Module Details
Module Code: |
ZSCI H4103 |
Module Title:
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Bioforensics
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Title:
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Bioforensics
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Module Level:: |
8 |
Module Coordinator: |
Paula Rankin
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Module Author:: |
Rosemary O'Hara
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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.
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Learning Outcomes |
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to: |
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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.
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No recommendations listed |
Co-requisite Modules
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No Co-requisite modules listed |
Additional Requisite Information
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None.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Blood and Bloodstains.
Identification, Blood grouping. Bloodstain pattern identification. Photographic documentation of bloodstain patterns and applications of luminal and other methods of visualisation.
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Bioinformatics.
Evolutionary Concepts, Information.Resources, DNA sequence analysis, Alignment techniques, Protein sequence analysis, Phylogenetic analysis, genomics.
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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.
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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.
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Module Content & Assessment
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Assessment Breakdown | % |
Continuous Assessment | 20.00% |
Project | 20.00% |
End of Module Formal Examination | 60.00% |
AssessmentsFull Time
End of Module Formal Examination |
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Reassessment Requirement |
Exam Board
It is at the discretion of the Examination Board as to what the qualifying criteria are.
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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 |
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Contact |
Lecture |
12 Weeks per Stage |
4.00 |
48 |
Independent Learning |
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Non Contact |
No Description |
15 Weeks per Stage |
5.13 |
77 |
Total Weekly Contact Hours |
4.00 |
Module Resources
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Recommended Book Resources |
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John M. Butler. (2005), Forensic DNA typing, Academic Press, London, [ISBN: 0-12-147951-X].
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Lewis Vaughn.. Bioethics, Oxford [Oxfordshire]; Oxford University Press, [ISBN: 0199796238].
| Supplementary Book Resources |
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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.
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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 |
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Other Resources |
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Eds: Ruth Chadwick and Udo Schuklenk. Bioethics, Wiley,
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