Advanced Molecular Biology for Forensic Scientists

Catalog description

Classroom discussions will focus on advanced aspects of molecular biology, including as they relate to forensic DNA analysis. The course will start with an overview of molecular structures (i.e., DNA, RNA, and proteins) and an advanced discussion of DNA topology, macromolecular interactions, and chromatin formation. From there, discussions will move from replication, mutation, mutation repair, and recombination, to transcription and translation, and then to regulation of gene expression. This latter topic will include an advanced discussion of microRNAs and how they can be used to distinguish body fluids in forensic DNA laboratories. At the end of the course, students will have a strong understanding of molecular biology concepts and tool, and how they relate to forensic DNA analysis. Recitation and active learning sessions will be used to reinforce the material. The proposed course is relevant to any forensic science student who has taken BMB 251 / MICRB 251 , BIOL 230W , BMB 251H , or BIOL 230M and CHEM 212 or CHEM 212H , and is required for Forensic Science majors who elect to complete the biology option. Genetics takes a different lens into molecular biology with a focus on problem-solving that is an important foundation for forensic science and would provide foundations (both skills and concepts) for this proposed course. FRNSC 420 serves as a prerequisite for FRNSC 421W , Forensic Molecular Biology, as it lays the foundation of advanced molecular biology concepts that forensic DNA reply upon, including molecular tools employed by forensic molecular biologists. In addition, this course is for any student who has an interest in obtaining employment in a local, state or federal law enforcement agency and/or crime laboratory facility, as it is a requirement to have a molecular biology course for employment and advancement in a forensic DNA laboratory.