FORENSIC GENETICS

Knowledge and Understanding

The student will acquire knowledge of:

• principles of molecular genetics applied to forensic identification;
• genetic markers (autosomal STRs, Y-STRs, mitochondrial DNA, SNPs);
• basic technologies for DNA analysis (PCR, capillary electrophoresis, sequencing);
• fundamentals of forensic statistics;
• principles of animal species identification through DNA analysis and fundamentals of the use of necrophagous insects for estimating the post-mortem interval (PMI);
• regulatory, ethical, and procedural aspects of forensic genetics.

Applying Knowledge and Understanding

The student will be able to:

• interpret forensic genetic profiles;
• assess the quality and reliability of biological samples;
• apply basic protocols for DNA analysis;
• understand and discuss genetic reports in a forensic and legal context;
• identify animal species of forensic interest through DNA analysis and interpret basic entomological data for PMI estimation;
• apply appropriate procedures for the handling and traceability of biological samples.

Making Judgements

The student will develop the ability to:

• critically evaluate genetic results and potential sources of error;
• recognize the limitations of genetic evidence;
• assess the reliability and significance of biological evidence in the context of a forensic investigation.

Communication Skills

The student will be able to:

• use appropriate scientific terminology;
• present results and interpretations clearly and rigorously;
• understand and discuss technical reports and expert opinions.

Learning Skills

The student will acquire the skills necessary to:

• consult scientific literature and international guidelines;
• keep up to date with technological advances (NGS, forensic bioinformatics);
• independently explore interdisciplinary topics.

The course includes:

• Lectures (DE): classroom-based teaching;
• Interactive Teaching (DI): laboratory activities, practical exercises, and case-study analysis.

Teaching activities include:

• simulations of forensic cases;
• interpretation of real or simulated genetic data;
• integration of genetic and entomological evidence.

The teaching activities are designed in an integrated manner to promote the development of practical and interdisciplinary skills.

 

Information for students with disabilities and/or specific learning disorders (SLD). In accordance with current legislation and to ensure equal learning opportunities, students requiring accommodations are encouraged to arrange an individual meeting with the course instructor in order to discuss any appropriate compensatory and/or dispensatory measures based on the learning objectives and their specific needs. Students may also contact the departmental CInAP (Centro per l'Integrazione Attiva e Partecipata – Services for Students with Disabilities and Specific Learning Disorders) representative.

Basic knowledge of the following subjects is required:

• genetics;
• cell biology;
• basic principles of zoology.

Such knowledge is considered essential for a full understanding of the course.

Attendance is mandatory, as established by the Academic Regulations of the Degree Programme.

Participation in laboratory activities is essential for acquiring the practical skills included in the course learning outcomes.

1. Safety in forensic genetics laboratories and sample management.
Safety regulations in biological laboratories. Personal protective equipment (PPE) and collective protective equipment. Biological and chemical risks associated with forensic samples. Prevention of DNA contamination. Procedures for the collection, preservation, and transport of biological samples. Chain of custody and sample traceability. Disposal of biological and chemical waste.

2. Introduction to forensic genetics.
History and development of forensic genetics. Applications: personal identification, paternity testing, and mass disaster victim identification. Types of biological evidence.

3. Genetic markers.
Autosomal STRs, Y-STRs, mitochondrial DNA, SNPs, and novel molecular markers. Forensic DNA phenotyping: inference of phenotypic traits and biogeographical ancestry.

4. DNA analysis techniques.
DNA extraction and quantification. Multiplex PCR. Capillary electrophoresis. DNA sequencing (Sanger sequencing and NGS).

5. Molecular identification of animal species and forensic entomology.
Genomic and mitochondrial DNA in the molecular identification of species. DNA barcoding and major molecular markers. Animal species of forensic interest. Principles of forensic entomology. Necrophagous Diptera, molecular species identification, and their use in estimating the post-mortem interval (PMI).

6. Interpretation of results.
STR profiles. DNA mixture analysis. DNA contamination and degradation. Analysis software.

7. Forensic statistics.
Allele frequencies. Random Match Probability (RMP). Likelihood ratio. Genetic databases.

8. Legal and ethical aspects.
National and international regulations. DNA databases. Privacy and informed consent. Role of forensic experts and technical consultants.

9. Laboratory activities.

• DNA extraction and quantification;
• PCR amplification of STR markers;
• electrophoretic analysis (simulated or experimental);
• interpretation of genetic profiles;
• simulation of a forensic case;
• molecular identification of animal species of forensic interest, with particular reference to necrophagous insects;
• interpretation of a forensic entomology case study for PMI estimation.

1. Butler J.M. – Forensic DNA Typing.
2. Goodwin W. et al. – An Introduction to Forensic Genetics.

Selected scientific articles on forensic genetics and forensic entomology.
Teaching materials provided by the lecturer.

The examination consists of:

• a written test including multiple-choice and open-ended questions;
• a practical test based on the analysis and interpretation of experimental data.

Assessment Criteria

The following aspects will be assessed:

• knowledge and understanding of the course contents;
• ability to apply knowledge and interpret data;
• ability to integrate knowledge from different disciplines;
• accuracy and appropriate use of scientific terminology;
• relevance of the answers;
• clarity of presentation.

 

Information for students with disabilities and/or specific learning disorders (SLD): In accordance with current legislation and to ensure equal opportunities, students requiring accommodations may request an individual meeting with the instructor to discuss appropriate compensatory and/or dispensatory measures, consistent with the learning objectives of the course and their specific needs. Students may also contact the departmental representative of CInAP (Centre for Active and Participatory Inclusion – Services for Students with Disabilities and Specific Learning Disorders) for further assistance.

• Describe the main genetic markers used in forensic genetics.
• Interpret a simple STR profile.
• Describe the role of necrophagous insects in estimating the post-mortem interval (PMI).
• Discuss the main sources of error in forensic genetic analyses.