School: Medical and Health Sciences

This unit information may be updated and amended immediately prior to semester. To ensure you have the correct outline, please check it again at the beginning of semester.

  • Unit Title

    Forensic Genetics
  • Unit Code

    SCH2142
  • Year

    2019
  • Enrolment Period

    1
  • Version

    3
  • Credit Points

    15
  • Full Year Unit

    N
  • Mode of Delivery

    On Campus
  • Unit Coordinator

    Dr Jemma Ann BERRY

Description

This unit considers the genetic markers used in forensic DNA typing laboratories, the underlying principles of DNA typing and the techniques employed in DNA typing. Paternity testing, crime scene analysis and mass disasters demonstrate the application of DNA typing. In addition, Forensic Genetics is used to solve older mysteries like those of the Romanovs, Tyrolean Ice Man, The Titanic and our relationship to the Neanderthals, Homo neanderthalensis. Students amplify and sequence the Hypervariable Region 1 of their mitochondrial DNA to identify their ancestral mother - their 'Daughter of Eve'. The importance of population genetic marker allele frequencies to all types of forensic genetic analyses is emphasised.

Prerequisite Rule

Must have passed SCH1133

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this unit students should be able to:

  1. Identify and describe genetic markers used in forensic genetics.
  2. Amplify, electrophorese and sequence the DNA of a variety of genetic markers.
  3. Discuss the validation problems associated with genetic tests.
  4. Design the most appropriate forensic genetic analysis for specified crime scenes.
  5. Describe how DNA typing is used to identify bodies/body parts from mass disaster sites.
  6. Analyse DNA sequences of mitochondrial Hypervariable Region 1 to establish ancestry.
  7. Explain the significance of population allele frequencies to all types of forensic genetic analyses.

Unit Content

  1. DNA Structure and Typing - DNA amplification, electrophoresis, QIAxcel electrophoresis.
  2. Types of Genetic Marker - short tandem repeat markers (STRs), variable number tandem repeat markers (VNTRs), single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), mitochondrial DNA haplotypes (mtDNA) and Y-chromosome STR markers (Y-STR).
  3. Forensic Genetic Complications - crime scene contamination, cause of death complications, DNA quantity and quality issues, courtroom challenges.
  4. Sexual Assault DNA Issues - Y chromosome haplotype limitations, mixed DNA analysis, allelic dropout.
  5. Mass Disasters - DNA from body parts and personal effects, use of STRs, SNPs and mtDNA markers/haplotypes, statistical considerations, kinship analysis, other methods of identification (dental, jewelry, visual).
  6. Sexual Predators - Classified by modus operandi and the amount of DNA left at a crime scene, VNTRs, sex determination, Y-chromosome haplotypes, STRs
  7. Serial Killers - classified by type of crime and the amount of DNA left at crime scene, the status of low copy number (LCN) amplification.
  8. Case Histories - mostly criminal, some anthropological.

Additional Learning Experience Information

Lectures. Laboratory classes working in pairs or as a whole class group. Challenge Laboratories working individually to solve forensics cases with appropriate forensic genetic laboratory techniques. Total contact time is 4 hours per week.

Assessment

GS1 GRADING SCHEMA 1 Used for standard coursework units

Students please note: The marks and grades received by students on assessments may be subject to further moderation. All marks and grades are to be considered provisional until endorsed by the relevant Board of Examiners.

Due to the professional competency skill development associated with this Unit, student attendance/participation within listed in-class activities and/or online activities including discussion boards is compulsory. Students failing to meet participation standards as outlined in the unit plan may be awarded an I Grade (Fail - incomplete). Students who are unable to meet this requirement for medical or other reasons must seek the approval of the unit coordinator.

ON CAMPUS
TypeDescriptionValue
TestMid semester test30%
Laboratory WorkChallenge laboratory and safety test30%
ExaminationTheory examination40%

Disability Standards for Education (Commonwealth 2005)

For the purposes of considering a request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Commonwealth 2005), inherent requirements for this subject are articulated in the Unit Description, Learning Outcomes and Assessment Requirements of this entry. The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the support for students with disabilities or medical conditions can be found at the Access and Inclusion website.

