Anatomy in Paris & Bologna
Why you should go
Paris is often seen as a romantic city with rich architecture and renowned pastries. But did you know that it was also the place where the most famous French surgeons-anatomists paved the ways to all the eponyms used in Surgery, even nowadays? It is also a place where the popularization of anatomical models to study anatomy outside of the dissection room flourished using different materials. Paris is one of the best places in the world to study anatomy, how anatomical structures were represented, and how those representations evolved overtime. Students will explore centuries old anatomic models and attend medical school mini-lectures by French anatomists on the tribulations and contributions of the most famous French surgeons-anatomists.
This interdisciplinary experience will allow for students to connect art, anatomy, science, history, and culture for a richer understanding of the historic and cultural underpinnings of anatomy education, the connection between science and culture, and the influence of anatomic studies on the great Renaissance masterpiece.
Courses
- ANBI 143GS: Human Musculoskeletal Anatomy (PDF draft syllabus)
- ANBI 144GS: Human Visceral Anatomy (PDF draft syllabus)
Faculty Leader
Geoffroy Noelgnoel@ucsd.edu
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.
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:
- Cadaver dissection observation/lesson in a traditional operating theater!
- Les Catacombes
- Musée Fragonard
- Musée d'Histoire de la Médecine
- Musée de l’Histoire Naturelle
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.
