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FORENSIC GENETICS AND LEGAL MEDICINE
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FORENSIC GENETICS AND LEGAL MEDICINE
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Academic year 2020/2021
- Course ID
- SVB0053
- Teaching staff
- Dott. Carlo Robino
Dott.ssa Serena Aneli - Degree course
- Cellular and Molecular Biology
- Year
- 2nd year
- Teaching period
- To be defined
- Type
- Elective
- Credits/Recognition
- 4
- Course disciplinary sector (SSD)
- MED/43 - medicina legale
- Delivery
- Blended
- Language
- English
- Attendance
- Optional
- Type of examination
- Written followed by interview
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Sommario del corso
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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.
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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
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Course delivery
Due to the serious health emergency in progress and in compliance with the measures to contain the spread of Coronavirus infection, the teaching will be provided in alternative teaching methods (scenario 4 – blended solution) using the Moodle platform and with telematic meetings on the WebEx platform (https://unito.webex.com/meet/carlo.robino)
Instructions for using the platform are available and accessible on the UniTo website.
The measures introduced are applied on a temporary basis until the end of the emergency situation related to COVID 19.In particular, teaching will be provided as:
- discussion on the program topics live online via webex platform (recordings will be uploaded to Moodle).
- Video-recorded lessons (kaltura) covering the entire program uploaded to Moodle.
- online workshops (wexeb/kaltura) with exercises for self-evaluation provided on Moodle
- supplementary material (selected articles, link to relevant web resources) uploaded to Moodle
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Learning assessment methods
Multiple choice quizzes are provided through Moodle at the end of each topic. At the end of each laboratory (forensic software workshops) students are provided with exercises for autoevaluation.
Final assessment will consist of a classroom/Moodle written practice test focusing on the entire program covered in lessons (unless otherwise specified). Test will include 15 all or nothing multiple choice multiple answers, true/false, and short answer questions.
The duration of the test is 12 minutes (Moodle) or 30 minutes (classroom).
Moodle practice tests will be followed by a brief interview. in the interview, test results will be reviewed and an increase/decrease (max 2 pts) of the final grade will be possible.
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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
Suggested readings and bibliography
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Teachers will provide audio/video lessons, supplementary material including highly relevant articles discussed in audio/video lessons, general reviews, links to web resources.
Suggested reference books:
- John M Butler, Advanced Topics in Forensic DNA Typing: Methodology, Academic Press 2011
- John M Butler, Advanced Topics in Forensic DNA Typing: Interpretation, Academic Press 2014- Oggetto:
Class schedule
Lessons: dal 01/03/2021 to 28/05/2021
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Note
Course delivery may change depending on limitations caused by the current helth crisis. In any case, e-learning will be guaranteed throughout the academic year.
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