Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2026 - ARCH 383 D100

Ancient and Forensic DNA (4)

Class Number: 5387

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 9 – Dec 6, 2026: Tue, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • 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:

Discover how researchers harness the power of DNA to uncover forgotten stories from the past and solve the forensic mysteries of today. This course explores how ancient DNA (aDNA) recovered from archaeological remains can bring past cultures, environments, and human-environmental interactions to life. You will also see how these exact same techniques are deployed in modern forensic settings to investigate cold cases and identify unknown individuals.

To bring these concepts to life, the course is built around three core experiential components:

Interactive Lectures

Weekly two-hour lectures cover the fundamentals of DNA and aDNA analysis. You will learn how genetic information is recovered from ancient or challenging remains and applied to both archaeological and forensic contexts. Topics include DNA structure and function, DNA extraction, DNA sequence analysis, contamination risks, and DNA data authentication and interpretation. To help you fully engage, each session features a dedicated 10-minute solo brainstorming period to anticipate and reflect on key issues and challenges, promoting proactive learning.

Hands-on Lab Training

In weekly two-hour labs, you will step into the shoes of a researcher and gain practical experience with essential DNA techniques. You will perform PCR (polymerase chain reaction) tests on surface DNA and use the GenBank database to identify the exact species of your generated DNA sequences.

This species barcoding exercise provides a simple, practical understanding of DNA-based identification. Through this direct, hands-on learning, you will discover firsthand that:

  • DNA is highly specific and can easily distinguish between species and individuals;
  • PCR is incredibly sensitive, capable of amplifying surface DNA without  an extraction process;
  • DNA analysis can be extremely vulnerable to contamination precisely because of this high sensitivity.

A take-home message from the lab: DNA analysis is extremely powerful in theory, but it is not absolutely error-free in practice. Always be mindful.

Mini-Research Proposal

Through a mock research proposal, apply your newly acquired lecture and lab knowledge to address a real-world DNA research question in archaeology or crime scene investigation. This project is designed to encourage proactive, original, and innovative thinking. In a unique and engaging twist, you will also be asked to review your own proposal alongside an AI-generated version to critically examine the pros and cons of each.

Who Should Take This Course?

This course is specially tailored to students in archaeology, criminology, forensics, or related fields who do not have a strong biology or genetics background. It offers a highly rewarding and accessible experience for anyone fascinated by ancient and forensic DNA and eager to learn the practical science behind it.

Grading

  • Weekly In-class Solo Brainstorming 10%
  • Weekly Labnotes 10%
  • Written Exam 45%
  • Final Lab Report 25%
  • Mini-Research Proposal 10%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Elizabeth Matisoo-Smith and K. Ann Horsburgh. DNA for Archaeologists. Left Coast Press, 2012. ISBN-13: 978-1598746815.


Jane Moira Taupin. Introduction to Forensic DNA Evidence for Criminal Justice Professionals. CRC Press; 2014. ISBN-13: 978-1-4398-9910-6


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

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: 


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.