This module in part, aims to provide students with a foundation in the basic principles of molecular biology and its practical applications for basic forensic analysis. Emphasis will be placed on the structure of DNA, its molecular functions and how DNA can be isolated from different sources at a potential crime scene for basic analysis. Further emphasis will be placed on the analysis of RNA, proteins and chromosomes as additional molecular laboratory tools to generate useful biological information. This information is to prepare students for a subsequent module, ‘DNA Profiling and Criminalistics’, in Stage 4 of the programme.
The module will also introduce the students to both synthetic and natural polymer chemistry. The module aims to familiarise the student with polymer molecular weight and structure, polymer structure-property relationships, polymer synthesis and polymerisation mechanisms. The module will then introduce students to polymers in forensic trace evidence. In this regard, the techniques used in the analysis of natural and synthetic polymers, such as fibres, DNA, and paint, will be explored
Section A: Forensic Biology
1. The structure of the nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) in detail to understand basic genetic codes particularly from online molecular databases. The role of these nucleic acids in the molecular processes of replication, transcription and translation2. Sources of DNA in different cells and organelles and the extraction procedure of DNA/RNA out of biological samples for routine quantitative and qualitative analysis by spectrophotometry and agarose gel electrophoresis respectively.3. Define between base DNA, genes and chromosomes in the Eukaryotic genome organisation and the practical applications of analysing DNA compared to chromosomes for forensic analysis.4. Medical polymers and biomaterial. The structure of the nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) in detail to understand basic genetic codes particularly from online molecular databases. The role of these nucleic acids in the molecular processes of replication, transcription and translation5. Sources of DNA in different cells and organelles and the extraction procedure of DNA/RNA out of biological samples for routine quantitative and qualitative analysis by spectrophotometry and agarose gel electrophoresis respectively.6. Define between base DNA, genes and chromosomes in the Eukaryotic genome organisation and the practical applications of analysing DNA compared to chromosomes for forensic analysis.A selection of appropriate laboratories will be drawn from the second year laboratory manual for molecular biology from the school of Biological Sciences
Section B: Forensics and Polymers
Introduction to raw materials. Classification of polymers. Intermolecular forces. Crystalline and amorphous regions and effect on physical and mechanical properties.Average molecular weight, polydispersity index (PDI). Determination of average molecular weight using viscosity measurements.Polymerisation mechanism - Step Growth and Addition Polymerisation, the Polymerase Chain Reaction. Bulk solution, suspension and emulsion polymerisation.Properties and application of polymers (e.g. polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride). Polymers in forensic science.Forensic analysis and techniques. Composition and FTIR analysis of trace evidence such as paint and fibres.A selection of appropriate laboratories will be drawn from the second year laboratory manual for polymers.
Teaching will be by lectures which will be supported by laboratory activities. Tutorials as appropriate will also be provided
| Module Content & Assessment | |
|---|---|
| Assessment Breakdown | % |
| Formal Examination | 55 |
| Other Assessment(s) | 45 |