Class Forensic Biology and Genetics

Genetics, as a domain of biology and medicine, has seen absolutely remarkable advances since the beginning of this century, mainly as a result of the emergence and integration of DNA/RNA molecular analysis methodologies. Forensic genetics, a specialty that makes available and applies the knowledge specific of genetics to the resolution of judicial and legal matters, is an area that, on one hand, receives contributions and collaborations and, on the other hand, can integrate the range of knowledge and, eventually, skills of professionals as diverse as lawyers, biologists, biochemists, criminologists, engineers, pharmacists, jurists, magistrates, doctors, psychologists, among others.

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Human genome, DNA organization and classification. DNA polymorphisms and genetic markers in human identification. Autosomes, Y and X chromosomes, mitochondrial DNA: concepts and applications. Allelic frequencies and the parameters Probability of Paternity/Kinship, Paternity/Kinship Index and Likelihood Ratio (LR). Digital tools in forensic genetics. Methods of study and laboratory analysis in forensic genetics. Samples studied by forensic genetics: procedures for sample collection, shipment and storage. The chain of custody. Forensic biology and genetics expertise in the context of the legal regime of medico-legal and forensic expertise. Determination of animal species. Determination of sex. Investigation of biological kinship. Medico-legal identification. Biological criminalistics. DNA Profile Databases. Cases of interest or historical relevance with intervention of forensic genetics.    

Classes with oral presentations accompanied by digital presentation tools covering the main themes and concepts in the field of forensic biology and genetics, along with presentations of related routine expert activities, encouraging understanding and reasoning about the processing of forensic biology and genetics expert reports, from the request for expert examinations to the preparation of the expert report and the presentation of forensic biology and genetics evidence in court. Presentation of results of forensic biology and genetics expert examinations for critical analysis and encouragement of reasoning about possible expert conclusions to be presented in expert reports to judicial authorities or other requesters of expert examinations.

Balding DJ, Bishop M, Cannings C (2007) Handbook of Statistical Genetics. Wiley. England Butler J (2009) Fundamentals of Forensic DNA Typing. Academic Press. USA Corte-Real F, Santos A, Cainé L, Cunha E (2022) Tratado de Medicina Legal. Pactor. Lisboa. ISBN:9789896931438 Primorac D, Schanfield MS (2023) Forensic DNA Applications. An Interdisciplinary Prespective. CRC Press. USA. ISBN:9780367030261 (hbk). DOI:10.4324/9780429019944