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Forensic Biology: DNA Typing Theory FSCT 8150

Forensic Investigation Course

International Fees

International fees are typically three times the amount of domestic fees. Exact cost will be calculated upon completion of registration.

Course details

This course provides instruction in forensic biology with a focus on current short tandem repeat (STR) technologies. The design of the course follows the logical progression of a forensic DNA case by including instruction in: evidence gathering and preservation techniques, the identification of biological evidence including presumptive and confirmatory testing, the extraction, quantitation and PCR amplification analysis strategies for common types of biological evidence (bodily fluids, hard and soft tissues and "touch" DNA), and the interpretation methods utilized for single-source profiles, mixed profiles, parentage and kinship scenarios. Each module also includes practical interpretation exercises based on real case work scenarios in order to underpin the theoretical aspects of this applied forensic discipline.

Prerequisite(s)

  • 3 credits of university/college biology course

Credits

3.0

Domestic fees

$801.23

Course offerings

Spring/Summer 2024

Below is one offering of FSCT 8150 for the Spring/Summer 2024 term.

CRN 66622

Duration

Mon Apr 29 - Fri Jul 19 (12 weeks)

  • 12 weeks
  • CRN 66622
  • Domestic fees $801.23
    International fees are typically three times the amount of domestic fees.
Class meeting times
Dates Days Times Locations
Apr 29 - Jul 19 N/A N/A Online
Jun 21 - Jun 28 Fri 18:00 - 21:00 Online
Instructor

Jason Moore

Course outline

View

Domestic fees

$801.23

Important information
  1. Internet delivery format.
  2. Departmental approval needed
  3. International fees are typically three times the amount of domestic fees. Exact cost will be calculated upon completion of registration.
  4. Pre-requisite must be completed before taking this course. Co-instructor: Georgia Lush. Synchronous ONLINE classes: Fri, June 21 and Fri, June 28 (6-9pm PST) with the remainder of the classes asynchronous online. Dates to note: midterm, online: Fri June 14th, final exam, online: Fri, July 19th. Required textbook: www.bcitbookstore.ca/bcit/buy_textbooks.asp. Students who have been accepted into a Forensics program where this course is a part of the matrix may register without any further approvals. Students who are not currently accepted in a Forensics program or, if this course is NOT part of your program matrix, please contact the Program Assistants for departmental approval at BCIT_Forensics@bcit.ca . For information on Forensic programs and courses, please visit: www.bcit.ca/cas/forensics.
Status

In Progress

This course offering is in progress. Please check back next term, subscribe to receive email updates or contact us with your comments or questions.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

  • Compare and contrast “historical” and contemporary DNA Typing technologies.
  • Select proper evidence collection and handling techniques from a given crime scene (from the perspective of the forensic biologist).
  • Determine proper evidence recovery techniques for evidentiary items submitted to the laboratory for forensic DNA analysis.
    • Justify the choice of presumptive and/or confirmatory tests for specific types of DNA evidence.
    • Interpret the results of presumptive and/or confirmatory tests for biological fluids.
  • Explain proper DNA extraction (purification) methods.
    • Justify the choice of DNA purification method, consistent with the type of DNA evidence.
  • Differentiate the current DNA quantitation methods for DNA evidence.
    • Interpret DNA quantitation results with respect to subsequent DNA analysis methods.
  • Contrast the PCR-STR’s methods utilized for human identification applications.
    • Evaluate the quality of a single-source and mixed STR profiles for human identification applications.
  • Apply the statistical analysis methods pertinent to a forensic DNA analysis.
    • Interpret a single-source STR profile for human identification applications.
    • Interpret a mixed STR profile for human identification applications.
    • Conduct Random Match Probability, Likelihood Ratio, and Combined Probability of Inclusion calculations.
  • Discuss the fundamentals of DNA separation and detection utilizing a genetic analyzer.
  • Interpret challenging DNA profiles that are the result of degraded, low template or mixed DNA.
  • Justify alternative applications of STR technologies including the use in kinship and parentage cases.
  • Discuss the role of quality assurance in the lab and how it can help prevent or recognize laboratory errors.
  • Outline the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) and explain the importance of DNA databases.

Effective as of Spring/Summer 2015

Related Programs

Forensic Biology: DNA Typing Theory (FSCT 8150) is offered as a part of the following programs:

  • Indicates programs accepting international students.
  • Indicates programs with a co-op option.

School of Computing and Academic Studies

  1. Combined Honours in Biochemistry and Forensic Science
    Bachelor of Science Full-time
  2. Forensic Investigation (Forensic Science Option)
    Advanced Certificate Part-time
  3. Forensic Investigation (Forensic Science Option)
    Bachelor of Technology Part-time

Contact Us

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  • Privacy Notice: The information you provide will be used to respond your request for BCIT course information and is collected under Section 26(c) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA). For more information about BCIT’s privacy practices contact: Associate Director, Privacy, Information Access & Policy Management, British Columbia Institute of Technology, 3700 Willingdon Ave. Burnaby, BC V5A 3H2, email: privacy@bcit.ca.