B9463 - FORENSIC APPLICATIONS IN PRENATAL AND POSTNATAL SCIENCES

Learning outcomes

Learn the principles and applications of DNA profiling, mRNA profiling, STR analysis, and mitochondrial DNA analysis in personal identification and kinship testing. Train students to apply molecular techniques in forensic contexts. Provide guidelines for laboratory quality control, proficiency testing, and result validation. Introduce the operational standards for forensic laboratories, including chain of custody, accreditation, and compliance with legal frameworks. Highlight the ethical responsibilities and limitations of forensic molecular analysis.

Course contents

Introduction to forensic medicine and applications in forensic sciences.

Crime scene investigation, Blood Stain Pattern analysis, body fluid identification in forensic

Methods in Forensic Genetics: DNA extraction, Quantitation by HID kits and Amplification in multiplex PCR, DNA profiling in human identification and kinship analysis, Sequencing of nuDNA and mtDNA, lineage markers in forensic genetics, interpretation of complex and Low Template DNA profiles, biostatistical evaluation in kinship/paternity testing and personal identification

Methods in Forensic Toxicology: definition of toxic substances and drug-related deaths, intentional and accidental fatal/non-fatal intoxications, acute and chronic effects of drug abuse, sampling methods and pre-analytical phases, analysis of biological and non-biological samples, techniques of analysis

Recent advances in forensic genetics (MPS and new markers),DNA phenotyping and SNP markers, Epigenetics and DNA methylation

Guidelines and recommendations in forensic analysis, National DNA databases

Pharmacogenetics in forensic sciences

Good practice in forensic genetics labs: ISO9001:2015 and general accreditation requirements (European Standard EN/ISO/IEC 17025) in a forensic lab

Readings/Bibliography

J. Butler Fundamentals of Forensic DNA Typing

R.B. Dettmeyer, Forensic Medicine - Fundamental and perspectives

Guidelines and Recommendations of Ge.F.I., ISFG and ENFSI

Original research articles and reviews on Pubmed

Teaching methods

Frontal lessons with slides assistance

Examples of real caseworks

Teaching laboratories

Assessment methods

Student learning will be assessed by a multiple-choice questions text and one short answer question.

Possibility of oral exam

Teaching tools

Slides and supplementary materials will be provided

Discussion of casework and biostatistical evaluation using the HID software

Office hours

See the website of Carla Bini