Module Database Search
| MODULE DESCRIPTOR | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Module Title | |||
| Forensic DNA Profiling | |||
| Reference | PL4602 | Version | 1 |
| Created | October 2023 | SCQF Level | SCQF 10 |
| Approved | March 2018 | SCQF Points | 15 |
| Amended | September 2023 | ECTS Points | 7.5 |
| Aims of Module | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| To provide the students with up to date concepts and principles of forensic DNA profiling and to understand the relevance of population genetics. | |||
| Learning Outcomes for Module | |
|---|---|
| On completion of this module, students are expected to be able to: | |
| 1 | Examine the specific relevance of DNA profiling in forensic science, in particular the importance of statistical calculations. |
| 2 | Evaluate appropriate methodologies for recovery of biological evidence for DNA profiling. |
| 3 | Critique the utilisation of a chosen method of DNA profiling in a specific investigation. |
| 4 | Examine the relevance of population genetics in forensic science, and in population and evolution studies. |
| Indicative Module Content |
|---|
| DNA Isolation, purification and analysis, PCR (including multiplexing), STRs, SNPs, sequencing, electrophoresis. Recovery of biological evidence. Laboratory anti-contamination procedures. Interpretation and reporting of DNA results. Hardy-Weinburg and allele frequencies, population statistics and databases used in DNA profiling. This module aligns with United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions. Students learn how to maintain the integrity of evidence during forensic examination, analysis, and interpretation, contributing towards a fair judicial system and strong institutions. |
| Module Delivery |
|---|
| This is a lecture based module supplemented with student centred learning activities. |
| Indicative Student Workload | Full Time | Part Time |
|---|---|---|
| Contact Hours | 40 | N/A |
| Non-Contact Hours | 110 | N/A |
| Placement/Work-Based Learning Experience [Notional] Hours | N/A | N/A |
| TOTAL | 150 | N/A |
| Actual Placement hours for professional, statutory or regulatory body |
| ASSESSMENT PLAN | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| If a major/minor model is used and box is ticked, % weightings below are indicative only. | |||||
| Component 1 | |||||
| Type: | Examination | Weighting: | 100% | Outcomes Assessed: | 1, 2, 3, 4 |
| Description: | Closed book written examination, assessing knowledge of theoretical and practical aspects of the module, including a lab-related critical assessment question. | ||||
| MODULE PERFORMANCE DESCRIPTOR | |
|---|---|
| Explanatory Text | |
| Component 1 (Examination) comprises 100%. A minimum of a Grade D is required to pass the module. | |
| Module Grade | Minimum Requirements to achieve Module Grade: |
| A | A |
| B | B |
| C | C |
| D | D |
| E | E |
| F | F |
| NS | Non-submission of work by published deadline or non-attendance for examination |
| Module Requirements | |
|---|---|
| Prerequisites for Module | Successful completion of Stage 3 Forensic and Analytical Science or equivalent. |
| Corequisites for module | None. |
| Precluded Modules | None. |
| INDICATIVE BIBLIOGRAPHY | |
|---|---|
| 1 | GRIFFITHS, A.J.F., WESSLER, S.R., CARROLL, S.B., and DOEBLEY, J. An Introduction to Genetic Analysis. International Student Version. Current Edition. W H Freeman. |
| 2 | GOODWIN, W., LINACRE, A., HADI, S. An Introduction to Forensic Genetics Current Edition. Wiley-Blackwell. |
| 3 | ELKINS, K.M. Forensic DNA Biology: A Laboratory Manual. Current Edition. Academic Press. |
| 4 | BUTLER, J.M. Fundamentals of Forensic DNA Typing. Current edition. Academic Press. |
| 5 | HARTL, D.L. and CLARK, A.G. Principles of Population Genetics. Current edition. Sinauer Associates. |