The Forensic Cytology and Histology course offers in-depth training on the histological and microscopic characteristics of tissues and bodily fluids with forensic applications. Students will learn to distinguish, identify, and detect signs of cellular and tissue alterations due to pre- and post-mortem phenomena. Methods for recognizing and characterizing biological samples will be examined, evaluating the most suitable techniques for their processing. The course includes the analysis of histological indicators and the assessment of laboratory technique quality. Students will develop skills to propose, structure, and combine plans for cytological and histological analyses, and present results with scientific clarity. The acquired training will enable students to monitor and verify the importance of microscopic data in reconstructing forensic events, effectively supporting legal investigations.
The Forensic Cytology and Histology course examines the role of body fluids, cells, and tissues in forensic contexts. The instruction aims to develop skills for identifying, distinguishing, and selecting the appropriate cytological or histological approach to address forensic questions. It also covers microscopic technology suitable for evaluating and verifying samples under examination. Students will gain expertise in examining and monitoring pre-mortem and post-mortem phenomena, supravital reactions, autolysis, and putrefaction affecting tissues and cells from macroscopic and microscopic perspectives. Competencies will be provided to apply presumptive and confirmatory tests to identify body fluids and their cellular components and discriminate between biological materials of animal or human origin, whether belonging to the victim or the assailant. The forensic value of bone tissues, especially dental bone tissue and soft tissues, and the comparison of their characteristics in vital and post-mortem conditions will also be discussed. The structure and organisation of relevant skin appendages will also be explored from a forensic standpoint. Students will be capable of acquiring, developing, and structuring key cytological and histological techniques, from sample fixation to processing, staining, and interpretation. The impact of artefacts on data interpretation will be highlighted. The course is designed to equip students with the knowledge to design and manage serological, cytological, and histological samples, supporting the reconstruction of events in the field and the forensic macroscopic analysis, using microscopic data for comprehensive investigative analysis. Furthermore, students can evaluate and appreciate the value of obtained data, propose appropriate solutions, and present investigation results clearly and systematically. Therefore, the course prepares students to examine samples and integrate different techniques and methodologies for a comprehensive understanding of the forensic context.
Attendance in training activities and individual study will enable the student to:
Knowledge in basic cytology, histology, microscopy, and histological techniques.
The course consists of lectures, seminars by experts in forensic odontology and reproductive biology (forensic aspects of seminal fluid and vaginal secretions), and seminar activities organized by students.
Students who have a valid certification of physical or learning disabilities deposited at the University and who wish to request compensatory tools, dispensatory measures, or other accommodations for lectures, assignments, and exams should speak with both the instructor and Professor Sara Ferrando (sara.ferrando@unige.it), the contact person at the Department for Disabilities.
Slides of the lessons, scientific articles and other teaching material will be provided on Aulaweb
Ricevimento: The students are able to book an appointment by phone, by mail or by aulaweb
The lessons timetable and academic calendar will be available on the dedicated website
Oral assessment + presentation of a case of study. Three exam dates will be available in the winter session (January-February) and four in the summer session (June, July, September).
In case of certification of specific learning disability, disability or other special educational needs, the University legislation and regulations on disability and SLD are applied (https://unige.it/disabilita-dsa/studenti-disabilit%C3% A0-normative).
See also the "Other information" section of this syllabus.
The oral exam regards the topics seen during the lessons. Questions can be posed verbally or by asking to describe histologic and microscopic photographs. The ability of the student in indicating the most suitable methods to analyze different samples of forensic interest will be also evaluated. Furthermore, the use of correct terminology will be considered.
The level of detail required for each topic is clarified during the lessons.
The preparation and presentation of a case of study are requested in order to evaluate the interpretive ability of the student regarding the scientific literature regarding the exam topic.
In case of certification of specific learning disability, disability or other special educational needs, please contact both the Department contact person, Prof. Ferrando Sara, and the lecturer at the beginning of the lectures to agree on teaching and exam methods which, in compliance of the teaching objectives, take into account individual learning methods and provide suitable compensatory/dispensatory tools recognized by the University SLD Student Service.
