OVERVIEW

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.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

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.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

Attendance in training activities and individual study will enable the student to:

• Describe in detail, using appropriate terminology, the histological characteristics of a selection of forensic tissues, predominantly human, comparing them with those of other animals.
• Describe in detail, using appropriate terminology, the microscopic characteristics of various bodily fluids, mainly human, comparing them with those of other animals.
• Illustrate histological indicators of cellular and tissue alterations due to pre- and post-mortem phenomena.
• Describe the main methods for recognizing and characterizing tissues or bodily fluids found in the environment. Evaluate the most suitable techniques for their processing.
• Describe the main methods for treating cytological and histological samples. Evaluate the most suitable techniques for their processing.
• Analyze, distinguish, and identify the microscopic and macroscopic characteristics of the examined samples.
• Detect and determine cellular and tissue alterations due to pre- and post-mortem phenomena.
• Propose and develop innovative methods for the recognition and characterization of cytological and histological samples.
• Monitor and verify the quality of sample processing techniques.
• Structure, combine, and design plans for histological and cytological analyses for specific forensic contexts.
• Present and judge the analysis results clearly and in detail, using appropriate scientific terminology.
• Appreciate and evaluate the importance of microscopic data in the reconstruction of forensic events

PREREQUISITES

Knowledge in basic cytology, histology, microscopy, and histological techniques. 

TEACHING METHODS

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.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

• The role of cytology and histology in forensic analysis
• Pre- and post-mortem variables affecting forensic cytology and histology
• Microscopic changes post-mortem
• The role of microscopy in forensic analysis
• Forensic serology: presumptive and confirmatory tests
• Blood: general aspects and forensic implications
• Seminal fluid: general aspects and forensic implications
• Vaginal secretions: general aspects and forensic implications
• Urine: general aspects and forensic implications
• Sweat: general aspects and forensic implications
• Fecal material: general aspects and forensic implications
• Saliva: general aspects and forensic implications
• Vomitus and hematemesis: general aspects and forensic implications
• Histological techniques: forensic aspects
• Artifacts: learning to recognize and correct common errors
• Soft tissues: influence of pre- and post-mortem events on histological treatment and data interpretation
• Bone tissue (general): influence of pre- and post-mortem events on histological treatment and data interpretation
• Bone tissue (tooth): influence of pre- and post-mortem events on histological treatment and data interpretation
• Skin appendages: structure of hair and hair follicles. Microscopic investigations to study hair degradation. Identification of hairs from different mammal species. Other skin appendages: an overview of nail structure and forensic implications.
• During the course, 2 hours of preparatory lessons will be dedicated to the voluntary presentation of a topic related to the course. The lesson will include an in-depth exploration of how to write/read a scientific article in relation to the GIMBE, ARRIVE, CONSORT, CARE, and PRISMA guidelines

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Slides of the lessons, scientific articles and other teaching material will be provided on Aulaweb

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

LESSONS START

The lessons timetable and academic calendar will be available on the dedicated website

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

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.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

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.

FURTHER INFORMATION

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.