Anthropology A211: The Genetic Science of CSI
1st Summer Session (class #10298) MTW 10:20-12:15
Instructor: Dr. Frederika Kaestle (kaestle@indiana.edu)
Increasingly, forensic science is featured in the headlines of newspapers and lead stories on television news. Even more impressive is its presence in today’s television series line-up. This course explores the genetic science of crime scene investigation (CSI) through the examination of popular depictions of the science on television (e.g. CSI, Bones, Cold Case, NCIS) and actual forensic cases (e.g. OJ Simpson, Scott Peterson, the Romanov family, King Tut). Topics covered will include standard human forensic genetic identification, use of non-standard markers for unusual situations, analysis of DNA to predict appearance and race, unusual sources of human DNA, forensic uses of animal, plant and microbial DNA, accuracy and misuse of forensic genetics, the use of DNA to exonerate the falsely convicted, the ethical and social implications of forensic genetics, and the future of forensic genetics. Mitochondrial DNA from student volunteers will be sequenced and used in class activities. Course readings will be available as downloadable PDFs, grades will be based on course exercises, quizzes, discussion participation, and short writing assignments.
No prior knowledge of genetics is assumed, and there are no prerequisites for this course. Carries N&M credit.
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