Biological Forensics, 7.5 credits

Learning outcomes

Knowledge and understanding
After completing the course the student should be able to demonstrate

• knowledge of basic biological scientific methodology and biological analysis methods that can be used in a forensic context,
• knowledge of biological materials and what information can be obtained from them during a laboratory technical analysis,
• knowledge of, and to be able to describe, relevant biological analysis methods of various materials, and
• in-depth knowledge of physiology, genetics, molecular genetics and biological materials from a bioanalytical perspective.

Skills and Abilities
After completing the course the student should be able to demonstrate

• an ability to choose relevant biological analysis methods based on different materials and to be able to independently interpret the results from these analyses,
• reason about biological materials and analyses from a forensic context,
• independently find and compile scientific information, and
• communicate results, summaries and interpretations in both oral and written form.

Evaluation ability and approach
After completing the course, the student has the ability to

• evaluate and criticize both experimental results and theoretical interpretations, and
• search and evaluate relevant scientific information in the field.

Content

The course provides students with a basic understanding of scientific principles, appropriate methodology and analytical techniques for the identification of blood and body fluids, DNA, pathology and other forms of potential biological evidence. Furthermore, basic physiology, inheritance and regulation of genes in organisms and populations are discussed as well as basic genetic variation, with an emphasis on methods for applying genetic principles to humans or other biological material. During the course, the student will be trained in laboratory skills that are important for the interpretation and analysis of biological material.

Examinations and grades

Biological Forensics, Theory, 5 credits (Code: A001)
Grades used are Fail (F), Sufficient (E), Satisfactory (D), Good (C), Very Good (B) or Excellent (A).

Biological Forensics, Practicals, 2.5 credits (Code: A002)
Grades used are Fail (U) or Pass (G).

According to the Higher Education Ordinance, Chapter 6, Section 18, a grade is to be awarded on the completion of a course, unless otherwise prescribed by the university. The university may determine which grading system is to be used. The grade must be determined by a teacher specifically nominated by the university (the examiner).

In accordance with university regulations on grading systems for first and second-cycle courses and study programmes (Vice-Chancellor’s decision ORU 2018/00929), one of the following grades is to be used: fail (U), pass (G) or pass with distinction (VG). For courses included in an international master’s programme (60 or 120 credits) or offered to the university’s incoming exchange students, the A to F grading scale is to be used. The vice-chancellor, or a person appointed by them, may decide on exceptions from this provision for a specific course, if there are special grounds for doing so.

The grades used on this course are Fail (F), Sufficient (E), Satisfactory (D), Good (C), Very Good (B) or Excellent (A).

Comments on grades

To obtain a passing grade for the course as a whole, a minimum of grade E is required for the theoretical module on the course as well as a Pass (G) on the practical module including attendance during lab work, approved (G) lab reports as well as attendance during all mandatory seminars. The final course grade is based on the result of the theoretical part.

Modes of assessment

• Biological Forensics Theory (code A001): Written exam
• Biological Forensics, Practicals (code A002): Oral examination, practical examination and written assignment

For students with a documented disability, the university may approve applications for adapted or other modes of assessment.

For further information, see the university's local examination regulations.

Specific entry requirements

University studies in Biology and Chemistry equivalent to 60 Credits comprising at least 10 Credits in Cell Biology, 7.5 Credits in Physiology and 2.5 Credits in Mechanistic Toxicology (or 2.5 credits in Doping, Drugs of Abuse and Forensic Analysis).

For further information, see the university's admission regulations.

Other provisions

The languages of instruction are Swedish and/or English. The course is given in English if there are exchange students registered.

Students who have been admitted to and registered on a course have the right to receive tuition and/or supervision for the duration of the time period specified for the particular course to which they were accepted (see, the university's admission regulations (in Swedish)). After that, the right to receive tuition and/or supervision expires.

Reading list and other learning resources

Required Reading

Alan Gunn (Latest edition)
Essential Forensics biology, 3rd Ed
Wiley-Blackwell

Additions and Comments on the Reading List
Laboratory instructions and other material will be added.