime scenes and identifications
Taphonomy and main types of trauma, and ante- vs post-mortem differential diagnosis
Preservation and musealization of specimens
Post-mortem transformative and special phenomena
Dental anatomy and forensic odontology
Lecture slides and links uploaded to the dedicated TEAMS platform
Recommended reading for further study:
Medicina legale e delle assicurazioni by G. Aristide Norelli, Claudio Buccelli, Vittorio Fineschi. Publisher: Piccin - Nuova Libraria, 2013
Anatomia Umana by W. Platzer. Publisher: Casa Editrice Ambrosiana, 5th Edition
Ricevimento: Students can always be received by previous appointment (send an e-mail to alessandro.bonsignore@unige.it)
ALESSANDRO BONSIGNORE (President)
FRANCESCA MARIA ELENA FRIGIOLINI
EZIO FULCHERI (Substitute)
CAMILLA TETTAMANTI (Substitute)
Classes are held between February and April each year, for a total of 40 hours, with 2- or 4-hour sessions typically taking place on Tuesday and Wednesday or Thursday afternoons.
The exam is conducted in person at the Departmental Section of Forensic Medicine at the University of Genoa – Via De Toni 12 (San Martino University Hospital). It consists of a written multiple-choice test.
Written multiple-choice quiz (only one correct answer among 4 or 5 options), based exclusively on topics covered in class.
