Summer 2025 - MBB 463 D100
Forensic Genomics (3)
Class Number: 4206
Delivery Method: In Person
Overview
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Course Times + Location:
May 12 – Aug 8, 2025: Wed, Fri, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby
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Instructor:
Sophie Sneddon
sasneddo@sfu.ca
1 778 782-7140
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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:
- Background and history of forensic science
- Evidence
- DNA typing
- Genome structure and genetics
- DNA fingerprinting
- STR analysis
- Y STR/paternity testing
- Mitochondrial DNA
- DNA databases
- Public DNA services
- Genetic genealogy
- Advances in forensic genomics
- Applications of forensic genomics
- Ethical considerations of DNA collection
Grading
- Exam 1 20%
- Exam 2 20%
- Exam 3 20%
- Group assignment: Individual Report 20%
- Group assignment: Presentation 15%
- Participation 5%
Materials
REQUIRED READING:
There is no textbook for this course.
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:
- 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
At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.
To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit:
- SFU’s Academic Integrity Policy: S10-01 Policy
- SFU’s Academic Integrity website, which includes helpful videos and tips in plain language: Academic Integrity at SFU
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.