Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2024 - ARCH 383 D100

Ancient and Forensic DNA (3)

Class Number: 7508

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2024: Mon, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

    Oct 15, 2024: Tue, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Instructor:

    Dongya Yang
    donyang@sfu.ca
    Office: EDB 9629
    Office Hours: Wednesday 2:30-3:30pm

  • Prerequisites:

    Any lower division ARCH, BISC, BPK, CHEM, CRIM or HSCI course.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Introduces molecular biology techniques used to analyze DNA to address archaeological questions and applications to degraded DNA samples for forensic identification of human remains and conservation of endangered species.

COURSE DETAILS:

Ancient DNA (aDNA) recovered from archaeological human, animal, and plant remains holds important genetic information that can be used to address many important archaeological questions. The methodology of ancient DNA has also proven to be very useful for the analysis of recent yet degraded forensic DNA samples in many cold or old cases.

This course consists of three main components: classroom lectures, hands-on DNA labs, and a group-work research proposal.

Classroom Lectures The weekly two-hour lecture will focus on the fundamental principles and methods of DNA and aDNA analyses and their unique contributions to archaeological research of the past and challenging forensic investigations of the present.

Hands-on DNA labs The course has been modified to include a weekly one-hour lab to give students hands-on lab experience. This lab will develop skills involving PCR set-up to amplify trace amounts of DNA to determine species ID of the DNA samples. Students will also learn the difficulties of avoiding human contamination when working on ancient human DNA or degraded forensic human DNA. Through DNA sequence analysis, students will gain experience with DNA GenBank search, DNA sequence comparison, and phylogenetic reconstruction.

Group-work Research Proposal Working in groups of 2-3, throughout the semester, students will develop a mock research proposal that uses DNA/aDNA analysis to obtain genetic information to study an archaeological question / topic or forensic /case scenario of their interest. The proposal project will be conceived, developed, and finalized through brainstorming and in-class presentations.

Grading

  • Written Exam 45%
  • Lab Report 25%
  • Proposal Presentation 5%
  • Proposal Write-up 25%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Elizabeth Matisoo-Smith and K. Ann Horsburgh. DNA for Archaeologists. Left Coast Press, 2012.
ISBN: 978-1598746815

Jane Moira Taupin. Introduction to Forensic DNA Evidence for Criminal Justice Professionals. CRC Press; 2014. 


ISBN: 978-1-4398-9910-6

[Note: the PDF of these two books can be downloaded via SFU Library].

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Department Undergraduate Notes:

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who may need class or exam accommodations, including in the context of remote learning, are advised 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.

Deferred grades will be given only on the basis of authenticated medical disability.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity website 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

RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.