Unscrupulous Anatomy and Modern Medicine
Learn about the facinating 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
Application information
Have questions?
For program information, please contact Reed Ferber: rferber@ucalgary.ca
For application and registration support, please contact the Group Study Team: group.study@ucalgary.ca
Other useful links:
Program details
Questions about these courses should be directed to the program instructor.
Please note: course descriptions are tentative and subject to change.
-
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)
-
Prerequisites
Pre-requisite: KNES 259/260 or equivalent Anatomy & Physiology course from other faculties or consent of the program instructor.
-
Pre-departure
May 1, 2025, Calgary: Lecture - overview and discussion of anatomical dissection and medical practice in Italy, France, and England across the 14th-18th centuries.
Pre-departure Orientation by Study Abroad (TBD)
-
In-field
May 2, Calgary: Travel day to Rome
May 3, Rome: Arrive in Rome and check-in at the hotel.
May 4, 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 5, Rome: Visit Mosè di Michelangelo. earn about the work of DaVinci & Michelangelo and the intersection of religion, science, and art.
May 6, Rome: Visit Cappuccin Crypts. Discussion on the intersection of religion, science, and art.
May 7, Rome: Visit Museo Storico Nazionale Dell' Arte Sanitaria. Learn about the work of Vesalius and how his anatomical work led to revelations in medical science.
May 8, Rome: Day-off to explore Rome.
May 9, Bologna: Travel day to Bologna via train
May 10, Bologna: Visit Luigi Cattaneo Collection. Learn about how anatomical wax models were developed alongside scientific inquiry and anatomical dissection.
May 11, Bologna: Visit anatomical wax models of the Palazzo Poggi. Learn about how anatomical wax models were developed through pathology and anatomical dissection.
May 12, Bologna: Visit Archiginnasio Palace. Learn about the first (temporary) anatomical theatre in the world and how physicians and surgeons were trained.
May 13, Bologna: Visit Padua and the Palazzo Bo Anatomical Theatre. Learn about the first (permanent) anatomical theatre in the world and how physicians and surgeons were trained.
May 14, Bologna: Day-off to explore Bologna
May 15, Bologna: Class at University of Bologna. Discuss the work of anatomical advancements and scientific breakthroughs of Jacopo da Carpi and Mondino de’Liuzzi.
May 16, Florence: Day trip to Florence and the La Specola Anatomical Collection museum. Learn about how anatomical wax models were developed through pathology and anatomical dissection.
May 17, 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 18, Florence: Class and Final Group Presentation at University of Bologna
May 19, Rome: Travel day to Calgary
-
Post-field
N/A
-
Costs
The estimated cost of the Kinesiology Italy Group Study Program will include tuition, airfare, field trips, local transportation, accommodations and meals. The program cost is $7,948
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.
-
Funding
Our office administers several awards, including the Global Access Fund (based on a funding-first model where students apply prior to committing to a global learning program) and the Global Learning Award (students apply after being accepted to a global learning program; the amount varies year-to-year as the money is split among chosen recipients). Students may only receive these awards once. Please see the funding page, linked here, for more information.
IDEAS Funding: Students in the Faculty of Science are encouraged to apply for IDEAS funding. For more information, please click here.
Student loans: If you qualify for student loans, your program should qualify. We are able to provide you with a letter confirming your participation in the program for funding purposes. Please email group.study@ucalgary.ca to request a letter.
Please note that eligibility for student loans is determined by your loans provider.
Click here for more info on funding opportunities!
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 considered after your application and unofficial transcript have been received in full.
Please read the sections below for information about what your application will include. The application is completed online. Because the online application will time out after 1 hour, we recommend writing out your answers to the application questions in a Word document and preparing any of the supplementary documents you may need in advance.
Once you are ready, click here to access 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.
-
Unofficial transcript
Download an unofficial transcript from your Student Centre. Click here for a step-by-step guide to access your unofficial transcript.
You will be asked to upload your transcript as a PDF in the online application.
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.