Module Details

Module Code: ZSCI H4103
Module Title: Bioforensics
Title: Bioforensics
Module Level:: 8
Credits:: 5
Module Coordinator: Paula Rankin
Module Author:: Rosemary O'Hara
Domains:  
Module Description: To introduce students to the various concepts in Biomolecular forensics and the analysis of such forensic samples. Introduction to concepts such as Population genetics and evolution, Parentage testing, DNA profiles and databases, Trial evidence, Bioethics and Case studies.
Provide information for students so that they can be familiar with the software packages used for DNA, RNA and protein sequence analysis.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Know the different molecular forensic techniques used in the analysis of biological material. Describe the relevant internet based databases for storage, query and retrieval of biomolecular sequences. Be able to discuss and Evaluate evolutionary biology, paternity testing as well as DNA profile data.
LO2 Cognisant of the issues involving bioethics. Be able to discuss bioterrorism as a topic and in the context of bioethics.
LO3 Proficient in communicating with peers and academic staff using verbal and written methods of communication as well as presentations.
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is recommended before enrolment in this module.
No recommendations listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Additional Requisite Information
None.
 
Indicative Content
Introduction to Biomolecular forensics.
DNA as evidence, Sources of DNA for testing, DNA isolation, purification and evaluation; intact high molecular weight versus degraded DNA. PCR technology, Variable DNA and the key to DNA typing; multi-locus analysis versus polymorphic single locus genes.
Techniques and concepts.
Use of hypervariable or variable tandem repeat loci (VNTR’s) to identify individuals. Restriction fragment length polymorphisms. Protocols for restriction digestion, southern transfers, probdesign and hybridization. Automated systems for multi-locus analysis. Interpretation of data; band comparison and match criteria.
DNA databases and inherited disorders.
DNA profile databases, Population genetics, Frequencies of DNA patterns. Applications of the above. DNA diagnosis of inherited disorders; case studies with cystic fibrosis, hemophilia, huntingtons etc.
DNA in parentage testing.
DNA sample collection. Buccal swabs and home DNA paternity tests. Applications for newborn paternity testing, kinship and sibship analysis and criminal paternity. The paternity index, probability of paternity.
Blood and Bloodstains.
Identification, Blood grouping. Bloodstain pattern identification. Photographic documentation of bloodstain patterns and applications of luminal and other methods of visualisation.
Bioinformatics.
Evolutionary Concepts, Information.Resources, DNA sequence analysis, Alignment techniques, Protein sequence analysis, Phylogenetic analysis, genomics.
Bioethics.
Issues in Bio-ethics: Animal biotechnology, human genetic testing and reproductive technologies, genetic engineering, GMOs, stem cell research. Genetic screening; genetic privacy and societal issues. Ethics as they apply to the scientist. Regulations surrounding these issues both nationally and internationally.
Additional Special Topics of Interest.
These topics may vary from year to year depending on current developments. Case studies. Courtroom skills: Expert witness in an adversarial setting.Scientific evidence and admissibility standards; Case studies eg People versus Orenthal James Simpson.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Continuous Assessment20.00%
Project20.00%
End of Module Formal Examination60.00%

Assessments

Full Time

Continuous Assessment
Assessment Type Examination % of Total Mark 20
Timing n/a Learning Outcomes 1,2
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
Formative assessment may include MCQ and/or assignments and timely feedback being given.
Project
Assessment Type Project % of Total Mark 20
Timing n/a Learning Outcomes 1,2,3
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
Individual Projects on area specific to the module will be undertaken by each student during the year.
No Practical
End of Module Formal Examination
Assessment Type Formal Exam % of Total Mark 60
Timing End-of-Semester Learning Outcomes 1,2
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
Assessment will be linked with the stated learning outcomes mentioned earlier in the document. This will be a two hour terminal exam at the end of the academic year.
Reassessment Requirement
Exam Board
It is at the discretion of the Examination Board as to what the qualifying criteria are.

SETU Carlow Campus reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Workload Category Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Lecture 12 Weeks per Stage 4.00 48
Independent Learning Non Contact No Description 15 Weeks per Stage 5.13 77
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • John M. Butler. (2005), Forensic DNA typing, Academic Press, London, [ISBN: 0-12-147951-X].
  • Lewis Vaughn.. Bioethics, Oxford [Oxfordshire]; Oxford University Press, [ISBN: 0199796238].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • A.D. Baxevanis and B.B. Oullette. (2001), Bioinformatics: A practical guide to the analysis of genes and proteins., 2. John Wiley and Sons, New York.
  • edited by Ralph Rapley, David Whitehouse. Molecular forensics, Chichester, England ; John Wiley & Sons, c2007., [ISBN: 9780470024959].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
Discussion Note: