Cellular and Molecular Biology

FORENSIC GENETICS AND LEGAL MEDICINE

FORENSIC GENETICS AND LEGAL MEDICINE

Academic year 2023/2024

Sommario del corso

• Course objectives
• Results of learning outcomes
• Program
• Course delivery
• Learning assessment methods
• Suggested readings and bibliography
• Notes
• Class schedule
• Teaching tools
• Course card

Course objectives

This teaching contributes to the learning objectives included into the Biomedical and Biomolecular area of the Master in Cellular and Molecular Biology, providing knowledge and applicative abilities to critically investigate biomolecular aspects of forensic science. Starting from an overview of human genetic variation, students will learn how DNA polymorphisms can be used to identify biological samples and assess kinship. Standard and next generation genotyping techniques together with the challenges related to the analysis of compromised forensic samples will be discussed. The conceptual and statistical framework for the interpretation of forensic biomolecular data will be outlined both theoretically and practically, through the use of dedicated software and interaction with crime scene investigators and legal experts.

The final objective is to develop the students’ ability to critically analyze and interpret forensic evidence in the light of the related scientific literature.

Results of learning outcomes

• Extending and applying knowledge of molecular biology and genetics to new forensic questions
• Re-analysis of information
• Selecting robust information from a variety of sources
• Making reasoned predictions and generalizations from experimental evidence and theoretical information
• Drawing valid conclusions and giving explanations supported by evidence/justification
• Drawing on knowledge and understanding of forensic genetics to make accurate statements, describe complex information, provide detailed explanations and integrate knowledge
• Critically evaluating scientific publications and media reports
• Discuss the strength and limitations of the results published on research papers, eventually identifying sources of errors and biases
• Communicating forensic genetics findings and concepts fully, appropriately and using a variety of different modalities 

Program

DNA polymorphisms in forensics; standard typing techniques of forensic DNA polymorphisms; NGS in forensic; elements of population genetics and basic match interpretation (autosomal STRs, Y-STRs, mtDNA); advanced match interpretation (mixed and low template DNA); kinship testing (standard and deficiency paternity cases, DVIs, familial searching); beyond identity testing (genetic determination of sex, bio-geographic origin, EVCs); crime scene investigation: stain detection, body fluid identification; DNA extraction and quantitation; forensic pathology

Course delivery

Teaching includes 4 CFUs (26 hours of face-to-face lectures + 10 hours of workshops).

All lectures will be delivered in presence, subject to updates on the measures adopted by UniTo which can be found on the University portal under "Provisions for those who study and work at UniTo" (see https://en.unito.it/studying-unito).

Integrative material: selected articles, link to relevant web resources, exercises for self-evaluation and at-home post-workshop elective assignments uploaded on Moodle

Learning assessment methods

Exams will take place in presence, subject to updates on the measures adopted by UniTo which can be found on the University portal under "Provisions for those who study and work at UniTo" (see https://en.unito.it/studying-unito).

The written test will include 14 all or nothing multiple choice questions and an open question. Time to complete the test will be 30 minutes. 
0, 1 or 2 additional points will be awarded to students who returned results of at-home activities proposed after workshops, depending on the numer of activities and quality of reports.

Teachers will provide supplementary material including highly relevant articles discussed during the lectures, general reviews, links to web resources. 

Notes

Class schedule

• Teaching material
• Exams and finals
• Class schedule
• Go to Moodle
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