Module: Genetic & Pharmaceutical Analysis in Forensics

Module Specifications.

Current Academic Year 2024 - 2025

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Date posted: September 2024

Module Title	Genetic & Pharmaceutical Analysis in Forensics
Module Code	FSH401 (ITS) / CHM1000 (Banner)
Faculty	Science & Health	School	Chemical Sciences
Module Co-ordinator	Fiona Regan
Module Teachers	Ciprian Briciu Burghina
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5
Pre-requisite	Not Available
Co-requisite	Not Available
Compatibles	Not Available
Incompatibles	Not Available

Repeat examination

Description

To acquire a grounding in biological and chemical analytical methods that have applications in forensic science.

Learning Outcomes

1. outline the principle and applications of gene/profiling/DNA fingerprinting methods
2. critically appraise the technology and applications associated with mitochondrial and Y chromosome analysis
3. explain SNPs and their detection, and discuss their relevance in forensic biology
4. outline the principles of real-time PCR and describe its applications in forensic science
5. describe the area of forensic chemistry and the principal analytical techniques with which it is associated
6. explain the concept of trace evidence and its applications, particularly in relation to paint, glass, textile fibres and firearm residue
7. explain counterfeit products and the role of forensics and analytical techniques in identifying counterfeits - emphasis on pharmaceuticals and pesticides
8. explain the 'polluter pays' principle as applied to environmental forensics

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full-time hours per semester
Lecture	24	Lectures - synchronous and asynchronous
Tutorial	4	Tutorial/discussion
Independent Study	62	Literature and reference material
Directed learning	35	Directed learning
Total Workload: 125

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Overview the development timeline in forensic biology

Overview genetic typing methods and their applications

Review of Mitochondrial and Y chromosome DNA analyses

Review SNPs, SNP typing methods and forensics

Review Real-time PCR and applications in forensics

Review forensic chemistry and associated analytical techniques

Review trace evidence including glass, paint, textiles/fibres, explosives and firearm residue

Review the 'polluter pays' principle in environmental forensics

Review of counterfeit products -pharmaceuticals and pesticides

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	100%	Examination Weight	0%

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Course Work Breakdown
Loop Exam	Scheduled time-limited Loop exam	50%	n/a
Completion of online activity	Online assessments on Loop platform	50%	n/a

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories: Resit category 1: A resit is available for both* components of the module. Resit category 2: No resit is available for a 100% continuous assessment module. Resit category 3: No resit is available for the continuous assessment component where there is a continuous assessment and examination element.
* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a Continuous Assessment/Examination split; where the module is 100% continuous assessment, there will also be a resit of the assessment
This module is category 1

Indicative Reading List

Other Resources

None