Forensic Science: DNA Analysis from edX

What's inside

Learning objectives

Demonstrate a knowledge of genetics
Understand how genetics can be utilized in a forensic investigation

Study the ethical issues surrounding genetics and its use in forensic science, for example the national dna database

Demonstrate a knowledge of genetics
Understand how genetics can be utilized in a forensic investigation
Study the ethical issues surrounding genetics and its use in forensic science, for example the national dna database

Syllabus

Introduction to Forensic Genetics

Purpose: The purpose of this week is to introduce the basics of genetics and forensic science. This includes:

A basic understanding of genetics

What is genetics

What is DNA

Structure of DNA

Basics of inheritance

An understanding of forensic science

What is the role of a forensic scientist

An understanding of the role of genetics in forensic science

Collecting and Examining DNA

Purpose: To explore how DNA is located at a crime scene, how it can be collected and how it is extracted from the sample. This includes:

An understanding of how DNA can be identified at a crime scene

An understanding of which samples might contain DNA (human DNA, plant DNA, animal DNA)

Knowledge of how DNA can be extracted from a cell

Knowledge of the types of analysis which can be completed using DNA

DNA extraction

Polymerase chain reaction

Restriction fragment length polymorphism

DNA extraction from a single cell

DNA Profiling

Purpose: To understand how to examine a DNA profile. One DNA profile will be used as an example, then you will work 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 suspect's DNA is found at a crime scene they must have committed the crime, but this may not be the case. This section includes:

Knowledge of how to analyze a DNA profile

Knowledge of the statistical analysis relating to DNA profiles

Knowledge of how to confirm or disprove a DNA profile match

An understanding of how the statistics used during course cases (for example, one in a billion chance of the DNA belonging to someone else) is calculated

An understanding of the differences in DNA between unrelated individuals and family members

Other Types of DNA

Purpose: To introduce 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 Thames case, and its use in identifying victims of the September 11th World Trade Center 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. This section includes:

Ethical Issues Relating to DNA

Purpose: To examine the ethical issues relating to DNA profiles. This week 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, which 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 is most closely matched on the DNA database. This week will also look at the future of DNA technology and how the field might advance in the future. This section includes:

An understanding of the information contained within the DNA database

Knowledge of the ethics issues relating to the database

An understanding of how familial searches can be used to aid a forensic investigation.

• Knowledge of mitochondrial DNA, its structure and mode of inheritance• An understanding of the use of mtDNA in forensic cases involving identification• Knowledge of chloroplast DNA • An understanding of the use of chloroplast DNA in forensic cases

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Examines ethical issues surrounding genetics and their application in forensic science, addressing debates and concerns

Covers real-life case studies involving DNA evidence in criminal investigations, providing practical examples

Provides a comprehensive overview of genetic principles and the latest advances in forensic DNA analysis

Taught by Dr. Susan Gurney, an expert in genetics with extensive experience in the field of forensic science

Suitable for individuals working or aspiring to work in law enforcement, public policy, science, or research

Career center

Learners who complete Forensic Science: DNA Analysis will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Forensic Scientist

Forensic Scientists analyze biological evidence found at crime scenes to help investigators solve crimes. This course introduces you to genetics and forensic science, giving you an understanding of the science and techniques employed by Forensic Scientists. You will also learn how to collect and examine DNA, and how to analyze and interpret DNA profiles, which are essential skills for Forensic Scientists.

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Crime Scene Investigator

Crime Scene Investigators are responsible for collecting and preserving evidence at crime scenes. This course will introduce you to the basics of genetics and forensic science, which will help you to understand the importance of DNA evidence. You will also learn how to collect and preserve DNA evidence, and how to work with Forensic DNA Analysts to interpret and analyze DNA profiles.

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Forensic DNA Analyst

Forensic DNA Analysts specialize in the analysis of DNA evidence in criminal investigations. This course provides you with a strong foundation in genetics and forensic science, and you will learn how to collect, extract, and analyze DNA evidence. You will also learn how to interpret DNA profiles and how to present your findings in a clear and concise manner.

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Criminalist

Criminalists analyze and interpret physical evidence in criminal investigations. This course will provide you with a strong foundation in genetics and forensic science, which will help you to understand the importance of DNA evidence. You will also learn how to collect, preserve, and analyze DNA evidence, and how to interpret DNA profiles.

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Forensic Geneticist

Forensic Geneticists specialize in the analysis of DNA evidence in criminal investigations. This course will provide you with a strong foundation in genetics and forensic science, and you will learn how to collect, extract, and analyze DNA evidence. You will also learn how to interpret DNA profiles and how to present your findings in a clear and concise manner.

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Medical Examiner

Medical Examiners are responsible for investigating deaths that are unexpected or suspicious. This course will provide you with a basic understanding of genetics and forensic science, which will help you to understand the importance of DNA evidence. You will also learn how to collect and preserve DNA evidence, and how to work with Forensic DNA Analysts to interpret and analyze DNA profiles.

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Investigative Journalist

Investigative Journalists investigate and report on stories that are in the public interest. This course will provide you with a basic understanding of genetics and forensic science, which will help you to understand the importance of DNA evidence. You will also learn how to collect and preserve DNA evidence, and how to work with Forensic DNA Analysts to interpret and analyze DNA profiles.

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Toxicologist

Toxicologists analyze and interpret the effects of drugs and chemicals on the human body. This course will provide you with a basic understanding of genetics and forensic science, which will help you to understand the importance of DNA evidence. You will also learn how to collect and preserve DNA evidence, and how to work with Forensic DNA Analysts to interpret and analyze DNA profiles.

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Attorney

Attorneys represent clients in court and provide legal advice. This course will provide you with a basic understanding of genetics and forensic science, which will help you to understand the importance of DNA evidence. You will also learn how to collect and preserve DNA evidence, and how to work with Forensic DNA Analysts to interpret and analyze DNA profiles.

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Judge

Judges preside over trials and make decisions based on the law. This course will provide you with a basic understanding of genetics and forensic science, which will help you to understand the importance of DNA evidence. You will also learn how to collect and preserve DNA evidence, and how to work with Forensic DNA Analysts to interpret and analyze DNA profiles.

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Law Enforcement Officer

Law Enforcement Officers enforce the law and investigate crimes. This course will provide you with a basic understanding of genetics and forensic science, which will help you to understand the importance of DNA evidence. You will also learn how to collect and preserve DNA evidence, and how to work with Forensic DNA Analysts to interpret and analyze DNA profiles.

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Detective

Detectives investigate crimes and gather evidence. This course will provide you with a basic understanding of genetics and forensic science, which will help you to understand the importance of DNA evidence. You will also learn how to collect and preserve DNA evidence, and how to work with Forensic DNA Analysts to interpret and analyze DNA profiles.

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Paralegal

Paralegals assist attorneys with legal research, drafting documents, and preparing for trial. This course may be useful for understanding the importance of DNA evidence, which can be used in criminal and civil cases.

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Victim Advocate

Victim Advocates provide support and assistance to victims of crime. This course may be useful for understanding the importance of DNA evidence, which can be used to solve crimes and bring criminals to justice.

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Correctional Officer

Correctional Officers supervise and care for inmates in prisons and jails. This course may be useful for understanding the importance of DNA evidence, which can be used to solve crimes.

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