ARCH43430: Forensic Genetics

• ARCH43030 Research Skills in Forensic Archaeology and Anthropology

• ARCH41530 Isotopic and Biomolecular Archaeology

• To enable students to acquire an advanced understanding of methods, key concepts, approaches and debates in Human Genetic Identification and Human Forensic Genetics, including examples of disaster victim identification and crime scene investigation. Students will gain a practical knowledge in laboratory and computer data analysis applied to two fictitious case studies.

• Techniques of laboratory analysis in Forensic Genetics
• Genetic markers and their use in human identification
• Use of databases in human genetic identification
• Principles and methods of genetic identification in Disaster Victim Identification, Crime Scene Investigation and Mass grave analysis
• Statistical analysis of genetic evidence in forensic contexts
• Practical laboratory skills on DNA extraction from forensic material, PCR amplification, electrophoresis and DNA purification
• Practical computer skills on analysis of sequencing data
• Practical computer skills on use of genetic databases
• Practical computer skill on statistical analysis of genetic evidence
• Oral presentations skills by presenting on recent relevant publications in human genetic identification (journal club)
• Producing specialists report

Subject-specific Knowledge:

• Knowledge of the scope of Forensic Genetics and the overall role of genetics in human identification within forensic contexts
• Knowledge of the range of analytical methods that can be used in the recovery of genetic information from biological evidence found at a variety of forensic contexts
• Knowledge of the most appropriate genetic markers to use and the most appropriate type of evidence and reference samples to collect in different forensic contexts
• Knowledge of how to present and interpret genetic evidence in forensic casework
• Knowledge, and critical understanding of, a range of key terms, concepts, approaches, techniques and debates in the method, theory and practice of forensic genetics

Subject-specific Skills:

• Ability to accurately perform a range of techniques for extracting and genotyping DNA from forensic biological material
• Ability to analyse Sanger Sequencing raw data using appropriate software
• Ability to select and use appropriate genetic databases to estimate the frequency of mitochondrial and Y chromosome profiles
• Ability to calculate the frequency of autosomal genetic profiles using allelic frequencies
• Ability to reconstruct genetic profiles of missing persons using genetic reference data from relatives
• Ability to assess the likelihood of a genetic match using statistic formulae and specialised software
• Ability to use human DNA data in comingling contexts to calculate the minimum number of individuals
• Ability to use human DNA data in crime scene scenarios to identify sample donor(s) using reference samples
• Ability to recognise genetic profile mixtures and to separate mixture components using reference samples
• Ability to use human DNA data to test for biological kinship
• Professionalism in working effectively as part of an investigative team to generate, analyse and interpret genetic data in forensic contexts, understanding the roles of others, and the methods to employ for an effective forensic strategy
• Ability to produce balanced, impartial written reports using relevant standardised methods that are clear and comprehensive.
• Understand and describe the potentials and limitations of genetic testing for human identification in forensic contexts
• Demonstrate understanding of safe working practices (personal safety, safety of team members and others present) in the laboratory
• Demonstrate knowledge of last developments in the field through the critical appraisal of the literature

Key Skills:

• Use of specialised laboratory equipment (micropipettes, centrifuges, vortex, thermal cyclers) and laboratory techniques and processes (DNA extraction with silica columns, PCR, PCR purification, sanger sequencing)
• Use of computer and information technology, (including internet, word processing, excel spreadsheets, searching relevant databases and datasets to support interpretation).
• Ability to undertake independent study, research and problem-solving.
• Participation in and reflection on collaborative group- / team-work.
• Sampling, analysis, recording, quantitative analysis, critical analysis and interpretation of complex genetic data.
• Preparation and effective communication of research methods, data, results, interpretations and arguments in oral, written and visual form.
• An ability to produce work to prescribed guidelines and deadlines.

• The module will be delivered using a mixture of lectures, laboratory and computer practicals, seminars and workshops. Practicals and workshops will be articulated around two fictitious case studies, one of which would be the base for the assessed professional report. The lectures will provide important information regarding key concepts and main techniques in forensic genetics, the practicals will allow students to apply the knowledge gained at the lectures to produce and interpret genetic data and the seminars will allow students to engage with the current literature in the topic while developing their critical analysis and presentation skills. The delivery methods and assessment are focused on attaining the key skills required in the learning outcomes i,e, specialist report, critical appraisal of the literature and oral presentation.

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