Biomedical Lab Sci

Applied Forensic Sciences2

Ciências Forenses Aplicadas

Course code:68312

Catarina Isabel Sousa Paraíso Bernardes Sousa

Learning outcomes of the curricular unit:

The Curricular Unit will examine the science of current forensic DNA typing methods by focusing on the biology, technology and genetics, which encompass the most common forensic DNA analysis methods used today. A major purpose of this CUnit is to contribute in the training of students in the field of forensic DNA testing.

At the end of the curricular unit, student should be able to:

  • Demonstrate expertise in various fields of Forensic Sciences.
  • Understand the importance of DNA analysis applied to criminal forensics not only to convict the guilty but also to exonerate the innocent.
  • Know several forensic analytical techniques that enable the identification of biological and non-biological evidences, found at crime scene or other.
  • Understand the importance of biological evidences in criminal analysis and in the field of law.
  • Understand the importance of the chain of custody maintenance, rigor in implementing protocols and results of statistical valuation.
  • Know the social benefits of DNA databases and the use of computer DNA databases to solve crimes.
  • Interpret and discuss results presented in scientific articles.
  • Develop analytical team work.
Syllabus:
  1. Basic concepts in Forensic Sciences.
  2. Chain of custody.
  3. Probative value.
  4. Presumptive tests for identification of biological evidences.
  5. Sample collection, storage and characterization.
  6. Procedures for forensic DNA analysis.
  7. Forensic DNA typing systems.
  8. Investigation of parenthood.
  9. DNA database.
  10. Key requirements of a Forensic Sciences Laboratory.
  11. Quality assurance.
 
Lab practical classes:
 
Role of qualitative and quantitative analysis of nucleic acids.
Microscopy techniques applied to Forensic Sciences.
Principles of toxicology.
Cases study.
Realization and presentation of a work.
 
Suggested Bibliography:
  • Butler JM (2010) Fundamentals of forensic DNA typing, Elsevier.
  • Pinheiro MF (coord.) (2010) Genética forense: perspectivas da identificação genética, Edições Universidade Fernando Pessoa, Porto.
  • Rudi N & Inman K (2002) An Introduction to Forensic DNA Analysis, 2nd ed.; CRC press.