Forensic Sci.

Forensic Molecular Biology2

Biologia Molecular Forense

Course code:8059227

Maria Alexandra Taquenho Maia e Silva

Learning outcomes of the curricular unit:

In this curricular unit it is intended to transmit the necessary theorical and practical knowledge to DNA and RNA analysis in the context of legal cohort. Thus, for the competences of interpretation, evaluation and presentation of the evidence as competence of laboratory analysis the learning objectives (OA) are:

  1. To know the theoretical and practical concepts necessary for a comparative analysis of different DNA profiles through STR analysis
  2. Know how to process a DNA analysis, from different biological materials (collected in the context of a crime scene)
  3. Mastering the different techniques of DNA extraction
  4. Understand the set of molecular markers used in forensic genetics
  5. Evaluate and interpret data from appropriate equipment applied to a range of forensic examinations. OA6: Understand the use of statistical tests to aid interpretation for forensic purposes
Syllabus:
  1. Human evolution and speciation. Genetic variability
  2. Comparison of genomes. Karyotypes and FISH
  3. Biology of STRs
  4. Paternity tests and frequencies. Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium
  5. Analysis of mixtures
  6. RNA analysis
  7. Epigenetics
  8. Mithocondrial DNA
  9. Case analysis
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.
  • Goodwin W, Linacre A, Hadi S (2010) An Introduction to Forensic Genetics. 2nd edition. Wiley, UK. ISBN: 9780470710197.
  • Nettle D (2009) Evolution and Genetics for Psychology. Oxford University Press, USA. ISBN: 9780199231515.
  • Rapley R, Whitehouse D (2007) Molecular Forensics. Wiley, UK. ISBN: 9780470024966.