AP0726 - Forensic Genetics

Theoretical material will be delivered to you using a combination of traditional lectures, seminars, tutorials and in-class discussions. To embed the knowledge, you will also be given the opportunity to carry out practical laboratory work relevant to the module.

Technology enabled learning is used throughout this module to ensure that you have access to the required materials from a range of online sources including PC, laptop, tablets and mobile devices using the relevant software and apps.

You will be supported through active participation and discussion during laboratory practicals. These offer a unique opportunity to fully understand the scientific theory underpinning the laboratory tests and the interpretation of your scientific findings.
All lecture and practical material will be available on the University’s eLearning Portal, supplemented with guidance on further reading relevant to the subjects.
Written assessment feedback will also be provided to allow you to understand how you performed and how you can build on this performance in subsequent assessments within your programme.

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.

Knowledge & Understanding:
1. You will be required to provide your own opinion on the utility of genetic markers currently used in forensic science as well as recognising the potential of emerging technologies in the field.

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
2. You will be required to show an ability to explain and critically appraise results generated using forensic genetic methods in a case oriented context

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
3. You will be expected to provide your own opinion on the ethical and/or legal issues associated with the implementation of novel genetic approaches to forensic science.

1. Coursework (50%)

You will be asked to write a report on contemporary forensic genetic methods used within a case based framework. This assessment will allow you to gain a deeper understanding of contemporary and future forensic genetic methods and will prompt you to provide your own opinion on their use in forensic science (MLO 1, MLO 3)

2. Examination (50%)

You will sit a 2 hour unseen examination at the end of the course where you will be required to to explain and critically appraise results generated using forensic genetic methods in a case oriented context (MLO2)

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In this module you will discover the biological principles underpinning the scientific and statistical methods used to enable the identification of individuals from biological material recovered following unlawful activity. During the course of this module you will cover all of the major techniques that have been used in forensic genetics. You will also explore emerging technologies such as Next Generation DNA Sequencing and RNA profiling that are providing investigators with an ever increasing array of genetic information to progress a case. The ethical implications of the use of genetic information for criminal investigation and storage of information in DNA databases will also be considered during this course. The theoretical and practical knowledge gained in this module will provide the background necessary to pursue a career as a forensic DNA analyst upon completion of your degree programme.