2007-2008                                                                               Fontbonne Hall Academy

Forensic Science                                                                    Trimester II

Mrs. Marian Skabeikis                                                         Study Guide 13

 

DNA: The Indispensable Forensic Science Tool

New York State Learning Standards:

 

Standard 1: Analysis, Inquiry and Design: Students will use analysis, scientific inquiry and design, as appropriate, to pose questions, seek answers and develop solutions.

Standard 2: Information Systems: Students will access, generate, process and transfer information using appropriate technologies.

Standard 4: Science: Students will understand and apply scientific concepts, principles and theories … and recognize the historical development of ideas in science.

Standard 5: Technology: Students will apply technical knowledge and skills to design, construct, use and evaluate products and systems.

Standard 6: Interconnectedness: Common Themes: Students will understand the relationships and common themes that connect math, science and technology and apply the themes to these and other areas of learning.

Standard 7: Interdisciplinary Problem Solving: Students will apply knowledge and thinking skills to address real-life problems and make informed decisions.

 

Trimester II: Cycles 8-9

 

Text: Criminalistics: An Introduction to Forensic Science, Richard Saferstein

 

 

Objectives:

Readings:

Assignments:
  1. What is DNA:
    • DNA at Work
    • Replication of DNA

Text: pp. 361 – 368

 

Class Activity: Forensics CD, Ch. 9, “DNA Fingerprinting”

 

Class Activity:

DNA from the Beginning

 

Complete the activities on the DNA Workshop. How does the replication of DNA maintain the individual’s genetic code? How does this replication allow DNA to be used as a fingerprint in forensic science?
  1. DNA Typing:

·        RFLPs

·        Polymerase Chain Reaction

·        STR

 

Text: pp. 368 -- 382

DNA Forensics

DNA Testing

Using the New York Times article (p. 383) as a reference, explain why Charles Fain was convicted of murder in 1982. Would he have been convicted in 2002?

      3.  Mitochondrial DNA

Text: pp. 382 – 389

Mitochondrial DNA and Maternal Inheritance

 

Read the material on this site: mDNA Theory. Then go to Solving the Mystery of the Romanovs and see if you can answer the mystery of the Czar’s family.

      4.  CODIS

Text: pp. 389 -- 390

CODIS - Dept. of Justice

 

CODIS is becoming and important tool for the criminal justice community. How else can CODIS be put to use outside of law enforcement?

      5.  Collection and Preservation of Evidence for DNA Analysis

Text: pp. 390 – 397

How DNA Works

 

Review Questions:

pp. 397 – 399

Read the Case Study on the OJ Simpson trial on pp. 384-387. Do you agree with the jury? What questions about the evidence were cause for concern. What is the role of DNA evidence in criminal trials 10 years after the Simpson verdict?

Laboratories:

FACES

Anastasia

 

 

Exam: Last meeting, Cycle 9
Grading Policy

Written examinations and tests: 40%

Laboratory exercises: 40%

Homework and other assignments: 20%