FORS 6601 - Forensic Genetic Genealogy

This course will introduce the use of genetic genealogy to investigate criminal cases, and also non-criminal cases. These can include investigations of homicides and sexual assaults (both current and cold cases), and also non-criminal investigations identifying birth families, identifying foundlings (abandoned babies/children), and also identifying Jane and John Does. This course will provide an in-depth analysis of the scientific methods used to create the genetic profiles used to establish genetic relationships. Topics will include but are not limited to autosomal DNA testing, Y-Chromosomal testing, mitochondrial testing, and X-Chromosomal testing. The ethical implications of genetic genealogy, and the current laws and policies governing it's use in forensic investigations will also be explored. 3 credits.