Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2025 - ARCH 383 D100

Ancient and Forensic DNA (4)

Class Number: 4637

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Tue, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Dec 9, 2025
    Tue, 11:59–11:59 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:

Have you ever wondered how scientists use DNA to uncover stories from the distant past or solve modern forensic mysteries? This course explores how ancient DNA (aDNA) recovered from archaeological human, animal, and plant remains helps to answer key questions about past cultures and environments. You will also learn how aDNA techniques are applied in forensic contexts to investigate cold cases and identify unknown individuals.

This course has three main components: interactive lectures, hands-on lab training, and a mini research proposal project.

Interactive Lectures: Each week, there will be a two-hour lecture covering the basics of DNA and aDNA, including topics such as what it is, how it works, and how scientists analyze it. You will learn how genetic information is recovered from ancient remains, how it is used to study ancient people, animals, and plants, and how it contributes to solving modern forensic cases. Additional topics include DNA structure and function, contamination risks, DNA extraction and other lab methods, and interpretation of DNA results. The lecture time will also include a weekly 10-minute solo-brainstorming session for students to reflect and consider 2-3 questions or topics.

Hands-on Lab Training: Once a week, you will participate in a two-hour lab session where you will gain real-world experience with DNA techniques. Throughout the labs, you will use a pipette to set up your own PCR (polymerase chain reaction) tests from surface DNA (like touch DNA) to generate DNA sequences / profiles. You will then search the obtained DNA sequences through the GenBank database to immediately learn the species ID of your obtained surface DNA.

This species barcoding technique is a simple and effective way for non-genetics students to gain a solid understanding of the fundamental aspects of DNA-based identifications in ancient or forensic DNA analysis. More specifically, students will understand from their own experiential learning that 1) DNA is very informative and specific, and can easily separate species and even individuals from each other; 2) PCR is extremely powerful and sensitive, and can pick up DNA from surfaces without the DNA extraction process; and 3) DNA analysis is extremely vulnerable to contamination due to the hyper-sensitivity of PCR techniques.

Mini-Research Proposal You will be asked to apply what you have learned from the lecture and the lab work to address a DNA-related research question / topic / issue in archaeology or crime scene investigation. This mini-research proposal is designed to encourage students to think more proactively, originally, and innovatively.

Who Should Take This Course? This course is tailored towards students from archaeology, criminology, forensics or related disciplines who do not necessarily have a strong background in biology or genetics. This course may prove to be a very rewarding undertaking for students who are not just fascinated by ancient and forensic DNA but also endeavour to know more about the analysis of DNA.

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: 9781598746815

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


ISBN: 9781439899106

[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

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.