OVERVIEW

In the last years scientific disciplines have been more and more used in the forensic and investigative process. Among the different disciplines biology plays a fundamental role in violent crimes against people, against wild animals and the environment. From this perspective disciplines like Zoology, Entomology, Botany and Mycology are more and more involved in the forensic process. The objects of the study of these disciplines can be the cause of the problem or play as evidence to reconstruct the case.  The module will consider not only the organisms but as well part of them and the molecules extracted from them with forensic importance. Starting from real cases and from a strong theoretical background students will learn the modern techniques and methods in which animals, plants, fungi or their parts are used in a forensic context

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The module aim is to provide the student, also with case studies, a general view about the biological approach to the forensic process. The module will present both the teoretical and practical aspects of the forensic biological investigation focusing on:

1) importance of insects, animals and DNA in the forensic investigation in case of violent crime, abandon and neglect, food contamination, illegal trade and environmental crime

2) the importance of forensic botany in violent crimes and in the analysis of poisons and drugs;

3) role of forensic mycology in the PMI estimation and in the analysis of toxines.

TEACHING METHODS

Students who have valid certification of physical or learning disabilities on file with the University and who wish to discuss possible accommodations or other circumstances regarding lectures, coursework and exams, should speak both with the instructor and with Professor Sara Ferrando (sara.ferrando@unige.it), the Department’s disability liaison.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

LAURA CORNARA (President)

STEFANO VANIN (President)

MIRCA ZOTTI (President Substitute)

SIMONE DI PIAZZA (Substitute)

PAOLA MALASPINA (Substitute)

LESSONS

Class schedule

BOTANY AND FORENSIC ZOOLOGY

EXAMS

Exam schedule