SLE228 - Forensic Genomics
Unit details
| Year | 2026 unit information |
|---|---|
| Enrolment modes | Trimester 2: Waurn Ponds (Geelong) |
| Credit point(s) | 1 |
| EFTSL value | 0.125 |
| Unit chair | Trimester 2: Bianca Szkuta |
| Prerequisite | SLE112 |
| Corequisite | Nil |
| Incompatible with | Nil |
| Educator-facilitated (scheduled) learning activities - on-campus unit enrolment | 1 x 1 hour lecture per week, 1 x 1 hour seminar per week, 5 x 3 hour practical experience (laboratory) per trimester. |
| Typical study commitment | Students will on average spend 150 hours over the teaching period undertaking the teaching, learning and assessment activities for this unit. |
Content
Advances in genomic techniques have allowed genetic data to be obtained faster, cheaper, and in greater volume than ever before. It is also means genetic information can now be obtained from minute amounts of biological material. This has significant implications for forensic science. Forensic biologists are now able to not only identify individuals from DNA, but can also use it for a myriad of forensic applications, including predicting how a person looks, determining cause of death, genealogical relationships and distinguishing between twins. DNA data can also be used in investigations in the food industry to identify bacterial contaminates in processed and unprocessed food items, species substitutions in the seafood industry and in wildlife forensics to identify protected species or their products. Such information can be critical in criminal investigations. This unit covers both contemporary forensic DNA analysis, and emerging applications and techniques, and aims to provide students with important theory and basic skills in the acquisition, analysis and interpretation of forensic DNA data.
The unit includes both theoretical and practical components. Students will learn how DNA is currently analysed in criminal investigations, include vetting of cases, Short Tandem Repeat and fragment analysis, DNA profile interpretation, and Bayesian statistical analysis and presentation of data. Advanced techniques using next generation sequencing, and the interpretation of these data, will also be covered. Forensic applications of both contemporary and next generation sequencing techniques, and the advantages and limitations of each, will be discussed.
Learning outcomes
Each unit in your course is a building block towards Deakin's Graduate Learning Outcomes - not all units develop and assess every Graduate Learning Outcome (GLO).
| ULO | These are the Unit Learning Outcomes (ULOs) for this unit. At the completion of this unit, successful students can: | Alignment to Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes (GLOs) |
|---|---|---|
| ULO1 | Develop the knowledge and basic skills required to acquire, analyse and interpret forensic DNA using both contemporary and next generation sequencing techniques. | GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities |
| ULO2 | Evaluate the probative value of evidence and prioritise the analysis of items of evidence from a single case based on their probative value. | GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities |
| ULO3 | Identify what DNA information is required for investigative purposes, and identify which technique is most appropriate for obtaining that information. | GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities |
| ULO4 | Communicate technical forensic genomic terms effectively articulately and in a professional manner to audiences of varying scientific and forensic knowledge, education and/or experience. This will include fellow forensic biologists; people with science or forensic, but not genomic, backgrounds; people with education but no science background; and laypeople. | GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities |
Assessment
| Assessment Description | Student output | Grading and weighting (% total mark for unit) | Indicative due week |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment 1 Forensic genomics portfolio | A demonstration of skills and a collection of documentation generated over the course of the practicals | 50% | Within 1 week concluding the practical session |
| Assessment 2 Expert recommendations report | Written report, maximum 1,500 words | 25% | Week 10 |
| Assessment 3 Forensic DNA statement | Written report, maximum 1,500 words | 25% | Week 11 |
The assessment due weeks provided may change. The Unit Chair will clarify the exact assessment requirements, including the due date, at the start of the teaching period.
Hurdle requirements
To be eligible to obtain a pass in this unit, students must achieve at least 50% in AT1 Forensic genomics portfolio.
Learning resource
The texts and reading list for SLE228 can be found via the University Library.
Note: Select the relevant trimester reading list. Please note that a future teaching period's reading list may not be available until a month prior to the start of that teaching period so you may wish to use the relevant trimester's prior year reading list as a guide only.
Bring Your Own Device (BYOD)
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Unit fee information
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Tuition fees increase at the beginning of each calendar year and all fees quoted are in Australian dollars ($AUD). Tuition fees do not include textbooks, computer equipment or software, other equipment or costs such as mandatory checks, travel and stationery.
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