Academic Misconduct

Edith Cowan University has firm rules governing academic misconduct and there are substantial penalties that can be applied to students who are found in breach of these rules. Academic misconduct includes, but is not limited to:

  • plagiarism;
  • unauthorised collaboration;
  • cheating in examinations;
  • theft of other students' work;

Additionally, any material submitted for assessment purposes must be work that has not been submitted previously, by any person, for any other unit at ECU or elsewhere.

The ECU rules and policies governing all academic activities, including misconduct, can be accessed through the ECU website.

SCH2142|3|1

School: Medical and Health Sciences

This unit information may be updated and amended immediately prior to semester. To ensure you have the correct outline, please check it again at the beginning of semester.

  • Unit Title

    Forensic Genetics
  • Unit Code

    SCH2142
  • Year

    2019
  • Enrolment Period

    2
  • Version

    4
  • Credit Points

    15
  • Full Year Unit

    N
  • Mode of Delivery

    On Campus
  • Unit Coordinator

    Dr Jemma Ann BERRY

Description

This unit considers the application of genetics and genetic markers in a forensic context. It covers the development of forensic genetics, from historical beginnings to the most recent technology, the theory behind each of the techniques and their practical application. Using case studies, laboratory experiments and forensic challenges we will explore how forensic genetics plays a role across a broad spectrum of society, including crime investigation, victim identification, ancestry studies and paternity testing.

Prerequisite Rule

Must have passed SCH1133

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this unit students should be able to:

  1. Describe the DNA structures and characteristics that are most often examined in forensic casework.
  2. Apply the principles of genetic analysis to the examination of forensic DNA evidence from a variety of sources.
  3. Identify and describe the most common issues arising when conducting forensic DNA analysis.
  4. Apply laboratory skills in accordance with safe work practices.

Unit Content

  1. DNA Structure and architecture
  2. Genetic markers used in forensic analysis
  3. Forensic DNA Complications
  4. Forensic DNA applications
  5. Forensic DNA case studies

Learning Experience

Students will attend on campus classes as well as engage in learning activities through ECU Blackboard.

For more information see the Semester Timetable

Additional Learning Experience Information

Lectures. Laboratory classes working in pairs. Challenge Laboratories working individually to solve forensics cases with appropriate forensic genetic laboratory techniques. Total contact time is 4 hours per week.

Assessment

GS1 GRADING SCHEMA 1 Used for standard coursework units

Students please note: The marks and grades received by students on assessments may be subject to further moderation. All marks and grades are to be considered provisional until endorsed by the relevant Board of Examiners.

Due to the professional competency skill development associated with this Unit, student attendance/participation within listed in-class activities and/or online activities including discussion boards is compulsory. Students failing to meet participation standards as outlined in the unit plan may be awarded an I Grade (Fail - incomplete). Students who are unable to meet this requirement for medical or other reasons must seek the approval of the unit coordinator.

ON CAMPUS
TypeDescriptionValue
TestMid semester test30%
Laboratory WorkChallenge laboratory and safety test30%
ExaminationTheory examination40%

Disability Standards for Education (Commonwealth 2005)

For the purposes of considering a request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Commonwealth 2005), inherent requirements for this subject are articulated in the Unit Description, Learning Outcomes and Assessment Requirements of this entry. The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the support for students with disabilities or medical conditions can be found at the Access and Inclusion website.

Academic Misconduct

Edith Cowan University has firm rules governing academic misconduct and there are substantial penalties that can be applied to students who are found in breach of these rules. Academic misconduct includes, but is not limited to:

  • plagiarism;
  • unauthorised collaboration;
  • cheating in examinations;
  • theft of other students' work;

Additionally, any material submitted for assessment purposes must be work that has not been submitted previously, by any person, for any other unit at ECU or elsewhere.

The ECU rules and policies governing all academic activities, including misconduct, can be accessed through the ECU website.

SCH2142|4|2