Module: Genetic & Pharmaceutical Analysis in Forensics

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Genetic & Pharmaceutical Analysis in Forensics
Module Code	CHM1000 (ITS: FSH401)
Faculty	Science & Health	School	Chemical Sciences
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

Description

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

Learning Outcomes

1. 1D76330E-F15F-0001-BBF4-45B183801FCA
2. outline the principle and applications of gene/profiling/DNA fingerprinting methods
5. 1
6. 1D76330F-014D-0001-355D-71D09554109C
7. critically appraise the technology and applications associated with mitochondrial and Y chromosome analysis
10. 2
11. 1D76330F-0A24-0001-EC79-202719E01A8D
12. explain SNPs and their detection, and discuss their relevance in forensic biology
15. 3
16. 1D76330F-1485-0001-1386-87F01B983A30
17. outline the principles of real-time PCR and describe its applications in forensic science
20. 4
21. 1B2B03A34E42A84E3F717AD115396FC35
22. describe the area of forensic chemistry and the principal analytical techniques with which it is associated
25. 5
26. 1B2B03A44A029329471F9FEA36D4BBEFC
27. explain the concept of trace evidence and its applications, particularly in relation to paint, glass, textile fibres and firearm residue
30. 6
31. 1B2B03A53E8C6B402051053EE69B17183
32. explain counterfeit products and the role of forensics and analytical techniques in identifying counterfeits - emphasis on pharmaceuticals and pesticides
35. 7
36. 1DDFF9D2-E738-0001-4B5D-1CEA1A807900
37. explain the 'polluter pays' principle as applied to environmental forensics
40. 8

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

Section Breakdown
CRN	10176	Part of Term	Semester 1
Coursework	100%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	N
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Fiona Regan	Module Teacher	Ciprian Briciu Burghina, Denis Collins, Mary Pryce

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Assignment	Book review	25%	n/a
Presentation	Presentation on a forensic-science related topic	15%	n/a
Participation	Attendance and contribution to online sessions	10%	n/a
Loop Exam	Assessment on topics in biological forensics, including research papers	50%	n/a

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

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

Indicative Reading List

Books:
None

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None