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Anatomy in Paris & Bologna


Why you should go

Italy and France are often celebrated for their rich history, architecture, and cuisine—but it is also the birthplace of modern anatomy.  
In Bologna, home to the world’s most renowned anatomical museums and the oldest functioning anatomical theater, students will trace the Renaissance foundations of anatomy, standing in the very halls where early anatomists performed public dissections that shaped both medicine and art. 
In Paris, students will explore centuries-old anatomical models, study how representations of the human body developed over time, and attend mini-lectures by French anatomists highlighting the discoveries and challenges of the country’s most influential surgeon-anatomists. The program also now includes dissection observations, providing a rare opportunity to study human anatomy firsthand.  
Through this program, students will gain a richer understanding of how anatomy shaped—and was shaped by—the intellectual and artistic revolutions of Europe, from the Renaissance to the present day.

Courses

Faculty Leader

Geoffroy Noel
gnoel@ucsd.edu

noel Dr. Geoffroy Noel is a  Professor in the Department of Surgery at UCSD, and Chief of the Division of Anatomy. He teaches dissection in medical school, residency and continuing medical education programs. His research on the use of new technologies such as needle free devices, augmented reality guidance, ultrasound-guided anesthesia and 3D printing in surgical training is supported by various surgical funding agencies. His work in the field of medical education is highly cited. He recently published various articles on the history of body donation. He is currently working on novel humanistic approaches to cultivate empathy, compassion and inclusion when studying from body donors, which is sponsored by the Sanford Institute for Empathy and Compassion.   He is also a 2023 Teaching + Learning Commons Changemaker Fellow for Anti-Racist Pedagogy Learning Community.  His passion for teaching was recognized locally, nationally, and internationally with the 2022  and 2023 , Kaiser “Excellence in Teaching” Award, the 2020 ADInstruments Sam Drogo Technology in the Classroom Award, and the 2020 Canadian Association of Medical Education Certificate of Merit.

 

Who should go

Anyone! Students need no background; the classes have no prerequisites. Students who have an interest in medicine, health sciences, biological science, history, and art, and who have an interest in travelling to see a beautiful and inspiring place should apply! Both classes in this seminar may be able to be used as general education courses as well as upper division credits in Public Health, Global Health, and Anthropology. (natural science requirements) in most of the colleges. Those courses can be petitioned to count as credit towards a number of other majors.

Consult your academic advisor to determine officially how the courses will apply to your graduation requirements.

Information Sessions

  • General (choose one): 
    • Tue, Sept. 30th, 3-4 pm (zoom) 
    • Tue, Oct. 28th, 3:30-4 pm (in-person)
  • Program: Thursday, October 30th, 3:30 - 4:30 PM
  • Register here for the live Zoom link, and/or to get the post-session recording.

See the Info Session Calendar

Dates

Departure from U.S.: Sat., June 27, 2026
Arrival in Bologna: Sun., June 28, 2026
Mandatory Orientation: Mon., June 29, 2026
First Day of Class: Mon., June 29, 2026
Transfer to Paris: Sun., July 12, 2026
Last Day of Class: Fri., July 31, 2026
Departure for the U.S.
(or personal travel):		 Sat., August 1, 2026

 

Flight Information

  • You will be responsible for purchasing your own airplane tickets, and your program coordinator will provide guidelines and resources during the pre-departure process to help you find an appropriate flight.
  • Do not purchase plane tickets until the program is confirmed . All approved applicants will be notified by e-mail when the program has reached minimum enrollment.

Global Seminar Fees

All fees subject to change. See  https://summersession.ucsd.edu/tuition/tuition.html for current tuition and campus-based fees.

  UCSD Other UC Non-UC
Program Cost:
(includes $500 administrative fee)		 TBD TBD TBD
Estimated Tuition and Campus-Based Fees:
 		 $2,520.49 $2,570.49 $3,580.49
Total:
(not including airfare or personal expenses)		 TBD TBD TBD

Calculate the Full Cost

  • Calculator coming soon!

Funding Options

See the funding options page to learn how financial aid and scholarships can help you pay for this program.

Site Visits in Bologna:

  • Palazzo di Archiginnasio
  • Luigi Cattaneo Anatomical Wax Museum
  • Palazzo Poggi Museum

Site Visits in Paris:

 Excursions are subject to change without prior notice. No refunds are possible.

Housing

  • Bologna - Hostel with an ensuite bathroom. 4 students per room for this 2 week stay
  • Paris - Local apartment with several rooms. Shared bathrooms - 2 students per room
  • Both locations will be air conditioned and have wifi
  • Both locations have a shared kitchen
  • Access to public transportation
  • Our program partner will accept roommate requests during the pre-departure process. Roommate requests cannot be guaranteed and must be mutual. Each student must request the other student in writing separately. 
  • Housing arrangements are subject to change based on local circumstances without prior notice. No price adjustments are possible.

Included Meals

  • Welcome group meal
  • Farewell group meal

Classroom and Computer Access

  • Courses will be taught in local air-conditioned classrooms
  • Wifi available
  • Laptop plug-in stations located in several locations in the building
  • Wireless access may be intermittent due to local conditions. No refunds or price adjustments are possible.

Transportation

  • Airport pickup provided.
  • Airfare from Bologna to Paris
  • Students will be provided transit cards for both Bolgna & Paris 

Phones

  • Students must have cell service turned on at all times for safety purposes
  • Information about local cell phone options will be provided during on-site orientation.

Insurance, Health, and Safety

  • An in-depth orientation will be given after arrival, including health and safety procedures.
  • Program partner staff will be available by telephone after hours. 
  • All students will be registered for UC travel insurance valid for program dates + 14 days cumulative.
  • Students travelling more than that should obtain independent travel insurance.