Forensic Science: DNA Analysis

Overview

With an introduction to both genetics and forensic science, this course will show you the role of DNA in criminal investigations. Case studies illustrate how forensic investigations have changed with advances in genetics and how future developments will affect criminals and investigators.

Syllabus

Module 1 - Introduction to forensic genetics

The purpose of this module is to introduce learners to the basics of genetics and forensic science.

Module 2 - Forensic DNA analysis

This module will show learners how DNA is located at a crime scene, how it can be collected and how it is extracted from the sample.

Module 3 - Forensic DNA profiling

This module will show learners how to examine a DNA profile. One DNA profile will be used as an example, then learners will work their way through a second profile to demonstrate their understanding. We will also discuss the importance that is placed on DNA evidence by the public and during court cases. Many people feel that if the suspects DNA is found at a crime scene they must have committed the crime, but this may not be the case.

Module 4 - Palynology and shoe print analysis

This module will introduce learners to other types of DNA which can be used to solve crimes. We will examine the use of mtDNA in identifying unknown remains, for example its role in the torso in the Themes case, and its use in identifying victims of the September 11th World Trade Centre attack. We will also look at the expanding field of plant DNA in forensic science. This has been used to like the suspect themselves or vehicles to crime scenes.

Unit 5 - DNA databases and ethical issues

This module will examine the ethical issues relating to DNA profiles. In this module we will discuss the National DNA Database. We will look at the advantages and potential disadvantages associated with a National DNA Database, and discuss the prospect of a Universal DNA database. We will also look at using the DNA database for familial searches, this occurs when a DNA profile does not have a direct match with an individual, but the match is very close suggesting the suspect could be a family relation to the individual who it most closely matched on the DNA database. This module will also look at the future of DNA technology and how the field might advance in the future.