Unscrupulous Anatomy and Modern Medicine
Learn about the fascinating history of illegal and unethical anatomy practices in Roman Europe and its influence on modern medicine.
This group study program will give students a historical perspective on how illegal and unethical anatomy practices helped pave the way for advances in modern medicine. It will explore rarely-discussed topics in the medical field from scientific, sociocultural, bioethical, and historical perspectives.
Students will gain understanding on the origins of modern medical discoveries and the bioethics of medical discoveries related to marginalized communities. Starting in Rome, students will explore key historical sites and continue their studies in Bologna, Florence, and Padua in Italy.
Key information
2025 Program participant Huzaifa shares his experience.
Have questions?
For program information, please contact Dr. Reed Ferber: rferber@ucalgary.ca
For application and registration support, please contact the Group Study Team: group.study@ucalgary.ca
Other useful links:
Recorded Info Session
Program details
The information below was last updated on: September 8, 2025
Questions about these courses should be directed to the program instructor.
Please note: course descriptions are tentative and subject to change.
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Courses offered
Students on this program are required to enroll in two courses:
KNES 503.91: Unscrupulous Anatomy and Modern Medicine I (3 units)
KNES 503.92: Unscrupulous Anatomy and Modern Medicine II (3 units)
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Prerequisites
No prerequisites required.
Please note: program itinerary is tentative and subject to change.
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Pre-departure
May 1, 2026 (Calgary): Lecture - overview and discussion of anatomical dissection and medical practice in Italy, France, and England across the 14th-18th centuries.
May 4, 2026 (Calgary): “Speed-Friending” - Time spent for group to get to know one-another.
May 5, 2026 (Calgary): Classroom assignment - discussion regarding the intersection of art and science.
Pre-departure Orientation by Study Abroad (TBD)
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In-field
May 8, Calgary: Travel day to Rome
May 9, Rome: Arrive in Rome and check-in at the hotel.
May 10, Rome: Visit to Colosseum and Palatine Hills. Learn about the work of Galen and his role as a physician and anatomist within the Roman Empire.
May 11, Rome: Visit Mosè di Michelangelo. Learn about the work of DaVinci & Michelangelo and the intersection of religion, science, and art.
May 12, Rome: Day to explore Rome.
May 13, Bologna: Travel day to Bologna via train. Visit The Fountain of Neptune located in Piazza del Nettuno and the Basilica di San Petronio.
May 14, Bologna: Visit Archiginnasio Palace. Learn about the first (temporary) anatomical theatre in the world and how physicians and surgeons were trained.
May 15, Bologna: Visit Collezione delle Cere Anatomiche "Luigi Cattaneo". Learn about how anatomical wax models were developed alongside scientific inquiry and anatomical dissection.
May 16, Bologna: Day to explore Bologna and surrounding areas.
May 17, Padua: Day trip to Padua and the Palazzo Bo Anatomical Theatre to learn about the first (permanent) anatomical theatre in the world and how physicians and surgeons were trained.
May 18, Bologna: Visit anatomical wax models of the Museo di Palazzo Poggi to learn about how anatomical wax models were developed.
May 19, Bologna: Day to explore Bologna and surrounding areas.
May 20, Florence: Day trip to Florence and the La Specola Anatomical Collection museum. Learn about how anatomical wax models were developed.
May 21, Bologna: Class at University of Bologna. Learn about the parallels between Italian renaissance and London’s history of anatomical dissection and medical advancements in the 17th and 18th century.
May 22, Rome: Travel to Rome. Classroom discussion in afternoon.
May 23, Rome: Visit Museo Storico Nazionale Dell' Arte Sanitaria to learn about advancements in medical equipment and revelations in medical science.
May 24, Rome: Visit Capuchin Crypt.
May 25, Rome: Travel back to Calgary.
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Costs
The estimated cost of the Unscrupulous Anatomy and Modern Medicine Group Study Program is $8,217. This includes tuition, airfare, field trips, local transportation, accommodations and meals.
For the full cost breakdown and payment deadlines, please see the program Student Cost Summary.
Important information regarding deposit payments: Deposits are non-refundable. Deposits secure your space in the program and allows payment for logistical arrangements to be made in advance.
