Forensic Chemistry I: Arson, Explosives and DNA

Catalog description

Survey topics, which are not included in CHEM 4870 or law enforcement technology (LET) courses, relevant to the modern crime lab. These topics will be focused on arson and explosives analysis and DNA analysis. The DNA section will survey the techniques and instrumentation used in the identification, extraction, and analysis of DNA obtained from forensic evidence with an emphasis on electrophoretic methods of analysis. Topics include the identification and extraction of blood stains, DNA analysis by restriction fragment length polymorphisms, PCR amplified length and sequence polymorphisms, STR systems, Amelogenin markers, Y-chromosome markers and mitochondrial DNA sequencing. Electrophoretic techniques and statistical interpretation of data will also be covered. Other topics may also be included.