Course: Forensic Genetics

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Course title Forensic Genetics
Course code KBBV/C542
Organizational form of instruction Lecture
Level of course Master
Year of study not specified
Semester Winter
Number of ECTS credits 4
Language of instruction Czech
Status of course Compulsory-optional, Optional
Form of instruction Face-to-face
Work placements This is not an internship
Recommended optional programme components None
Lecturer(s)
  • Kasal Ondřej, Ing.
  • Stříbrná Lucie, Mgr. Ph.D.
Course content
Introduction to forensic genetics, history of forensic genetics, forensic genetics as part of the forensic and investigative sciences. Forensic biology, anthropology and serology. Collection of biological traces and DNA extraction from forensic samples. Characterization of DNA - DNA quantity, quality and specificity. Individuality and principles of personal identification. Identification - autosomal STR loci - the general principles and technologies. Identification - autosomal STR loci - DNA profile. Forensic analysis of gonozomal markers and mitochondrial DNA. Sex determination, prediction of phenotype features via DNA analysis. Population genetics for forensic purposes, forensic statistics. Forensic DNA laboratory, the quality management in forensic laboratory. Genogeography, genogenealogy, paleogenetics and Biomolecular Archaeology. Non-human forensic DNA analysis. Forensics case reports.

Learning activities and teaching methods
Monologic (reading, lecture, briefing)
Learning outcomes
The course acquaints students with the problems of forensic DNA analysis in all basic and additional application areas: criminalistics (crime scene investigation, biological traces and other evidence, phenotyping via DNA analysis), the acts of identification (identification of persons living or dead, identification of victims of mass disasters) in determining the relationship (paternity investigation, pedigree studies, analysis of inbreeding and incest), in bioarcheology (identification of the remains, evidence of infectious agents, determination of phenotype), the " non-human" analysis (herbal drugs, identification of animals, protection of rare species, forensic microbiology) and the so-called recreational genetics (biogeographical origin, genetic genealogy, genetic antroponomastics etc.). Emphasis is placed on biological principles on which the field is based, and on the principles of pre-laboratory and laboratory procedures from the collection of biological material to final evaluation. The course includes introduction to the basics Bayesian interpretation of the evidence and its application in genetic analysis.
After completion of the orientation is a student of forensic DNA analysis in criminal and civil applications. The principles of laboratory procedures in forensic analysis and interpretation of the results obtained.
Prerequisites
Unspecified; it is recommended that general knowledge of the basic principles of the basic principles of genetics and DNA analysis laboratory (PCR, hybridization, etc.); at least a basic idea of the probability theory is an advantage.

Assessment methods and criteria
Written examination

test
Recommended literature
  • Halina Šimková. Breviář forenzní genetiky. Brno, 2012. ISBN 8026302478.
  • John M. Butler. Advanced Topics in Forensic DNA Typing: Methodology. 2011. ISBN 9780123745132.
  • John M. Butler. Fundamentals of Forensic DNA Typing. 2009. ISBN 001237499.
  • N.Rudin, K. Inman. An Introduction to Forensic DNA Analysis, Second Edition.
  • R. Li. Forensic Biology: Identification and DNA Analysis of Biological Evidence. 2008. ISBN 10 14200434.
  • Ron C. Michaelis, Robert G. Flanders Jr., Paula Wulff. A Litigator's Guide to DNA:From the Laboratory to the Courtroom. 2008. ISBN 10 01237403.


Study plans that include the course
Faculty Study plan (Version) Category of Branch/Specialization Recommended year of study Recommended semester