Human Forensic Body Fluid Identification

Catalog description

This lecture-based course is intended to provide students with a comprehensive overview of the underlying science behind forensic body fluid identification investigations, also known as forensic serology. This course provides students with a historical overview of the methods which led to the modern era of forensic serology. Classroom discussion will cover a variety of techniques in forensic serology, starting with crime scene analysis, methods and applications for body fluid identification of blood, semen, saliva and other forensically relevant body fluids and tissues prior to DNA analysis. Forensic serology covers multiple areas of study, including immunology, biochemistry, molecular biology, and proteomics. Students will gain firsthand knowledge of theory, serological testing, reporting, and quality assurance criteria typically encountered by casework forensic laboratories. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 10100 FOR LEVEL UG WITH MIN. GRADE OF D- AND BIOL 10200 FOR LEVEL UG WITH MIN. GRADE OF D- AND BIOL 24400 FOR LEVEL UG WITH MIN. GRADE OF D- Course Learning Outcomes 1. Recognize and understand the history of forensic body fluid identification over the past century, dating back to early haemogenetics. 2. Understand the evolution of body fluid identification testing, including historical serological tests to modern-day assays in development. The student will be able to interpret results and understand the limitation of each group of tests ranging from ABO typing to modern-day proteomic approaches. 3. Discuss common sources of biological material encountered in forensic investigations, their limitations, and developing a strategy for solving cases with varying levels of complexity. 4. Understand the underlying science (chemistry and molecular biology) behind serological testing. 5. Understand the general concepts of working forensic biology cases, starting with sample collection and serological testing prior to DNA analysis. The student will be able to articulate how tests work, the chronological order, result interpretation, and final reporting for a variety of different test scenarios. 6. Read, dissect, and understand peer-reviewed literature – and the role that peer-review literature plays in forensic science, both in validation, but also in court admissibility. 7. Build on critical concepts necessary to successfully work as a team, including project planning/management, assessing scope, experimental design, troubleshooting, delegation, volunteerism, and teamwork. View Class Schedule