Forensic Sci.

Forensic Molecular Genetics2

Genética Molecular Forense

Course code:8059224

Maria Alexandra Taquenho Maia E Silva

Learning outcomes of the curricular unit:

This UC aims to transmit the necessary knowledge to DNA and RNA analysis in the context of expert evidence. Thus, for the laboratory analysis competencies related to the interpretation, evaluation and presentation of evidence, the learning objectives (LO) are:

  1. Know how to process a DNA analysis, from different biological materials.
  2. Know the theoretical and practical concepts needed in the comparative analysis of different DNA profiles.
  3. Master techniques of extraction and analysis of DNA profiles.
  4. Know how to analyse lineage markers in forensic genetics skills and in what context they should be used.
  5. Apply the knowledge of human DNA analysis in the context of non-human DNA.
  6. Know how to evaluate and interpret data applied to forensic examinations, noting the usefulness of statistical tests and bioinformatics tools.
  7. Understand the relevance of contamination prevention procedures in relation to localization, extraction and analysis.
Syllabus:
  1. Introduction to Molecular Genetics, Replication and Transcription.
  2. Organization of genomes and classes of DNA.
  3. Mendelian Genetics, Autosomes and Sexual Chromosomes.
  4. Nucleic acids DNA degradation.
  5. DNA markers: STR, SNP and VNTR genetic markers.
  6. DNA Analysis and PCR Techniques.
  7. Human evolution and speciation. Genetic continuity.
  8. Comparison of genomes.
  9. Autosomes. Chromosome X and Chromosome Y.
  10. Microbioma in forensic science, genome analysis.
  11. Applications of Forensic Molecular Genetics.
 
Suggested Bibliography:
  • Buckleton J, Bright J & Taylor D (2016) Forensic DNA Evidence Interpretation, 2nd ed., CRC press, USA. ISBN: 9781482258899
  • Butler J (2011) Advanced Topics in Forensic DNA Typing: Methodology, Academic Press, San Diego, USA. ISBN: 9780123745132
  • Butler JM (2005) Forensic DNA Typing: Biology, Technology, and Genetics of STR Markers, 2nd ed., Elsevier Academic Press, San Diego/USA. ISBN: 9780121479527
  • Goodwin W, Linacre A & Hadi S (2010) An Introduction to Forensic Genetics, 2nd ed., Wiley, UK. ISBN: 9780470710197
  • Rapley R & Whitehouse D (eds) (2007) Molecular Forensics, Wiley. ISBN: 9780470024966