Course Title: Forensic DNA Analysis
Campus Course Code: CRIJ 4300
UTTC Course Code: CCJO 4300
Campus: UT El Paso
Program: CCJO
Course Description
DNA Analysis has its roots in Classical Genetics and Molecular Biology and has become an essential part of our everyday lives. From identifying missing persons to solving crimes, the ability to identify specific genes has afforded us with great power. When used in a court of law, the specificity of the evidence is remarkable, yet, how can judges and juries hope to understand the complexities of the techniques and the information revealed? The Federal Justice Department, the FBI. the National Research Council, the Departments of Public Safety in all states train their private employees in these techniques and analytical methods. They require their employees to take courses at universities in order to attain in-depth understanding and continuing education.
Major points in this course include:
a. Use of DNA analysis in law and medicine; TWGDAM guidelines;
b. Scientific analytical techniques used to identify specific genes and mutations in individuals;
c. Validity of DNA data for use in law and medicine;
d. Statistical interpretation of DNA typing results.
Materials
Visit the Bookstores page for links to campus bookstores that provide information on course materials.
Prerequisites: BIOL 1305 General Biology or its equivalent
Credits:3
Level:Undergraduate
Faculty
Paul Goldstein
pgoldste@utep.edu
915-747-6999