Forensic Genetics and Lab

Course objectives

This course is aimed at giving students specific information on human genetic variability as a means for forensic science investigations, by using genetic polymorphisms and up-to-date tools. Knowledge and understanding. This course provides an up-to-date knowledge of the application of genetic analyses performed on biological samples to the legal framework. By taking the course and passing the exam the student will become well acquainted with strategies and methodologies most used in forensic genetics. Applying knowledge and understanding. This course provides the student with the ability to thoroughly understand the expertise of forensic geneticist in relationship to other professionals working in the legal framework, providing him a great self-confidence and a better interaction with different professional profiles. Making judgements. Issues of this course are discussed in light of the most recent break-through of scientific studies, which exploit various experimental approaches. Hence, by taking this course and passing the exam the student will be able to critically analyze the potentials and limitations of genetic investigations. Communication skills. Attending classroom lessons the student becomes familiar with terms typical of biology and genetics, along with methodological approaches of these fields. This allows him to develop communication abilities to be usefully spent in various professional settings. Hence, passing the exam would imply that the student has acquired/improved specific skills needed for an efficacious scientific communication. Learning skills. Taking this course and passing the exam would imply that the student has fully learnt strategies and methodologies typical of forensic genetics. These abilities are attained during traditional lessons that emphasize and critically discuss the complexity of our genome, in light of the most up-to-date findings of studies reported by the scientific literature.

Channel 1
MARIA TERESA FIORENZA Lecturers' profile

Program - Frequency - Exams

Course program
An overview of genetics used in forensics. The human genome: structure, organization and methodological tools (PCR, DNA fingerprint, and next generation sequencing). Types of genetic variability. Tandem repeated DNA sequences: minisatellite and microsatellite. Genetic polymorphisms: classification and significance. Patterns of inheritance: mendelian, mitochondrial, uniparental and their usage for legal investigative purpose. Multiple allele loci; probability of inheritance; blood typing in forensic investigations. Data interpretation: odds of identity and random match, exclusion criteria and genetic variability indices. Avuncular and paternity DNA testing. Limitations of biological specimens. Prerequisites for genetic forensic evidence qualification. Report and discussion of how certain cases were handled using genetic forensic methods.
Prerequisites
A fundamental understanding of DNA/RNA structure and function is necessary to better comprehend course contents. Regardless, these subjects are briefly covered in the first few lectures.
Books
Fundamentals of ForensicDNA Typing - John M Butler - Academic Press
Teaching mode
The course is given as traditional classroom lessons, which address and critically discuss each specific topic, in light of the most updated findings of studies reported by the scientific literature. Selected issues of particular relevace, will be addressed in depth in focused lessons given by experts working in the field. Class attendance is not mandatory although firmly advised. This is bacause the course addresses very specific topics with an in depth focus. Hence, attending classroom lessons and participating to the critical discussion facilitates the acquisition and a better understanding of course contents.
Frequency
Attendance to class is strongly encouraged but not required. This is because the course focuses on highly specific topics and covers them in great detail. Therefore, attending class and taking part in the critical debate helps students learn and comprehend course subjects better.
Exam mode
The exam assesses the general level of student confidence in the subjects covered in the course, paying special attention to the student's capacity to debate the advantages and disadvantages of forensic genetics techniques.The capacity of the student to thoroughly and cogently discuss the course subjects will determine the final grade.
Lesson mode
The course is given as traditional classroom lessons, which address and critically discuss each specific topic, in light of the most updated findings of studies reported by the scientific literature. Selected issues of particular relevace, will be addressed in depth in focused lessons given by experts working in the field. Class attendance is not mandatory although firmly advised. This is bacause the course addresses very specific topics with an in depth focus. Hence, attending classroom lessons and participating to the critical discussion facilitates the acquisition and a better understanding of course contents.
  • Lesson code10603979
  • Academic year2024/2025
  • CourseCognitive Forensic Sciences
  • CurriculumSingle curriculum
  • Year2nd year
  • Semester2nd semester
  • SSDBIO/18
  • CFU6
  • Subject areaDiscipline psicobiologiche e neuroscienze cognitive