Master

Human Taphonomy / Taphonomie humaine

Université de Lausanne UNIL
Lausanne (VD)
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Program overview

  • Type of course
    Universities
  • Degree
    Master Master of Science (MSc) in Human Taphonomy / Maîtrise universitaire ès Sciences en taphonomie humaine
  • Course language
    Englisch Recommended level: C1
  • Course format
    In-person instruction
  • Time commitment
    Full-time
  • Duration

    Standard study duration : 4 semesters

What the program looks like

This programme 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. It 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.

The first semester of studies consists of compulsory courses covering both conceptual and methodological aspects linked to human anatomy and the management of dead bodies. The second semester consists of compulsory courses, field courses, demonstrations and visits devoted to the immediate surroundings of the decomposing human body. The third semester 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 fourth semester is dedicated to the completion of the personal Master research project.

The personal Master research project can be conducted in a partner institution recognised by Unil.

This programme opens the way for many careers, including in:

  • Academic research
  • Hospitals and forensic environments
  • Police and security forces
  • Environmental industry
  • Biomedical and biotechnology sectors
  • Medical laboratories
  • Museums and cultural sectors
  • International (non) governmental organisations

Admission

  • Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Biology, Medicine, Forensic Science or in a field considered to be equivalent awarded by a Swiss university
  • Other degrees awarded by a foreign university may be considered equivalent and grant access
    to the programme with or without further conditions.

For more information on admission requirements, consult the institution's website.

Specific requirements.

Costs

CHF 580.- per semester

More information