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Forensic Science Program FSCA 101 Forensic DNA Collection & Analysis September 2010 Course Title and Number: Forensic DNA Collection & Analysis Instructor's Name: Sherin Abdel-aal Course Prerequisites: General Biology Course Textbook: Butler, J.M. (2005). Forensic DNA Typing: Biology, Technology and Genetics of STR Markers (2nd edition) NY: Elsevier Academic Press. Saferstein, R. (2007). Criminalistics: An Introduction to Forensic Science (9th edition), NJ: Prentice Hall Career & Technology. Course Goals:To become familiar with the overall forensic process of collecting and analyzing DNA samples. Course Description: Principles of forensic identification, collection, analysis and comparison of the biological evidentiary samples, such as blood, semen, saliva and other biological samples. The role of a Forensic DNA analyst in criminal investigation and casework approach. Laboratory safety, quality, assurance, and quality control. Technology:Students are expected to be competent in using word-processing and presentation software. Use of the internet and E- mail is required. Please make sure to use Firefox internet at all times. Please also make sure that you have Microsoft power point, word, and excel. Writing Across the Curriculum:Students are expected to demonstrate writing skills in describing, analyzing, and evaluating ideas and experiences. Written assignments and research papers must follow specific standards regarding citations of an author?s work within the text and references at the end of the paper. Plagiarism:Plagiarism is the presentation of someone else's ideas or work as one's own. Students found plagiarizing are subject to the penalties outlined in the Policies and Procedures section of the University Catalog, which may include a failing grade for work in question or entire course. Ethics:Ethical behavior is required of every student during this course. Students are also expected to identify ethical policies and practices relevant to course topics. Accommodation of disabilities: For accommodations due to a disability, please contact the instructor before class begins. Learning Outcomes: Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to: 1. Become familiar with ABO blood typing that was used before DNA typing was discovered, 2. Explain how to identify a real crime scene vs. staged crime scene. 3. Determine what items of evidentiary may have probative value given case circumstances and how to approach casework analysis. 4. Explain proper collection and transportation of the biological evidence from a crime scene. 5. Understanding and explaining what type of analysis should be employed over another. 6. Explain procedures taken in DNA analysis. 7. Understand interpretation of results. 8. Understand the significance and value of maintaining chain of custody of samples and applying the laboratory safety measures. 9. Understand the significance of quality assurance and quality control. 10. Explain the duties of the DNA analyst as an expert witness and their role in the investigation. Course Requirements:Students are expected to attend all class sessions, participate in all class activities, complete all assignments, quizzes, exams, and research paper as scheduled and submit work on time. Late Assignments:Late assignments can be accepted at the discretion of the instructor. This will depend on the situation at hand. Course Standards:This course utilizes the AECT standards which are applied to the course through its design, development utilization, management and evaluation. University Grade Point System: A 4.0 96-100% A- 3.7 90-95% B+ 3.3 87-89% B 3.0 84-86% B- 2.7 80-83% C+ 2.3 77-79% C 2.0 74-76% C- 1.7 70-73% D+ 1.3 67-69% D 1.0 64-66% D- 0.7 60-63% F 0.0 < 60% Grading Factors: Class Participation 5% 50 points Weekly Assignments 20% 200 points Quiz 1 5% 50 points Exam 1 30% 300 points Research Paper 10% 100 points Exam 2 30% 300 points Total 100% 1000 points Course Schedule:This class is subject to change. Students will be notified as soon as possible if a change occurs. Class lecture will be held online in designated chat area (using Java) every Wednesday at 3:00-5:00 PST. Starting September 1st and ending September 30th. Week 1 (Sept 1st-7th) Topics covered in lecture:
Reading Assignments: Saferstein: p. 346-358, 367-376 Butler: p. 35-42 Quiz one will be posted Sept. 6th-7th and is due by 11:59pm PST on the 7th. Week 2 (Sept 8th-14th) Topics covered in lecture:
Reading Assignments: Saferstein: p. 364-367, 382-401 Butler: P.1-13, 17-30 Exam one will be posted on Sept.13th-14th and is due by 11:59pm PST on the 14th. Week 3 (Sept 15th-21st) Topics covered in lecture:
Reading Assignments: Saferstein: Chaper 13 Butler: p. 313-323, 345-360, 154-169, 373-386 Research Paper is Due on Sept. 21st by 11:59pm PST. Week 4 (Sept 22nd-30th) Topics covered in lecture:
Reading Assignments: Safersteien: p. 403-410, 411-412 Butler: p. 455-470, 498-515, 529-534, 435-449, 167-170, 201-215, 241-260 Final exam will be posted on Sept. 28th-30th and is due on the Sept. 30th at 11:59 PST |
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