Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2020 - MBB 463 D100

Forensic Genomics (3)

Class Number: 5442

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 11 – Aug 10, 2020: Wed, Fri, 8:30–10:20 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    MBB 331, with a minimum grade of C.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

A focus on the molecular and genomic biology associated with forensic science, including genome structure, genotyping, genetic analysis of DNA fingerprints, DNA data bases and CODIS, Y STRs. mtDNA and ethical considerations of DNA typing.

COURSE DETAILS:

  1. May 13:          Class introduction, What is forensic science?
  2. May 15:          Forensic science over the past 200 years
  3. May 20:          What is evidence? Blood as evidence
  4. May 22:          DNA typing methods/serology
  5. May 27:          Genome structure
  6. May 29:          Genetics
  7. June 3:           Exam #1 (covering lectures 1-6)
  8. June 5:           Assignment posted, Case study
  9. June 10:         DNA as evidence
  10. June 13:         DNA fingerprinting
  11. June 17:         STR analysis
  12. June 19:         Y STR and paternity testing
  13. June 24:         mtDNA analysis
  14. June 26:         DNA databases
  15. July 1:            Exam #2 (covering lectures 8-14)
  16. July 3:            Case study: is DNA evidence infallible? OJ Simpson
  17. July 8:            23andme/ancestry.com etc
  18. July 10:          Genetic genealogy
  19. July 15:          Case study: East area rapist
  20. July 17:          Modern advances in forensic genomics 
  21. July 22:          Applications of forensic genomics: disaster identification
  22. July 24:          Applications of forensic genomics: historical identification
  23. July 29:          Exam #3 (covering lectures 16-22)
  24. July 31:          Presentations
  25. Aug 5:            Presentations, report due
  26. Aug 7:            Ethical considerations of DNA collection

Grading

  • Exam 1 20%
  • Exam 2 20%
  • Exam 3 20%
  • Group assignment: Individual Report 25%
  • Group assignment: Presentation 15%

REQUIREMENTS:

For Summer 2020 only.
If you do not have MBB 331 as a pre-requisite but have completed MBB 231 and have a cGPA of 2.7 or higher, please contact the MBB advisor, Evon Khor at mbbadv@sfu.ca.  Please include your student number in the e-mail.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

There is no textbook for this course.

Department Undergraduate Notes:


  • For help with writing, learning and study strategies please contact the Student Learning Commons at
    http://learningcommons.sfu.ca/
  • Students requiring accommodations as a result of a disability, must contact the Centre for Accessible Learning (778-782-3112 or e-mail:  caladmin@sfu.ca)

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

TEACHING AT SFU IN SUMMER 2020

Please note that all teaching at SFU in summer term 2020 will be conducted through remote methods. Enrollment in this course acknowledges that remote study may entail different modes of learning, interaction with your instructor, and ways of getting feedback on your work than may be the case for in-person classes.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who believe they may need class or exam accommodations, including in the current context of remote learning, are encouraged to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112) as soon as possible to ensure that they are eligible and that approved accommodations and services are implemented in a timely fashion.