DNA Analysis in Identification, Kinship and Traceability

Code:

BIOL4035

Acronym:

BIOL4035

Level:

400

Keywords
Classification	Keyword
OFICIAL	Biology

Instance: 2022/2023 - 2S

Active?	Yes
Responsible unit:	Department of Biology
Course/CS Responsible:	Master in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology

Cycles of Study/Courses

Acronym	No. of Students	Study Plan	Curricular Years	Credits UCN	Credits ECTS	Contact hours	Total Time
E:BBC	0	PE_Bioinformatics and Computational Biology	1	-	6	42	162
M:BBC	4	The study plan since 2018	1	-	6	42	162

Teaching language

Portuguese

Objectives

1. Consolidate knowledge on the bases of genetic diversity and the factors that influence its population distribution


2. Mastering the methods and techniques of genetics applied in forensic expertise, from those used in laboratory routine to those necessary for the interpretation of results


3. Have a comprehensive overview on the situations involving identification, kinship and taxonomy issues, in samples either of human origin or from other species, and achieve the skills needed to deal with common and complex cases encountered in forensic casework


4. Understand the limits of the genetic contribution to answer to the problems posed in different investigations and comprehend the role of the expert in those investigations

Learning outcomes and competences

Understanding the role of genetics in solving legal problems.

Comprehension of the forensic cases that can be addressed by DNA typing.

Mastering the methods and techniques applied in forensic genetic expertise to human and non-human materials.

Working method

Presencial

Program

1. Genome diversity


2. Basic concepts of population genetics


3. Genetic markers in routine forensics.

Choice and validation

Methods and techniques of analysis

Quality control

Genetic databases

1. Statistical aspects related to problems of kinship, identity and allocation in a population or taxonomic category


2. Ethical problems and professional deontology in the forensic expertise field


3. Types of situations involving DNA analysis

6.1 In man

Kinship and parentage testing

Civil and criminal identification

6.2 In domesticates animals/plants

Ancillary in criminal investigation (e.g. pet animals)

Traceability of food products and GMOs

Falsification of identity and genealogy in breeding animals of high commercial value

6.3 In wild animals/plants

Causing body offenses (e.g., bear, wolf, tiger, ...)

Control of illegal use of protected species and their products

Mandatory literature

António Amorim; Handbook of forensic genetics. ISBN: 978-1-78634-077-1
John Marshall Butler; Advanced topics in forensic DNA typing. ISBN: 978-0-12-405213-0
Douglas J. Futuyma; Evolutionary biology. ISBN: 0-87893-189-9

Teaching methods and learning activities

Theoretical-practical classes: thematic blocks containing lectures and seminars taught using powerpoint-like presentations, interspersed with periods open for discussion; practical work involving the application of laboratory techniques; participated sessions focusing problem solving, including the use of different tools for statistical analysis and the interpretation of a simulated report.

 

Evaluation by final examination.

Evaluation Type

Evaluation with final exam

Assessment Components

designation	Weight (%)
Exame	100,00
Total:	100,00

Amount of time allocated to each course unit

designation	Time (hours)
Estudo autónomo	120,00
Frequência das aulas	40,00
Total:	160,00

Eligibility for exams

Participation in  practical sessions

Calculation formula of final grade

NA