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Forensic Biology: DNA Typing Applications FSCT 8160

Forensic Investigation Course

International Fees

International fees are typically three times the amount of domestic fees. Exact cost will be calculated upon completion of registration.

Course details

With the advent of new molecular techniques, DNA is the material of choice for forensic analysis. The current technology of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) makes it possible to identify an individual with a high degree of accuracy. A series of lectures and laboratory exercises will show students the strength of this powerful technique and how it applies to law enforcement.

Prerequisite(s)

Credits

3.0

Domestic fees

$925.93

Course offerings

Winter 2024

Below are two offerings of FSCT 8160 for the Winter 2024 term.

CRN 91804

Duration

Mon Jan 08 - Mon Mar 25 (11 weeks)

  • 11 weeks
  • CRN 91804
  • Domestic fees $925.93
    International fees are typically three times the amount of domestic fees.
Class meeting times
Dates Days Times Locations
Jan 08 - Mar 25 Mon 18:00 - 21:00 Burnaby
Jan 08 - Mar 25 N/A N/A Online
Instructor

TBD

Course outline

Course outline TBD — see Learning Outcomes in the interim.

Domestic fees

$925.93

Important information
  1. Departmental approval needed
  2. International fees are typically three times the amount of domestic fees. Exact cost will be calculated upon completion of registration.
  3. This is a hybrid course. ONLINE: Jan 8 - March 25, 2023 (asynchronous online learning), IN-PERSON: Mondays Jan 8 - Mar 25 (11 in-person classes). (F2F: 33 hours, ONLINE asynchronous: 12 hours). Attendance is mandatory for the F2F classes. There is no textbook required and the instructor will distribute any course materials (if any) in class. MANDATORY prerequisite FSCT 8150 must be completed before registering for this offering. There will be no class on Feb 19, 2024 for Family Day. Students who have been accepted into a Forensics program where this course is a part of the matrix may register without any further approvals. Students who are not currently accepted in a Forensics program or, if this course is NOT part of your program matrix, please contact the Program Assistants for departmental approval at BCIT_Forensics@bcit.ca .
Status

Cancelled

This course offering has been cancelled. Please check back next term, subscribe to receive email updates or contact us with your comments or questions.

CRN 77396

Duration

Thu Jan 11 - Thu Mar 28 (11 weeks)

  • 11 weeks
  • CRN 77396
  • Domestic fees $925.93
    International fees are typically three times the amount of domestic fees.
Class meeting times
Dates Days Times Locations
Jan 11 - Mar 28 Thu 18:00 - 21:00 Burnaby SW03 Rm. 4725
Jan 11 - Feb 01 Thu 18:00 - 21:00 Burnaby SW03 Rm. 4680
Jan 11 - Mar 28 N/A N/A Online
Instructor

Steen Hartsen

Course outline

Course outline TBD — see Learning Outcomes in the interim.

Domestic fees

$925.93

Important information
  1. Departmental approval needed
  2. International fees are typically three times the amount of domestic fees. Exact cost will be calculated upon completion of registration.
  3. This is a hybrid course. ONLINE: Jan 11th - March 28, 2023 (asynchronous online learning), IN-PERSON: Thursdays Jan 11 - Mar 28 (11 in-person classes). (F2F: 33 hours, ONLINE asynchronous: 12 hours). Attendance is mandatory for the F2F classes. There is no textbook required and the instructor will distribute any course materials (if any) in class. MANDATORY prerequisite FSCT 8150 must be completed before registering for this offering. There will be no class on Feb 22, 2023 (for UBC spring break). Students who have been accepted into a Forensics program where this course is a part of the matrix may register without any further approvals. Students who are not currently accepted in a Forensics program or, if this course is NOT part of your program matrix, please contact the Program Assistants for departmental approval at BCIT_Forensics@bcit.ca.
Status

Full

This course offering is full. Please check back next term, subscribe to receive email updates or contact us with your comments or questions.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful compleltion of this course, the student will be able to:

  • Execute biological screening of forensic evidence utilizing presumptive and confirmatory tests for various body fluids.
  • Demonstrate critical thinking skills while conducting evidence examination and maintaining a chain of custody.
  • Perform DNA isolation from various biological materials.
  • Perform polymerase chain reaction (PCR) experiments with a Short Tandem Repeat (STR) multiplex.
  • Compare the strengths and weaknesses of PCR experiments in the lab and in the field.
  • Conduct quantification of DNA samples including an analysis of the presence of PCR inhibitors.
  • Justify the importance of quality assurance and laboratory accreditation in the forensic laboratory.
  • Perform appropriate contamination control techniques.
  • Practice good laboratory safety including the use of personal protective equipment.
  • Outline the process of fragment analysis for forensic DNA typing.
  • Interpret single source and mixed DNA profiles including mixture deconvolution.
  • Apply Bayes Theorem, the laws of probability, and Hardy Weinberg equilibrium to the statistical analysis of forensic DNA evidence.
  • Perform various statistical calculations (Combined Probability of Inclusion, Random Match Probability and Likelihood Ratio) for DNA profiles.
  • Follow standard operating procedures (SOPs) while working in a team environment.
  • Demonstrate effective written and verbal communication skills to give effective presentations and write a comprehensive DNA report.

Effective as of Spring/Summer 2015

Related Programs

Forensic Biology: DNA Typing Applications (FSCT 8160) is offered as a part of the following programs:

School of Computing and Academic Studies

  1. Combined Honours in Biochemistry and Forensic Science
    Bachelor of Science Full-time
  2. Forensic Investigation (Forensic Science Option)
    Advanced Certificate Part-time
  3. Forensic Investigation (Forensic Science Option)
    Bachelor of Technology Part-time

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  • Privacy Notice: The information you provide will be used to respond your request for BCIT course information and is collected under Section 26(c) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA). For more information about BCIT’s privacy practices contact: Associate Director, Privacy, Information Access & Policy Management, British Columbia Institute of Technology, 3700 Willingdon Ave. Burnaby, BC V5A 3H2, email: privacy@bcit.ca.