BMS414 DNA & Forensic Technology (8)
CSU Discipline Area: Biomedical Science (BIMSC)
Duration: One session
Abstract:
This subject gives an overview of the cellular, biochemical, genetic and molecular foundations of human diversity. The underlying principles behind the detection and analysis of phenotypic and genotypic variations will be examined.
+ Subject Availability Modes and Locations
| Session 2 | |
|---|---|
| Distance * | Wagga Wagga |
*This subject offering contains a residential school. Please view following information for further details.
Continuing students should consult the SAL for current offering details: BMS414
Where differences exist between the Handbook and the SAL, the SAL should be taken as containing the correct subject offering details.
Assumed Knowledge:
Enrolment restrictions:
Restricted to students enrolled in the BSc Forensic Biotechnology program.
Objectives:
Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:
-demonstrate an appreciation of the basis of cellular, biochemical and genetic diversity in humans
-demonstrate an understanding of the biochemical principles behind the identification of key biological substances commonly encountered in forensic practice
-describe the principles behind methods for the detection of hyper-variable human bio-molecules
-describe the analytical methods behind a number of common genetic tests currently used for forensic human identification purposes
-demonstrate ability to calculate likelihood ratios from typing profiles and understand the influence of population frequencies and other aspects of population genetics on the validity and discriminatory ability of DNA typing methods
-demonstrate ability to evaluate new forensic and diagnostic technologies
Syllabus:
The subject will cover the following topics:
Introduction to Forensic Biology -An overview of the forensic biologist -Human genetics -Identification of biological fluids -The determination of species origin of biological materials -The differentiation of biological samples of human origin Forensic DNA Technology -Advanced human genetics -The technologies behind the detection and analysis of hypervariable sequences -Common PCR-based genetic tests used in forensic practice -Mitochondrial DNA sequencing identification through maternal lineage -Y chromosome STRs - identification through paternal lineage -Forensic Technology in Australia and the CrimTrac DNA Database -A glimpse at future technologies in their application to forensic science -Phylogenetic profiling and it's application to non-human identification -Forensic laboratory design, control of contamination and quality control -Population genetics and statistical considerations DNA Technology in Its Application to Medical Diagnostics and Medical Research -Applying DNA Technologies to Medicine -Ethical Dilemmas
Residential School
This subject contains a compulsory 4 day residential school.
Complete compulsory laboratory experiments associated with this subject. Activities at residential school will include the following : -Physical examination of evidence and selection of evidence suitable for further analysis. [note- Group Activity] Purpose of Activity: Identification of evidence types and assignation of appropriate paths for analysis of evidence. Developing a working relationship amongst team members which will be a key requirment for rest of the residential school period. -Presumptive screening for Blood Purpose: Identify if suspected blood splaters are likely to be blood and thus suitable for further analysis or provides evidence that supports scenario. -DNA extraction. Purpose of Activity: Selection of the most appropriate extraction method for the selected evidence. -Tutorial Purpose: Provide students with clarrification of areas they have indicated having difficulty with leading up to the residential school. -Electrophoresis of extracted DNA Purpose of Activity: Visualise extracted materials and prompt discussion of problems associated with samples from which only degraded DNA may be available. -DNA profiling PCR's Purpose: Using the extracted DNA to identify the gender of the source and apply STR typing to enable differentiation between individuals of the same gender -Electrophoresis of PCR results Purpose of Activity: Enable visualisation of results and exploration of 2 different electrophoresis conditions relative to the type of PCR performed. -Analysis of DNA profiling results Purpose of Activity: Draw conclusion in relation to the evidence based on the -Group presentation to class and transcription of results to work sheet Purpose: a. Prompt class discussion of the options each group chose in relation to their choice of evidence selected and how that affected their ability to draw meaningful conclusions via the technology they had available. b. Demonstrate the value of keeping good notes throughout the prac and ensuring that have information required to complete part B of the worksheet after the residential school
The information contained in the 2013 CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: 24 April 2013. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.