Forensic Science: DNA Analysis Course

Lesson 1 • Human Genome and Genetic Variation

Examines coding versus non-coding regions, polymorphisms, and allele frequency. Explains why certain genomic regions are forensically informative.

Lesson 2 • History of Forensic DNA Typing

Traces development from RFLP to modern STR profiling and beyond. Contextualises current methods within decades of scientific and legal evolution.

Lesson 3 • DNA Structure and Biological Function

Covers nucleotide composition, double-helix architecture, and base-pairing rules. Establishes the molecular basis required for understanding all downstream forensic techniques.

Lesson 1 • Identifying Biological Evidence Types

Teaches recognition of blood, saliva, semen, hair, and touch DNA deposits. Connects evidence type to appropriate collection strategy.

Lesson 2 • Packaging, Labelling, and Storage

Covers paper versus plastic packaging, labelling requirements, and temperature-controlled storage. Prevents degradation and supports chain-of-custody documentation.

Lesson 3 • Crime Scene Safety and Protocols

Covers personal protective equipment, scene security, and documentation procedures. Establishes safe working practices before any evidence is touched.

Lesson 4 • Contamination Prevention and Control

Identifies contamination sources and mitigation strategies including elimination databases. Directly supports the integrity of subsequent laboratory analysis.

Lesson 1 • DNA Quantification Techniques

Teaches real-time PCR quantification, fluorometric assays, and interpretation of results. Ensures accurate template input for downstream profiling.

Lesson 2 • Principles of DNA Extraction

Explains cell lysis, protein removal, and DNA isolation chemistry. Provides the conceptual basis for evaluating extraction method performance.

Lesson 3 • Solid-Phase and Automated Extraction

Introduces silica-based columns, magnetic bead systems, and robotic platforms. Prepares students for high-throughput laboratory environments.

Lesson 1 • PCR Quality Assurance

Details positive and negative controls, reagent lot tracking, and contamination monitoring. Ensures PCR results meet evidentiary reliability standards.

Lesson 2 • Forensic PCR Considerations

Addresses low-template DNA, inhibitors, and stochastic effects unique to forensic samples. Connects PCR theory to the realities of degraded evidence.

Lesson 3 • Multiplex PCR and Commercial Kits

Covers co-amplification of multiple loci and validation of commercial STR kits. Prepares students to use standardised reagents in accredited laboratories.

Lesson 1 • Database Searching and CODIS

Explains national DNA database architecture, upload criteria, and hit confirmation. Connects laboratory profiling to investigative database use.

Lesson 2 • Profile Quality and Reporting

Covers analytical thresholds, stochastic thresholds, and profile completeness criteria. Ensures students apply consistent standards before reporting results.

Lesson 3 • Capillary Electrophoresis Principles

Covers electrokinetic injection, polymer separation, and laser-induced fluorescence detection. Explains how fragment size translates to allele calls.

Lesson 4 • Electropherogram Interpretation

Teaches peak identification, sizing, and artifact recognition in CE output. Directly enables accurate allele calling from raw instrument data.

Lesson 1 • Population Genetics Fundamentals

Covers Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, linkage equilibrium, and allele frequency databases. Provides the statistical foundation for all forensic probability calculations.

Lesson 2 • Communicating Statistics in Court

Addresses prosecutor's fallacy, transposition errors, and expert witness testimony. Ensures students convey statistical findings accurately to legal audiences.

Lesson 3 • Random Match Probability

Teaches product rule application across STR loci to compute match probability. Enables students to quantify the rarity of a DNA profile.

Lesson 4 • Mixture Interpretation Statistics

Covers combined probability of inclusion, mixture LR, and probabilistic genotyping outputs. Addresses the statistical complexity of multi-contributor profiles.

Lesson 1 • Touch DNA and Trace Evidence

Covers collection, amplification, and interpretation of touch DNA from low-quantity deposits. Addresses transfer and persistence issues affecting evidential value.

Lesson 2 • Mixture Detection and Characterisation

Teaches identification of mixture indicators and estimation of contributor number. Establishes the analytical starting point for all mixture interpretation.

Lesson 3 • Probabilistic Genotyping Software

Introduces continuous and semi-continuous probabilistic genotyping platforms and their validation. Prepares students to operate and interpret software-generated LR values.

Lesson 4 • Degraded and Inhibited Samples

Addresses strategies for profiling degraded, inhibited, or low-copy-number samples. Connects sample condition to method selection and result qualification.

Lesson 1 • Next-Generation Sequencing in Forensics

Covers massively parallel sequencing workflows, library preparation, and forensic data analysis. Positions NGS as a unifying platform for STR, SNP, and mtDNA typing.

Lesson 2 • Mitochondrial DNA Analysis

Teaches mtDNA sequencing, heteroplasmy, and maternal lineage interpretation for hair and bone. Enables profiling when nuclear DNA is absent or severely degraded.

Lesson 3 • Single Nucleotide Polymorphism Typing

Introduces identity, ancestry, and phenotype-informative SNP panels and their forensic applications. Expands profiling capability for degraded samples and investigative intelligence.

Lesson 4 • Y-Chromosome STR Analysis

Covers Y-STR haplotype construction, database searching, and paternal lineage interpretation. Addresses male-lineage evidence in sexual assault and missing-person cases.