FORS 4403 - Forensic Biology with Laboratory

Prerequisite: FORS 3402. This course is intended to provide hands-on experience of what it is to be a forensic biologist/DNA analyst. Students will complete the processing and analysis of a piece of evidence, with multiple biological samples on it, from documentation to the development of DNA profiles. DNA extraction, quantitation, PCR amplification, allele detection, PCR artifact identification, and DNA profile interpretation will be performed by each student. The areas of laboratory quality assurance/quality control will also be covered within the context of the Quality Assurance Standards for Forensic DNA Testing Laboratories. Finally, the importance and ethical implications of accurate reporting of findings will be discussed. Laboratory fee; 4 credits.