Forensic Genetics

Code:

PD_CF65

Acronym:

PD_CF65

Keywords
Classification	Keyword
OFICIAL	Forensic Sciences

Instance: 2025/2026 - SP

Active?	Yes
Responsible unit:	Department of Public Health and Forensic Sciences, and Medical Education
Course/CS Responsible:	Doctoral Programme in Forensic Sciences

Cycles of Study/Courses

Acronym	No. of Students	Study Plan	Curricular Years	Credits UCN	Credits ECTS	Contact hours	Total Time
PDCF	2	Current Studies Plan	1	-	12	56	324

Teaching language

Portuguese

Objectives

This course unit aims to provide students with in-depth knowledge and advanced competencies in the application of Genetics to forensic investigations. It seeks to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the scientific foundations of forensic genetics, including the principles of heredity, genetic variability, and DNA structure.

Learning outcomes and competences

1. Identify and apply advanced laboratory techniques for genetic analysis in a forensic context.


2. Analyze and interpret genetic profiles, including challenges related to mixed DNA samples and degraded biological material.


3. Understand the legal, ethical, and deontological implications of using genetic information in forensic settings, including issues of privacy, informed consent, genetic databases, and fairness in the criminal justice system.


4. Integrate forensic genetics into complex criminal investigations.


5. Develop autonomous research skills, particularly in the critical analysis of scientific literature and the design of innovative research projects in the field of forensic genetics.

Working method

B-learning

Program

1. Fundamentals of Forensic Genetics.


2. Biological and Sexual Criminalistics;


3. Genetic Profile Databases;


4. Kinship and Relationship Testing;


5. Molecular Forensic Pathology;


6. Study of Human and Non-Human Mitochondrial DNA;


7. Laboratory workflow of samples collected in the context of Forensic Genetics;


8. Challenges and limitations associated with forensic genetic samples;


9. Forensic Microbiology;


10. Emerging Technologies in Forensic Genetics.

Mandatory literature

Butler, J. M. ; Fundamentals of forensic DNA typing, Academic Press/Elsevier, 2009. ISBN: 9780123749994
Butler , John Marshall; Advanced topics in forensic DNA typing : methodology. ISBN: 9780123745132
Corte Real, F. ; Princípios de Genética Forense, Imprensa da Universidade de Coimbra, 2015. ISBN: 978-989-26-0956-0
Corte Real, F., Santos. A., Cainé, L., Cunha, E. ; Tratado de Medicina Legal, Edições Pactor, 2022. ISBN: 978-989-693-143-8
Costa, S.; Da Cena do Crime ao Tribunal. Trajetórias e culturas Forenses. , Edições Pactor, 2020. ISBN: 9789896930974
Magalhães, T. ; Agressões sexuais. Intervenção pericial integrada, Edições Sociedade Portuguesa para o Estudo da Criança Abusada e Negligenciada, 2013. ISBN: 9789899727519
Nogueira Melo, S. ; Crime e território: estudos e experiências em políticas de segurança pública, Edições Instituto Maranhense de Estudos Socioeconómicos Cartográficos, 2021

Complementary Bibliography

Connon, C. C. ; Forensic DNA Analysis: An Overview of the Laboratory Process. Methods in Molecular Biology, Clifton, N.J., 2685, 3–20, 2023
Cooley, A. M.; Mitochondrial DNA Analysis, PubMed, 331–349, 2023
Fadoni, J., Santos, A., & Cainé, L.; Post-mortem genetic investigation in sudden cardiac death victims: complete exon sequencing of forty genes using next-generation sequencing. , International Journal of Legal Medicine, 136(2), 483–491, 2022
Lee H. Y. ; Current issues in forensic genetics, Genes & Genomics, 45(10), 1227–1228, 2023

Teaching methods and learning activities

Case discussions and observation of practices in an accredited forensic laboratory.

Evaluation Type

Distributed evaluation without final exam

Assessment Components

Designation	Weight (%)
Trabalho escrito	100,00
Total:	100,00

Amount of time allocated to each course unit

Designation	Time (hours)
Estudo autónomo	112,00
Frequência das aulas	56,00
Total:	168,00

Eligibility for exams

Minimum presence of 75% of lab practice

Calculation formula of final grade

Written assignment: 100%