CSI: Seattle
GIS 107A

Instructor: Celeste Berg and Bonny Brewer, Genome Sciences

A jacket left at a murder scene leads police to a likely suspect, yet it is the suspect's cat that provides the convincing evidence at the trial. Why? In this laboratory-based Discovery Seminar, students will learn the theory and methods that support DNA forensic analysis by analyzing biological samples from the crime scene and from other sources. Students will collect samples, isolate DNA, analyze DNA variation between samples, and study the make-up of populations to understand the statistical basis for DNA forensics. Based on their own data, students will argue the case, supporting either the prosecution or the defense, in a mock trial. These exercises will illustrate the power and pitfalls of DNA forensics and help students understand the basis for the "certainty" in the statement "he did it!".

This course is open to all freshmen who have a working knowledge from their high school courses of the biology and chemistry of DNA; it will be of particular interest to students considering careers in biology research, forensics, and the law.

This course can be used toward completion of the Natural World (NW) requirement.

Meets: MTWTh 9:00-12:00
Location: HCK 347

Registration is now closed