Program Overview

Introduction to the Program

The University of Genoa offers a unique program in Botany and Forensic Mycology, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of the application of botany and mycology in forensic science.

Aims and Content

This module concerns the botanical and mycological approach to forensic science, including various fields of plant and fungi science that can be useful in criminal cases and legal disputes. The teaching will provide basic knowledge about the application of Botany and Mycology to forensic investigations and legal disputes.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of the module, students will be able to demonstrate:

• A general knowledge of the principles of forensic botany and mycology
• A general knowledge about the role of plants and fungi as sources of toxic and psychoactive substances
• A general understanding about the role of plants and fungi in alimentary frauds and in food contamination
• A general understanding of the role of fungi in the cadaver decomposition processes
• A general understanding of the use of plants and fungi in PMI and body transfer estimation

Teaching Methods

The module teaching is based on lectures, laboratory, and work group. Attendance to lectures and practical group activities is not mandatory, but strongly recommended. Lectures are delivered with multimedia supports.

Syllabus/Content

The module is built up of two components: Forensic Botany and Forensic Mycology.

• Forensic Botany: A brief historical introduction to Forensic Botany and its application in legal disputes. Case studies and examples: kidnapping, murder, war crime, and frauds.
• Forensic Mycology: Forensic mycology: definition and fields of applicability. Case studies. Fungi and thanotochronology: case studies.

Recommended Reading/Bibliography

The teaching material will be available as .pdf files. Suggested books are available in the library or for consultation in the lecturer's office.

Teachers and Exam Board

The teachers for this program are:

• Laura Cornara
• Mirca Zotti
• Paola Malaspina The exam board consists of:
• Laura Cornara (President)
• Stefano Vanin (President)
• Mirca Zotti (President Substitute)
• Simone Di Piazza (Substitute)
• Paola Malaspina (Substitute)

Lessons

The lessons start on a date to be announced, and the class schedule can be found on the university's website.

Exams

The exam consists of two parts: a multiple-choice test and the presentation of a final document that will be discussed in an oral exam.

Assessment Methods

Details of how to prepare for the examination and the degree of depth required for each topic will be provided at the beginning of the module and reiterated during the lectures.

Further Information

The examinations will test the ability to present the topics clearly, with correct terminology and in a critical manner. Students with a disability/DSA certificate should contact the Professor and the Department contact person for disabilities to ask for compensatory tools and dispensatory measures and other specific support services.