DNA Profiling

During this course you’ll gain in-depth knowledge of the principles, methods and techniques of molecular biology and genetics in the context of DNA profiling, current DNA profiling procedures, techniques and analysis, research methods, project design and statistical analysis and analysing genetic data.

You’ll also learn the role of an expert scientific witness in the legal process and laboratory management and quality assurance procedures

The course is split into two distinct phases of Taught and Research project.

The taught phase comprises lecturers, tutorials/workshops and practical experiments that will introduce you to biochemical and molecular biology techniques in the context of a forensic DNA laboratory. You’ll also receive hands-on training on the software packages you’ll need to use for data analysis. Teaching and learning activities normally take place over three days of the week, and you’ll spend the rest of your time carrying out independent study or additional laboratory work.

You’ll be required to complete challenging assessments which will include coursework, group projects, presentations, moot court and practical assessments. There is only one theory-based exam during the course.

During the research phase you’ll undertake various projects. Some of these are carried out with commercial forensic science providers (FSP) laboratories. If you’re already a practitioner then you may be able to complete the projects in your own laboratories. You’ll be required to attend a weekly laboratory meeting where you’ll receive guidance, supervision and training to enhance your research skills. Many of our former students have seen their projects published as journal articles or presented in international journals.

Your research project will be assessed using the laboratory notebook and supervisor’s assessment (20%) and a written report on the research project (80%).