91404 - Forensic Molecular Biology

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, students will acquire theoretical and methodological knowledge about the main applications of molecular anthropology in forensic sciences. In particular, students will learn molecular methods for the identification of biological samples and will be able to analyze genomic and epigenomic markers useful for the study of genetic variability, for personal identification and kinship analyses, for ancestry reconstruction, as well as for the prediction of physical characteristics and the estimation of biological age. Students will also acquire practical skills on the main statistical and bioinformatical methods of data analysis.

Course contents

The course contents will be organized according to the following main topics:

• Human genetic variability

• Analysis of biological samples from different specimens
  

• Molecular anthropology techniques for the analysis of genetic markers and DNA polymorphisms (autosomal DNA, Y- and X-chromosome, mitochondrial DNA)

• Statistical methods in genetic and forensic analysis
  

• DNA databases used in forensic and population genetics

• Forensic applications for personal identification, kinship analyses and reconstruction of biogeographical ancestry

• Prediction of phenotypic traits based on genetic data

• Analysis of human epigenetic variability in forensics

Readings/Bibliography

Lectures slides as well as selected scientific articles focused on the main arguments discussed during the course, will be shared with the students during the course by means of dedicated tools (e.g. Virtuale website).

Additional readings for students who want to further deepen some of the topics will be suggested from some chapters of the following book: “Forensic DNA Applications: An Interdisciplinary Perspective” (2014), Edited by Dragan Primorac and Moses Schanfield. CRC Press, Taylor Francis Group.

Teaching methods

The course consists of 6 ECTS of which: 4 ECTS (32 hours) will be supplied by means of frontal lessons, 1 ECTS (12 hours) of laboratory activities and 1 ECTS (12 hours) of in-silico exercises.

According to this typology of activities, in order to follow such a course the students should have attended Module 1 and 2 (e-learning) and Module 3 for specific training on safety and health at study locations.

Information about Module 1 and 2 are available at: https://www.unibo.it/it/servizi-e-opportunita/salute-e-assistenza/salute-e-sicurezza/sicurezza-e-salute-nei-luoghi-di-studio-e-tirocinio

Information about dates and modes of Module 3 are available at the web page of the Second Cycle Degree in Biodiversity and Evolution.

Assessment methods

The exam aims to assess the achievement of the learning objectives and consists of a written test made up of a combination of open-ended and multiple-choice questions, based on all topics covered during the course both as concerns frontal lessons as well as laboratory and computatinal activities. The final mark (expressed in thirtieths) is defined by the sum of the scores obtained in each question.

As regards the assessment of learning, the use of AI is prohibited during the exam. Any use constitutes a violation of academic integrity.

Students with learning disorders and\or temporary or permanent disabilities: please, contact the office responsible (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en/for-students) as soon as possible so that they can propose acceptable adjustments. The request for adaptation must be submitted in advance (15 days before the exam date) to the lecturer, who will assess the appropriateness of the adjustments, taking into account the teaching objectives.

Students recognized as “working students”: please consult the dedicated website (https://www.unibo.it/en/study/guide-to-choosing-your-programme/balancing-study-and-work) to apply for this status and to learn about the available measures.

Teaching tools

Lectures will be delivered using PC, projector and Blackboard/whiteboard. Laboratory activieties will take place in a didactic laboratory of molecular anthropology, and in-silico exercises through dedicated bioinformatic tools.

The PDF/PPT slides of the lectures and the scientific literature in support, as well as the laboratory protocols and the softwares/datasets used to perform exercises, will be shared with the students by means of dedicated tools (e.g. Virtuale)

Office hours

See the website of Stefania Sarno