OVERVIEW

Forensic marine biology is a new discipline that aims to apply the knowledge acquired in the field of marine biology, particularly in the context of biodeterioration by marine organisms, to findings of investigative interest. This approach provides scientific support to investigations in judicial cases that involve the marine environment as a scenario. The ultimate goal is to develop, through scientific studies and techniques, specific methodologies and operational protocols for the collection, conservation and treatment of crime evidence intentionally or accidentally introduced into the marine environment.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

This teaching aims to share with students the first steps of a pioneering path aimed at developing a new forensic discipline dedicated to the marine environment, which, like its terrestrial counterparts, provides technical and scientific support to investigations into judicial cases that have as their scenario a sector that has so far been little investigated even from a forensic point of view. Students will be taught the foundations on which a forensic discipline is based, embedding scientific evidence in a system that requires both scientific and procedural solidity to be recognised as such. They will be offered an overview of the state of the art of this new forensic discipline, and then focus on the study of the interaction between the marine environment and judicial findings aimed at codifying the biological footprint generated by this interaction. Experiments and case studies concerning marine biodeterioration in a forensic context will ultimately provide their tools and, above all, a new perspective, aimed at recognising the elements helpful in reconstructing the space-time path of crime evidence recovered at sea.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

Students will be taught the basics of a forensic discipline, embedding scientific evidence in a system in which, to be recognized as such, it requires scientific but also procedural solidity.

They will be offered an overview of the state of the art of this new forensic discipline, and then focus on the study of the interaction between the marine environment and judicial findings aimed at codifying the biological footprint generated by this interaction.

Experiments and case studies concerning marine biodeterioration in a forensic key will finally provide their baggage with tools and above all with a new point of view, aimed at recognizing the elements useful for reconstructing the space-time path of crime evidence recove.

PREREQUISITES

There are no specific requirements.

TEACHING METHODS

The teaching consists of lectures .The lessons are delivered through multimedia presentations.

Attendance at classes is strongly recommended.

The way lessons are taught may be modified due to emergencies that prevent in-person lessons from being held. In this case, classes will be held via the Teams platform using suitable substitute teaching tools.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

The course program includes the following teaching modules:

M1

Course presentation and teachers

Introduction and history of forensic sciences

M2

The crime scene

The technical inspection - with particular reference to the description of the scene, documentation, collection, chain of custody of the findings, main p.g. acts. that are generated)

Regulatory notes (art. 348 c.p.p., 354, 359, 360, 370)

Technical investigations following the inspection (main laboratory activities)

M3

Microfouling

Macrofouling

M4

Biodeterioration in the marine environment as a tool for forensic analysis

Experimental approach to Forensic Marine Biology

M5

Examples of experimental activity

M6

Case studies

Operational and experimental details of case studies already addressed

M7

Exercise at the CNR experimental marine station

M8

Professional experiences through moments of comparison with professionals in the sector (Police, Firefighters, CNES etc.)

M9

Reading and interpreting scientific works

Shared critical reading of reference scientific works

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

- All slides used during the lessons and other teaching materials will be available on AulaWeb at the end of each lesson cycle.

- Handouts and scientific articles will be provided by the teacher.

- Articles from scientific journals and book chapters or technical reports relating to the individual case studies covered.

LESSONS

LESSONS START

For lessons start and timetable visit: https://easyacademy.unige.it/portalestudenti/

Class schedule

FORENSIC MARINE BIOLOGY

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The exam consists of an oral test aimed at assessing the knowledge of the fundamental elements of the subject and the ability to make connections between the various topics covered in class.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

Details on how to prepare for the exam and the level of depth required for each topic will be provided during the lessons. The exam will focus on the topics covered during the lectures and will aim to assess not only whether the student has reached an adequate level of knowledge, but also whether he or she has acquired the ability to recall theoretical notions by applying them to concrete examples.

FURTHER INFORMATION

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.