Forensic Molecular Biology
Biologia Molecular Forense
Curse code:8059227
Nuno Eduardo Moura dos Santos da Costa Taveira
Learning outcomes of the curricular unit:
- To learn the theory and practice of molecular biology methods used in the detection, identification and characterization of macromolecules (DNA, RNA and proteins) relevant for forensic and criminal investigation.
- Learn the principles of human genetics and heredity, as well as the principles of molecular evolution, populational genetics and forensic genetics.
- Obtain detailed knowledge on the methods used to produce DNA profiles for forensic purposes, including DNA sequencing, allele-specific PCR, RFLPs, microarrays, autossomic and mitochondrial short tandem repeats (STRs) and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs).
- Provide information on the most recent use of phylogenetic analysis to investigate cases of criminal transmission of microorganisms (HIV and HCV).
- Learn the principles of quality control and statistical analysis of data collected for forensic purposes.
Syllabus:
- General methods in molecular biology.
- Principles of human genetics and heredity.
- Principles of population and evolutionary genetics applied to forensic science.
- Use of phylogenetic analysis to investigate cases of criminal transmission of HIV and HCV.
- Molecular biology applied to forensic and criminal investigation.
- Quality control and statistical analysis of molecular information collected for forensic purposes.
Suggested Bibliography:
- Butler JM (2015) Advanced Topics in Forensic DNA Typing: Interpretation, Elsevier Academic Press, San Diego
- Goodwin W, Linacre A & Hadi S (2007) An Introduction to Forensic Genetics, John Wiley & Sons. ISBN: 978-0-470-01025-9
- Lewis R (2011) Human Genetics, 10th ed., McGraw-Hill Publishing Company. ISBN: 0073525308
- Pinheiro MF (2010) Genética Forense. Perspectivas da Identificação Genética, Edições Universidade Fernando Pessoa, Porto. ISBN: 978-989-643-050-4
- Lemey P, Salemi M & Vandamme AM (2009) The Phylogenetic Handbook. A Practical Approach to phylogenetic analysis and hypothesis testing, 2nd ed., Cambridge University Press. ISBN-13: 978-0-511-71963-9