Forensic Biology

COURSE DESCRIPTION - This lecture/laboratory course will be an overview of the biological evidence and techniques used in forensic science. Topics will include serological study, hair and fiber analysis, fingerprinting, pathology used in identification and trauma to the human body, blood spatter patterns, and toxicology. The course will also include an examination of the techniques used in recovery, replication and analysis of DNA that contributes to DNA profiling, particularly RFLP, VNTR, and STR-PCR analysis, and an overview of population variability and demographics. Students will be able to apply many of these techniques in the laboratory section.

PREREQUISITES - Principles of Biology I and II, Principles of Chemistry I and II

GOAL: to examine and practice the biological techniques used in forensic science.

TEXTS: CRIMINALISTICS: AN INTRODUCTION TO FORENSIC SCIENCE, 8 ed., Saferstein, R., Prentice Hall PTR, 2004.

GENETIC TESTIMONY: A GUIDE TO FORENSIC DNA PROFILING, Spencer, C. A., Prentice Hall PTR, 2004.

LAB MANUAL: CRIMINALISTICS: AN INTRODUCTION TO FORENSIC SCIENCE, 8 ed., Meloan, C. E. and James, R. E., 2004.

READINGS: Chapters from the assigned text MUST be read before the appropriate lectures. Recommended reading: FORENSIC DNA TYPING: BIOLOGY AND TECHNOLOGY BEHIND STR MARKERS, Butler, J. M., Academic Press, Incorporated, 2000 (Chapters 1-6).

STUDENT ASSESSMENT:

50% LECTURE

30% = 2 Scheduled Written Examinations**
20% = 1 Scheduled Practical Examination**

Practical Grade Breakdown:
50% - Work during recovery
50% - Final summary and analysis

50% LAB (Laboratory Schedule)

20% = Lab Reports (Drug, Fiber, Fingerprint Analysis)
25% = Lab Projects ("MyPortfolio")
5% = Lab Quizzes (on blackboard) and Homework (typed)

** NO MAKEUP EXAMS WILL BE GIVEN

FORENSIC BIOLOGY LECTURE SYLLABUS

Topics	Chapters	Dates
INTRODUCTION		1/16/08
CRIME SCENE - PHYSICAL EVIDENCE	2, 3S	1/23/08
ORGANIC ANALYSIS (DRUG ANALYSIS)	5S, 9S	1/30/08
HAIR AND FIBER ANALYSIS	8S	2/06/08
FORENSIC SEROLOGY	12S	2/13/08
FINGERPRINTING	14S	2/20/08
FORENSIC PATHOLOGY	blackboard	2/27/08
BLUNT AND SHARP TRAUMA		3/05/08
WRITTEN EXAM I		3/19/08
DNA BIOLOGY AND DNA TYPING	1/2B	3/26/08
DNA EXTRACTION/QUANTIFICATION AND PCR	3/4B	4/02/08
BIOLOGY OF STRS	5/6B	4/09/08
PRACTICAL EXAM		4/09/08
FORENSIC ISSUES IN DNA EVIDENCE	7B	4/09/08
WORK ON PRACTICAL		4/16/08
DNA MARKERS: ALU AND mtDNA	8B	4/23/08
CODIS AND DNA DATABASES	16B	4/30/08
SPECIAL; TBA		4/30/08
WRITTEN EXAM II		5/07/08

Dr. Annemarie Bettica X5120
Brownson Hall, Rm. 225
betticaa@mville.edu

BIOLOGY DEPARTMENT HONOR CODE

The biology department has adopted a “zero-tolerance” policy regarding any form of academic dishonesty.
Please read the guidelines at http://www.mville.edu/biology/honorcode.html.
As a student enrolled in this Biology course at Manhattanville College, you must agree to follow
the honor code of conduct as outlined and indicate so in Blackboard under Course Information.