FORENSIC DNA ANALYSIS WORKSHOP
Instructor: Dr. J. Thomas McClintock A
GENERAL COURSE DESCRIPTION
This integrated Workshop will introduce participants to techniques currently used in forensic DNA profiling crime laboratories in Virginia and across the country. Workshop activities will include extraction and quantification of DNA from cheek cells and human cell lines, and state-of-the-art PCR-based DNA profiling methods such as short tandem repeat (STR) analysis and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) analysis. This Workshop will allow participants to experience the full range of activities associated with the various techniques and procedures. Activities will include solution preparation, sample processing and handling, recordkeeping (e.g., chain of custody), data interpretation, and report generation. Discussions will include the historical development of DNA typing methods, alternative procedures employed in laboratories, and the ongoing development of new DNA typing methods. Legal issues associated with quality control, frequency or probability estimates, sample condition and preservation, chain of custody, and admissibility will also be presented.
COURSE GOALS and OBJECTIVES
The objective of this “hands-on” Workshop is to provide the participants with a thorough understanding of the principles and methodologies used in forensic DNA analysis. The practical applications of polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based tests (the variable number tandem repeats [VNTR]} locus D1S80; HLADQA1 and Polymarker [PM] analyses; short tandem repeat [STR]) and mtDNA typing, are emphasized in selected topics and criminal case studies. Participants will also learn how forensic and paternity data are analyzed. Specifically, at the conclusion of this Workshop the participants will be able to:
• Demonstrate knowledge of proper evidence sample collection, handling, storage, and processing
• Demonstrate and understand chain of custody issues
• Demonstrate an understanding of the various PCR-based techniques that have been used for forensic DNA analysis
• Demonstrate an understanding of mtDNA typing technique that have been used in forensic DNA analysis
• Demonstrate knowledge of various extraction methods from samples, quantification of human-specific DNA, and amplification of DNA using numerous STR loci
• Analyze PCR generated data by gel and capillary electrophoresis
• Demonstrate and analyze mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) typing using sequence analysis
• Analyze data for anomalies such as “stutter” products and mixtures
• Calculate probabilities of generated PCR and mtDNA profiles (Combined Random Match Probabilities and Likelihood Ratios)
• Demonstrate an understanding of quality assurance/quality control and lab certification issues
• Demonstrate an understanding of the factors affecting the admissibility of DNA typing evidence
Contact: J. Thomas McClintock
Office Phone: (703) 927-9090
EMAIL: DNADiagnosticsInc@gmail.com
Required Text: Forensic DNA Analysis: A Laboratory Manual J. Thomas McClintock, CRC/Taylor & Francis Press
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