Examination of biological evidence will be addressed in this module, with topics ranging from the processing of recovered evidential samples, identification of body fluids and analysis of DNA samples. The processes involved in DNA recovery, extraction, quantification and analysis will be discussed, with specific reference to the current DNA profiling techniques used. Alternative types of DNA analysis, including mitochondrial DNA sequencing and Y-STR analysis will also be introduced. The statistical interpretation of DNA evidence through Bayesian perspective will be covered, enabling an understanding of how DNA evidence is reported in a court of law.

Additional forensic biology topics that will be addressed are forensic entomology, blood pattern analysis and analysis of hair evidence. Factors influencing the succession of insects onto a corpse will form part of the analysis. Blood Pattern Analysis (BPA) enables several pieces of information to potentially be gained from scene evidence, including a recreation of the series of events that led to the bloodshed, the nature of the offence, and the likelihood of finding blood on the assailant. Hair analysis can be useful in terms of associating an individual with a crime scene, with the identification of either human or animal hair, or by indicating the use of drugs and alcohol. All of these biological evidence types can play a key part in forensic investigations.

The practical element of this module will provide hands on experience of a wide range of biological evidence processing and DNA profiling to illustrate the importance of sample preparation for obtaining DNA information from different evidence types such as hair, saliva, semen and blood.

Report (Mock Evidence) - Learning outcomes 1, 2 and 3

This report will be used to show understanding of the concepts and application of techniques from the biological sciences that are used in forensic investigation, based on the first half of the module.

Report (DNA Interpretation) - Learning outcomes 1, 2 and 3

This report will be used to show understanding of the concepts and application of techniques from the biological sciences that are used in forensic investigation, based on the second half of the module and will be focused on DNA profiling and mtDNA interpretation.

Court report – Learning outcomes 2, 3 and 4

Your final assignment will be in the form of a practical report produced in the style of a court report. This is a group production, with individual contributions of each being approximately adding up to 3000 words.

You will use a mixture of online resources alongside class-based activities and discussion boards to engage with this module. The practical element of this module will provide hands on experience of a wide range of biological evidence processing and DNA profiling to illustrate the importance of sample preparation for obtaining DNA information from different evidence types such as hair, saliva, semen and blood (encompassing most of the theory you cover in this module). The practical work will involve you working in groups to undertake different forensic analysis.

During the course of the module there will be regular formative assessments with some aligned to the summative assessments listed above, these will be used to provide feedback and feedforward.

Module Learning Outcome

1. Combine fundamental scientific principles to appraise a range of forensic biological techniques with confidence.

University Learning Outcome

Knowledge and Understanding
Enquiry

Module Learning Outcome

2. Evaluate the appropriateness of different techniques for the analysis of forensic-related evidence of a biological nature

University Learning Outcome

Knowledge and Understanding
Application

Module Learning Outcome

3. Assimilate information on new forensic biological techniques in order to present this knowledge professionally.

University Learning Outcome

Learning
Communication
Reflection

Module Learning Outcome

4. Produce accurate and reliable practical reports that critically interpret results of a study in the context of the wider literature.

University Learning Outcome

Analysis
Communication
Application

Library access¿(including online library resources)¿is necessary.

Butler, J. M. (2011). Advanced topics in forensic DNA typing: methodology. London: Academic Press.

Butler, J. M. (2014). Advanced topics in forensic DNA typing: interpretation. London: Academic Press.

Gunn, A. (2019). Essential forensic biology. London: John Wiley & Sons.

N/A

Gain an understanding of the techniques used in the analysis of biological evidence, including body fluids and DNA analysis. Develop skills in the interpretation of the results obtained in the context of an investigation. Acquire knowledge of specialised techniques. Consider the ethical and moral dilemmas faced by researchers and practitioners, for instance in the duty of the forensic practitioner how they must not withhold, distort or modify any relevant information, misinterpret the available evidence, and attempt to avoid or deny the contrary evidence. Similarly, you will consider concerns around national DNA databases expansion and the breach of personal space.