Advanced Topics in Forensic DNA Analysis

Catalog description

Advanced Forensic Biology will provide more detailed discussions on all steps in Forensic DNA testing, beginning with evidence examination and continuing through DNA extraction, quantitation, amplification, and STR analysis. Emphasis will be placed on the origin and variations in methods at each step. Additional topics will cover the following: mixture interpretation, relationship testing, different statistical approaches, courtroom testimony, mitochondrial DNA, Y-STR testing, DNA databases, accreditation of a DNA lab, low copy number testing, research in Forensic DNA, and the use of SNPs. Laboratory exercises will supplement the lecture material and provide the students with the opportunity to perform experiments that mirror DNA variation studies and to use different software programs for results interpretation and statistical calculations.