Workshop Description: This is a graduate level course in instrumentation used for DNA profiling (human and non-human). This workshop will include an introduction to the ABI 9700 thermocycler and the ABI 310 genetic analyzer. It will be a requirement to complete this course before the students can operate these instruments in the FDPF for their research projects.

Part 1a (25 % credit): Lectures involving related topics in Forensic Biology

Instrumentation. Lectures related to principles and pitfalls of these instruments.

Part 1b (25 % credit): Paper/presentation. Each student will be assigned a journal article from the current literature (related to forensic DNA), present it to the class (15 minute Power Point presentation) and lead the class discussion. In addition to participating in the discussions, a brief (2 pages), written critique of the paper will be required from each student on all papers due at the beginning of each class.

Part 2 (50 % credit): A Workshop Assignment : Each student will be responsible for attending laboratory sessions that will include introduction to the instruments and how to operate them. The students will be given an assignment that will include demonstrating the use of all of the instruments and software. The students will be given the summer B session to complete this project and write a report on the results. Be mindful that this is 50% of your credit.

A final exam will be given at the end of the workshop and will cover all lectures, assigned readings, student presentations, and instruments discussed.

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Workshop: Nonhuman (microbial) DNA Profiling
Offered during Summer Sessions

Dr. DeEtta ( Dee ) Mills
No. of credits: 1
BSC 5996C

HLS 418B (call lab if not in office)
Phone: Office 305 348 7410; Lab 305 348 0498
millsd@fiu.edu

Part 1a (25 % credit): Lectures involving related topics in Non-human (Microbial) Profiling. There will be a series of lectures given to introduce topics in DNA profiling. A written, final exam will be given at the end of the workshop and will cover all lectures, assigned readings, student presentations, and all techniques discussed.

Part 1b (25 % credit): Paper presentation. Each student will be assigned a journal article from the current literature (related to microbial community profiling or microbial forensics), present it to the class (15 minute Power Point presentation) and lead the class discussion. In addition to participating in the discussions, a brief (2 pages), written critique of the paper will be required from each student on all papers due at the beginning of each class.

Part 2 (50 % credit): A Workshop Assignment : Each student will be responsible for attending laboratory sessions that will include extracting DNA, setting up a PCR, running a profile and interpreting the data. The students will be given the summer B session to complete this project and write a report on the results. Be mindful that this is 50% of your credit.

 

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Grades:

• 1 Final exam: 35%
  Tests will cover book, lectures and readings from handouts.
• Literature project 15%
  Each student will provide a 4-5 page review of a topic of current interest in DNA genotyping (see below for potential topics*)
• Laboratory results: 15%
  An assessment of student’s laboratory results and report
• A laboratory practical exam 35%
  The analysis and interpretation of data