The programme
Learning outcomes
General Objectives: to develop awareness of current issues in forensic medical science at an international level. To develop the student's basic cultural, analytical, interpretive and communication skills, together with self-reliance, responsibility, integrity and decision-making self-awareness. To develop the student's ability to think, write and speak effectively and creatively in a forensic context. To offer innovative and adaptable tools in the search for qualified employment or career progression in the various forensic professions in both the public and private sectors. Assist the student in developing leadership skills that can be used to arrive at solutions and resolve complex cases through critical analysis and a rigorous scientific approach. To prepare the student for a career in forensic medical sciences and related sciences by establishing a solid learning foundation and allowing for ongoing development of knowledge.
Specific aims: to provide theoretical knowledge not lacking in the experience of forensic medical sciences, particularly for students with a sectoral knowledge background. To provide an overview of international protocols of investigation procedures of interest for forensic medicine and forensic science. To train students to be able to critically evaluate and independently interpret medical and scientific evidence in forensic science. To train students how to present expert evidence in court and in administrative litigation contexts. To provide the foundations and ethical and bioethical principles that inform medical forensics and its application in a variety of contexts.
Specific aims: to provide theoretical knowledge not lacking in the experience of forensic medical sciences, particularly for students with a sectoral knowledge background. To provide an overview of international protocols of investigation procedures of interest for forensic medicine and forensic science. To train students to be able to critically evaluate and independently interpret medical and scientific evidence in forensic science. To train students how to present expert evidence in court and in administrative litigation contexts. To provide the foundations and ethical and bioethical principles that inform medical forensics and its application in a variety of contexts.
Professional profiles and employment and professional opportunities
The program is offered to an international audience where the preparation in medical forensic sciences can be used at various levels, depending on the different jurisdictions, both in the field of medical forensics and in other areas that relate more properly to the forensic sciences. These areas include forensic anthropology, forensic chemistry and forensic genetics, in their applications of interest to the police investigative branches as well as in the forensic profession and in the exercise of public prosecution. Since the Master is a generalist course, the knowledge gained from it can also be used in other areas such as sociology, prison medicine, traffic and addiction medicine, where important nuclei of forensic medical knowledge have extreme importance.
Governing bodies
Teaching contacts details
prof.ssa Federica Bortolotti
cell. +39 333 6647338
e-mail: federica.bortolotti@univr.it
prof. Peter Vanezis
cell. +44 7802 563223
e-mail: vanezis@btinternet.com
Teaching regulations and guidelines
Other Regulations
The Italian University system
First-cycle degrees: Bachelor’s degree programme
First-cycle degrees are aimed at enabling students to achieve a command of general scientific methods and content, and to acquire specific professional knowledge.Admission requirements: secondary school diploma after completing 13 years of study in total and passing the relevant State examination, or equivalent foreign qualification; admission may be subject to further assessment.
Duration: three years.
Graduation: in order to obtain the degree, it is necessary to gain at least 180 CFU; doing an internship and preparing a dissertation/thesis may also be required. Upon completion of a Bachelor’s degree, graduates may continue their studies by enrolling in a Master’s degree or other second-cycle degree programmes and courses.
Academic title: upon completion of a Bachelor’s degree (Laurea), graduates are awarded the title of “Dottore”.
Second-cycle degrees: Master’s degree
Second-cycle degrees aim to provide students with an advanced training and knowledge to take on highly-skilled roles.Admission requirements: applicants must hold a Bachelor’s degree, or a foreign equivalent qualification; curricular admission requirements for each course may vary depending on each University.
Duration: two years.
Graduation: in order to obtain the degree, it is necessary to gain at least 120 CFU, as well as preparing and presenting a dissertation/thesis.
Academic title: upon completion of a Master’s degree (Laurea Magistrale), graduates are awarded the title of “Dottore magistrale”. Single cycle/Combined Bachelor+Master’s degrees
Some courses (Medicine and Surgery, Veterinary Medicine, Dentistry and Dental Prosthetics, Pharmacy and Industrial Pharmacy, Architecture and Building Engineering-Architecture, Law, Primary Education) are offered as Single cycle/Combined Bachelor+Master’s degrees (Corsi di Laurea Magistrale a Ciclo Unico).
Admission requirements: applicants must hold a secondary school diploma or equivalent foreign qualification; admission is subject to passing an admission test.
Duration: five years (six years and 360 CFU for Medicine and Surgery, and Dentistry and Dental Prosthetics).
Graduation: in order to obtain the degree, it is necessary to gain at least 300 CFU, as well as preparing and presenting a dissertation/thesis. Upon completion of a Single-cycle degree, graduates may continue their studies by applying for a PhD programme (Dottorato di Ricerca) or other third-cycle courses.
Academic title: upon completion of a Master’s degree (Laurea Magistrale), graduates are awarded the title of “Dottore magistrale”.
Third-cycle degrees
PhD programmes: these courses enable students to gain reliable methodologies for advanced scientific research through innovative methodologies and new technologies, and generally include internships abroad and lab activities at research laboratories. Graduates wishing to apply for a PhD programme must have a Master’s degree (or a foreign equivalent qualification) and pass an open competition; PhD programmes have a minimum duration of three years. In order to complete the programme, students must produce a research thesis/dissertation and present it at a final examination.Academic title: upon completion of a PhD programme, students are awarded the title of “Dottore di ricerca”, or “PhD”.
Postgraduate specialisation courses: these are third-cycle courses aimed at enabling students to develop advanced knowledge and highly-specialised skills, such as in the medical, clinical and surgical fields. To be admitted to these courses, applicants must have a Master’s degree (or a foreign equivalent qualification) and pass an open competition. Postgraduate specialisation courses may last from two (120 CFU) to 6 years (360 CFU) depending on the type. Academic title: upon completion of this programme, graduates are awarded a “Diploma di Specializzazione”.
Professional Master’s programme
1st-level Professional Master’s programmes: these courses enable students to further enhance their scientific knowledge and professional skills. In order to apply, applicants must have a Bachelor’s degree, or foreign equivalent qualification. The minimum duration is one year (60 CFU). Please note that completing this course will not provide you with direct access to a PhD programme (Dottorato di Ricerca), or other third-cycle courses, as these courses are run and managed by each University at the local level. Upon completion of this programme, students are awarded a “Master universitario di primo livello”.2nd-level Professional Master’s programmes: these courses enable students to further enhance their scientific knowledge and professional skills. In order to apply, applicants must have a Master’s degree, or foreign equivalent qualification. The minimum duration is one year (60 CFU). Please note that completing this course will not provide you with direct access to a PhD programme (Dottorato di Ricerca), or other third-cycle courses, as these courses are run and managed by each University at the local level. Upon completion of this programme, students are awarded a “Master universitario di secondo livello”.
Other useful things
Crediti Formativi Universitari (CFU/ECTS credits): Italian university courses are based on the CFU system. 1 CFU is equal to 25 hours of study. The average annual academic workload for a full-time student is generally assumed to be 60 CFU. CFU and ECTS credits serve the same purpose and generally have the same value.Degree class: Bachelor's and Master's degree programmes that have the same learning objectives and activities are grouped into “degree classes". The educational content of each programme is set autonomously by each university; however, universities are required to include certain educational activities (and the corresponding number of CFU credits) set at the national level. These requirements are established in relation to each degree class. Degrees in the same class have the same legal value.
Double/Joint degrees: the Italian universities may establish degree programmes in partnership with other Italian or foreign universities. Upon completion of these courses, graduates are awarded a joint or double/multiple degree, one from each Partner University.
