Forensic DNA 101 Syllabus

An Introduction to
Forensic DNA Analysis

Note: Keith Inman and Norah Rudin are guest instructors of Knowledge Solutions LLC.
They can be reached at:
Keith Inman: kinman@ix.netcom.com, Norah Rudin: norah@forensicdna.com

For administrative information regarding this course
please contact us via our request form.

Lessons

Lesson 1:
Forensic Science and DNA

• Fundamental Concepts of Forensic Science
• Biological evidence
• DNA evidence
• Evidence collection and preservation
• Contamination

Lesson 2:
The Scientific Basis of DNA Typing 
(basics of genetics and molecular biology)

• Genetic Basis of Diversity
• Molecular Basis of DNA
• Molecular Biological Techniques Used in DNA Typing
  (electrophoresis, restriction enzyme digestion, PCR, hybridization, DNA sequencing)

Lesson 3:
Forensic DNA Typing Systems

• Length Polymorphisms 
  (RFLP Analysis,STRs, Gender ID)
• Sequence Polymorphisms
  (DQA1 + PM, Mitochondrial DNA Typing)
• Procedures for Forensic DNA Typing

Lesson 4:
Interpretation of Forensic DNA Results

• The Case
• Assessment tools
• Qualitative Interpretation of Case Samples

Lesson 5:
The Strength of Forensic DNA Results

• Strength of Forensic DNA results
• Population Statistics
• Likelihood Ratio
• Hardy-Weinberg and Linkage Equilibrium
• The Case
• Quantitative Interpretation of Case Samples

Lesson 6:
DNA in the Courtroom

• Admissibility
• Frye, Kelly-Frye, Daubert
• Quality Control and Regulation
• The Roles of the Players
• Use of Language
• Sample Trial Questions
• Conclusion of The Case

Readings

An Introduction to Forensic DNA Analysis, 2nd Edition
by Keith Inman and Norah Rudin is the required textbook for this course.

This book can be easily purchased from our online Forensic Science Bookstore. Just click on the book link above. For more books on this topic, visit the DNA Evidence bookshelf

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