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Funding
Did you know that you can take your UCalgary funding with you? Since you are studying UCalgary courses and paying UCalgary tuition, you remain eligible for any awards and scholarships you are otherwise eligible to receive from the university, as well as student loans.
Our office administers several awards, including the Global Access Fund and the Global Learning Award. Students may only receive these awards once. Please see the funding page, linked below, for more information.
IDEAS Funding: Students in the Faculty of Science are encouraged to apply for IDEAS funding. For more information, please click here.
Accommodations will be student-appropriate, safe, and clean.
This program is open to undergraduate students in good academic standing from all faculties.
Applications will be reviewed after applications close on November 10. Select students will be invited for interviews with Professor Ferber.
Students selected for interviews will be notified the week of November 17. Official acceptances, declines and wait-list spaces will be confirmed by November, 24.
Applications open October 1. Apply via the application system.
Written application questions:
All Group Study Programs have general questions about how the program will meet your goals (academic reasons, personal interest, career prospects, etc.), how you plan to finance your program, and coping skills for travelling abroad. These questions are designed to help narrow down your motivation for applying and why you should be selected.
Note: Because the online application will time out after one hour, we recommend that you "save" your application, copy the questions into a Word document to compose your answers, check for spelling, grammar and word count, and then paste it into the online application.
Please ensure that you have read the Group Study Program General FAQs thoroughly before applying.
Program-Specific FAQs
Q: How are students selected?
A: A set number of spaces are available for the program. Student applications will be reviewed after the deadline and notified of whether you have been offered an interview. Acceptances, declines and wait-listed spots will be announce after this.
While good academic standing is required, GPA is not the only factor considered. Instructors will look for students from a variety of backgrounds and motivation to make up the travelling group.
...I was genuinely blown away by the depth and breadth of what we explored in such a short time. Our professor, brought an incredible level of knowledge and contagious enthusiasm to every lecture and site visit. He fostered a learning environment that encouraged curiosity and critical thinking, always leaving space for us to ask questions, reflect, and engage in thoughtful discussion. This made the material feel alive and relevant, and helped me grow not just as a student, but as a thinker.
2025 Program Participant
The advisor for this program is: Tara Jorgensen
Getting started
Program-Specific Info Sessions
Info sessions are scheduled for every Group Study Program. Attending an info session is not required to apply, but strongly recommended as it will give you an opportunity to meet the instructor and learn more about the travel experience.
We also recommend watching Global Learning 101 for general information.
Global Learning Advising
If you have questions about this program, you can meet with one of our Global Learning Advisors by emailing group.study@ucalgary.ca or booking an appointment through the link below.
1. Select "Advising"
2. Select “Study Abroad”
3. Select “Book by Appointment Type”
4. Select your program advisor to view available times.
Academic Advising
Before applying to study abroad, you should ask your academic advisor how a Group Study Program might align with your degree.
After you are accepted, you should ask your academic advisor more specific questions about courses/credits. It’s also recommended to follow up with your advisor again once you return to Calgary.
Start your application
Once you have gathered everything you need, you can begin your application!
Please note: Applications will not be considered complete until all required documents are submitted in full.
International travel presents challenges that may not be found when attending classes on campus. There may be a lack of resources, emergency services, hospitals, accessibility issues and/or demands on the physical and the mental self, all of which can challenge individuals when away from their usual support systems and structures. Adequate preparation is essential.
For this reason, it is imperative that you evaluate all aspects of your own physical, psychological, emotional and spiritual condition against the rigors of the particular global learning program you are selecting. If you are unsure of whether or not this program is a good fit for you and/or if you have any circumstances that could impede your enjoyment of the program, please contact us. Our Global Learning Advisors will be happy to assist in finding the best options for you and arrange any supports or accommodations necessary to ensure your success.
If you have or are seeking a certificate from Student Accessibility Services, you should provide this early to your Global Learning Advisor to ensure that the option that you are seeking can support your needs.
Please note: All participants must adhere to COVID-19 and other vaccination-related requirements for the destinations visited on this program. Failure to do so may have consequences such as being denied access to accommodation/housing, program activities, or to the host country itself.