Descrizione della formazione

The Master of Science in Human Taphonomy is intended for students who are interested in the mechanisms and challenges related to the decomposing human body and the associated biological, ethical and environmental issues, including public health risks.

This Master's programme provides in-depth knowledge of the relation between human beings and their dead, as well as the post-mortem management of human remains across space and time. It also provides advanced teaching on the interactions between the human cadaver and its environment in forensic, humanitarian and societal contexts.

Studies description

The first semester of studies (30 ECTS) consists of compulsory courses covering both conceptual and methodological aspects linked to human anatomy and the management of dead bodies. The acquired knowledge and skills will be put to use in three small projects done in pairs.

The second semester (30 ECTS) consists of compulsory courses, field courses, demonstrations and visits devoted to the immediate surroundings of the decomposing human body. The acquired knowledge and skills will be applied in the context of two small projects done in pairs.

The third semester (30  ECTS) consists of compulsory courses, on-site demonstrations, medical operations and visits dedicated to the forensic management of dead bodies. Communication workshops and seminars will teach participants how to present human taphonomy. The acquired knowledge and skills will be used in the design of a specialised website focusing on a forensic discipline.

The fourth semester (30 ECTS) is dedicated to the completion of the personal Master research project.

For more informations, see the study plan.

The master's degree represents the second university degree after the bachelor's degree and is generally equivalent to the acquisition of 90-120 ECTS credits.

1 ECTS credit corresponds to approximately 25-30 hours of work.