Cellular and Molecular Biology

FORENSIC GENETICS AND LEGAL MEDICINE

FORENSIC GENETICS AND LEGAL MEDICINE

Academic year 2021/2022

Sommario del corso

• Course objectives
• Results of learning outcomes
• Course delivery
• Learning assessment methods
• Program
• Suggested textbooks and readings
• Notes
• Teaching tools

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 

Course delivery

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

The lessons will be held in presence and in streaming, recorded and published on Moodle platform.

In particular, teaching will be delivered in the form of:

1. Lectures and discussion in presence on the topics of the program with critical approach and in relation to the most recent literature.

2. Recordings of the streaming of lectures uploaded on Moodle platform.

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

The final learning assessment will be held in presence, in written form.
Students belonging to specific categories will be allowed to participate in online written exams (via Moodle and webex platform), followed by a mandatory oral exam.
In both cases the written test will include 15 all or nothing multiple choice questions. Time to complete the test will be 12 minutes. Maximum grade will be 30.
Face-to-face written tests will also include an open question (time 8 minutes, 0-3 points). 0-3 points will also be assigned after mandatory oral exam of on-line students. 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. Final grading of at least 33 will give rise to " 30 cum laude".

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

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

Class schedule

Note

Course delivery may change depending on limitations caused by the current health crisis. In any case, e-learning will be guaranteed throughout the academic year.

• Teaching materials
• Exams and finals
• Go to Moodle
• Visit the forums