Forensic Sci.

Forensic Environmental Crimes2

Crimes Ambientais Forenses

Course code:CÒDIGO

Maria Alexandra Taquenho Maia e Silva

Learning outcomes of the curricular unit:

This CU aims to transmit the necessary knowledge to DNA analysis of samples of non-human origin through the application of molecular genetic techniques in food, plant and animal samples. Thus, for the competences of interpretation, evaluation and presentation of the evidence as competency of laboratory analysis, the learning objectives (LO) are:

  • To master the techniques and to understand the expansion of the use of forensic analysis to other species besides the human species that can be used as evidence in environmental crimes
  • To know the theoretical and practical concepts necessary for a comparative analysis of different non-human DNA profiles
  • To analyze the most appropriate strategy in each situation applied to the presented forensic context
  • To master the different techniques of DNA extraction, as well as the different techniques of DNA sequence analysis
  • Know how to evaluate and interpret appropriate equipment data applied to forensic molecular biology. To understand the usefulness of using bioinformatic tools to aid interpretation of results
  • Learn to find different bibliographical references and writing expert reports in the field of forensic genetics and biology
Syllabus:
  1. Introduction to non-human genetics and its applications in forensic science
  2. Determination of animal species
  3. Criminal identification auxiliaries
  4. Food Fraud
  5. Wildlife and applications in forensic sciences
  6. Non-human DNA analysis
  7. Corporal offenses caused by animals
  8. Legislation
Suggested Bibliography:
  • Butler J (2011) Advanced Topics in Forensic DNA Typing: Methodology, Academic Press. San Diego, USA. ISBN: 9780123745132
  • Coyle HM (2007) Nonhuman DNA Typing: Theory and Casework Applications, CRC press, USA. ISBN: 9780824725938
  • Goodwin W, Linacre A, Hadi S (2011) An Introduction to Forensic genetics, 2nd ed, Wiley, UK. ISBN: 9780470710197
  • Linacre A, Tobe S (2013), Wildlife DNA Analysis, Wiley, UK. ISBN: 9780470665961