The course is aimed to describe the methodological approach applied in the forensic genetic laboratory to approach DNA identification casework and paternity or kinship cases. At the end of the class, students shall prove to be able to deal with simple forensic casework, describing the methodological approach they selected for a correct interpretation of the analytical results.
Course Prerequisites
Basic knowledge in genetics, molecular biology and statistics
Teaching Methods
The course is organised in lectures, casework discussion and lab exercises.
Assessment Methods
Oral exam. Each candidate will be asked at least one question on a general topic covered in class. During the test, the student will have to demonstrate that they have understood the methodological approach underlying forensic genetic investigations by also applying it to forensic cases that will be presented by the teacher. Full marks will be achieved when the arguments are presented correctly and the approach to forensic cases is proven correct.
Texts
Pdf presentations and lesson notes will be provided by the teacher. To increase and broaden the knowledge it is possible to read the following books. - “La prova del DNA per la ricerca della verità. Aspetti giuridici, biologici e probabilistici”. Autori: Ricci U., Previderè C., Fattorini P., Corradi F., (2006) Giuffré Editore. - “Introduzione alla genetica forense. Indagini di identificazione personale e di paternità”. Autori: Tagliabracci A., (2010) Springer.
Contents
Collection of biological evidence in crime scene investigations; chain of custody. Sample characterisation to define the biological source. DNA extraction method from different biological specimens and DNA quantification. PCR and capillary electrophoresis. DNA polymorphisms. Definition of genetic profile and interpretation criteria. Y-choromosome DNA testing and its forensic application. Mitochondrial DNA sequencing in forensic casework. SNPs and INDELs in forensic genetics. Interpretation challanges in forensic genetics: low copy number DNA (LCN-DNA) and complex mixtures. Forensic DNA phenotyping. Age estimation from biological stains. Familial searching and forensic genealogy. Molecular anthropology and Disaster Victim Identification (DVI). NGS technology in forensic genetics. Paternity and kinship testings. Forensic DNA databases.
