Forensic Biology (5 ECTS)

Objective

The student will
• understand the basic concepts of biology and genetics in forensic analysis
• develop skills in collecting, processing and analysing biological evidence
• understand the principles of DNA analysis and its importance in identifying individuals and establishing links between evidence and suspects
• learn how to examine batch samples, bloodstains, hair and fibres and other biological forensic evidence
• learn biological laboratory techniques used in food fraud analysis
• gain practical experience in a laboratory environment in carrying out biological analyses and interpreting the results
• develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills in the analysis of biological samples.

Content

The course provides an overview of forensic science from a biological perspective.

Forensic science
• Activities at the crime scene and collection of crime samples

Biological forensic evidence
• Blood and bloodstain analysis
• Semen and other body fluids
• Human and animal hair
-• Preservation and storage of biological evidence

Forensic DNA analysis
• Introduction to population genetics and heredity
• DNA amplification techniques; polymerase chain reaction (PCR and qPCR)
• DNA profiling
• DNA profiling and statistical analysis
• Mitochondrial DNA analysis
• DNA fingerprinting techniques for food authentication
• Case studies using DNA evidence

Serology and topical issues
• Serological testing methods for blood typing and antigen-antibody reactions
• Insect, plant and microbial evidence in forensic investigations

Location and time

1. period / Leiritie 1, Vantaa

Materials

Lectures
Jackson & Mountain (2017): Forensic Science, 4th edition. Pearson

Teaching methods

Lectures, labs, demos

Employer connections

Guest lectures

Exam schedules

The exact dates will be announced later, but the exams will take place during the first period as scheduled.

International connections

-

Completion alternatives

-

Student workload

Weekly assignments
Exams

Content scheduling

Lectures and group-specific (A and B) laboratory sessions are listed in the schedule.

Further information

-

Evaluation scale

0-5

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)

The student
• demonstrates an understanding of basic concepts in biology and genetics in the context of forensic analysis
• understands the issues involved in the collection of biological evidence, and a basic understanding of sample handling and analysis
• understands the principles of DNA analysis.

Assessment criteria, good (3)

The student
• has a solid understanding of the basic concepts of biology and genetics in the context of forensic analysis
• is able to collect, process and analyse biological evidence
• is familiar with the principles of DNA analysis and its role in identifying individuals and establishing links between evidence and suspects
• understands the biological techniques used in the analysis of food fraud
• is able to perform laboratory analyses of biological forensic samples and interpret the results.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

The student
• demonstrates an excellent understanding of basic concepts of biology and genetics in the context of forensic analysis
• has an excellent command of the collection, processing and analysis of biological evidence
• knows how DNA analysis can be used to identify individuals and establish links between evidence and suspects
• has a good command of laboratory analysis of biological samples and an excellent ability to interpret results
• demonstrates advanced critical thinking and problem solving skills.

Assessment criteria, approved/failed

The student
• demonstrates an understanding of basic concepts in biology and genetics in the context of forensic analysis
• understands the issues involved in the collection of biological evidence, and a basic understanding of sample handling and analysis
• understands the principles of DNA analysis.

Assessment methods and criteria

The final grade will be determined:
10-15 % learning diaries
25 % lab reports
60 - 65 % assignments and exams

Qualifications

Gene Technology and Basics in Bioinformatics