DNA Forensics
May Term

Location:
Hederman Science, Room 105

Time:
BIO 5545 YMT MTWRF 9:00AM - 1:00PM
or
BIO 5545 ZMT MTWRF 5:30PM - 9:30PM

Instructor:
Dr. Robert Hamilton
Hederman Science Room 205

Phone (601) 925-3872


NOTE: I am available during these posted hours unless otherwise notified. I will be available during these hours without appointment unless I am occupied by a previous appointment.  Also feel free to e-mail me with any questions at rhamilto@mc.edu.

IF YOU NEED SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS DUE TO LEARNING, PHYSICAL, PSYCHOLOGICAL, OR OTHER DISABILITIES, PLEASE CONTACT DR. BUDDY WAGNER IN THE COUNSELING AND CAREER DEVELOPMENT CENTER. HE MAY BE REACHED BY PHONE AT (601) 925-3354 OR BY MAIL AT P.O. BOX 4063, CLINTON, MS 39058.

Textbook: An Introduction to Forensic DNA Analysis, 2nd ed. Inman and Rudin.

We will review the material as described in the textbook during lecture periods. Specific examples of protocols and methodology will be presented from the scientific and the law literature. Students will be expected to develop an understanding of the nature of DNA evidence and the manner in which it is presented in court. Students will be expected to understand how the collection and analysis of samples interacts with presentations of materials to support legal arguments in courts of law.


IF YOU NEED SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS DUE TO LEARNING, PHYSICAL,
PSYCHOLOGICAL, OR OTHER DISABILITIES, PLEASE CONTACT DR. BUDDY WAGNER IN THE COUNSELING AND CAREER DEVELOPMENT CENTER. HE MAY BE REACHED BY PHONE AT (601) 925-3354 OR BY MAIL AT P.O. BOX 4063, CLINTON, MS 39058.

THE LAST DAY TO DROP A CLASS IS ?????????. STUDENTS CANNOT WITHDRAW AFTER ?????????? UNLESS ALL OF THE THREE FOLLOWING CRITERIA ARE MET: EXTENUATING CIRCUMSTANCES (CLEARLY OUTSIDE THE STUDENT'S CONTROL)

PASSING THE COURSE AT THE TIME OF THE WITHDRAWAL

DOES NOT HAVE EXCESSIVE ABSENCES AT THE TIME OF THE WITHDRAWAL
NO REFUNDS FOR DROPPING A SINGLE CLASS AFTER ????

Course Description:

A study of the basic principles of DNA Forensics including the genetic materials tested, the nature of analyses and their used in courts of law.

Rationale for course:

DNA Forensics is the most well knom example of the application of knowledge of populations genetics in society.  DNA Forensics represents a leading edge in this field, which looks to become even more widely used in society in the future. An understanding of living systems sufficient for professional and pre-professional programs in the life sciences requires knowledge of such applications of genetics. Genetics thus fulfills the mission of the college through the concentrated study in specialized fields, in this case, the specialized field of population genetics. This course is also essential if students of the biological and biomedical sciences are to utilize their skills, talents and abilities as they pursue meaningful careers, life-long learning, and service to God and others. This course is specifically directed at in service professionals and pre and in service teachers.

EVALUATION:

There will be a midterm test worth 35% of the final grade given to the class on Friday, May 16 and returned Monday May 19. Each day late on returning the midterm will result in a 10% reduction in the grade given for the midterm.

An in class presentation of a case involving the use of DNA forensics will be made during the last week of classes. The rubric for presentations is posted here. This presentation will be worth 35% of the final grade. Students are expected to find and choose cases on their own. Each student must present a different case. Cases will be awarded on a first come first served basis. Students must present thier cases at the times assigned. Students can agree to switch times, but there will be no provision made to present more than the assigned presentations for any one class period.

An essay outlining the impact of DNA Forensics on society will be due the last day of classes. This essay will be worth 30% of the final grade.
 

Grading scale is: 90% or greater = A, 85-89.9% = B+, 80 - 84.5% = B, 75 - 79.9% = C+, 70 - 74.9% = C, 60 - 69.9% = D, < 60% = F

NOTE:

Any student who does not turn in the midterm by 5:30PM last day of class will recieve an F for the course.

Any student who does not present a case will recieve an F for the course.

Any student who does not turn in the assigned essay on the last day of classes will receive and F for the course.

As per school policy, any student who misses 3 or more classes (>25% of the classes) will recieve an F for the course.