Legal, Forensic and Criminological Psychology

Activity type

Attività formative affini o integrative

SSD

BIO/11

Year

N/D

Semester

N/D

CFU

3

Hours distribution

36 laboratory hours

Lecturers

ALESSANDRO PALMA

Activity type

Attività formative affini o integrative

SSD

BIO/13

Year

N/D

Semester

N/D

CFU

3

Hours distribution

24 classroom hours

Lecturers

SONIA CANTERINI

This course is aimed at giving students specific information on human genetic variability as a means for forensic science investigations, by using genetic polymorphisms and up-to-date tools.
Knowledge and understanding: This course provides an up-to-date knowledge of the application of genetic analyses performed on biological samples to the legal framework. By taking the course and passing the exam the student will become well acquainted with strategies and methodologies most used in forensic genetics. 
Applying knowledge and understanding: This course provides the student with the ability to thoroughly understand the expertise of forensic geneticist in relationship to other professionals working in the legal framework, providing him a great self-confidence and a better interaction with different professional profiles.
Making judgements: Issues of this course are discussed in light of the most recent break-through of scientific studies, which exploit various experimental approaches. Hence, by taking this course and passing the exam the student will be able to critically analyze the potentials and limitations of genetic investigations.
Communication skills: Attending classroom lessons the student becomes familiar with terms typical of biology and genetics, along with methodological approaches of these fields. This allows him to develop communication abilities to be usefully spent in various professional settings. Hence, passing the exam would imply that the student has acquired/improved specific skills needed for an efficacious scientific communication.
Learning skills: Taking this course and passing the exam would imply that the student has fully learnt strategies and methodologies typical of forensic genetics. These abilities are attained during traditional lessons that emphasize and critically discuss the complexity of our genome, in light of the most up-to-date findings of studies reported by the scientific literature.

At the end of the course, participants will understand the fundamental principles of forensic genetics and will be familiar with the main analysis techniques and the criteria for interpreting genetic profiles.

The course does not require any prior knowledge of genetics or forensic science. It is designed for anyone interested in approaching this field, even without a background in the subject. The only prerequisite is the willingness to attend the seminars and actively collaborate in the practical laboratory activities.

Module: Human Genetics
DNA Sequencing Strategies: Traditional techniques and Next Generation Sequencing (NGS); applications of sequencing in human identification and forensic casework; quality control and bioinformatic tools for sequence analysis.
Metabolite Analysis in Forensic Science: Introduction to metabolomics and its forensic applications; analytical techniques for metabolite profiling; case studies linking metabolomic data to phenotype and forensic evidence.
In addition, laboratory activities and hands-on training are planned in sequencing workflows (sample preparation, library construction, data analysis).


Module: Functional Genomics Applications
Through theoretical lessons and practical activities, the course provides a comprehensive overview of forensic genetics and its use in investigations. It will begin with the origins of this field, analyse the first cases solved through DNA, and discuss the progress of its current applications. The structure and organisation of the human genome and the most modern techniques for its analysis, including next-generation sequencing, will be thoroughly covered. The program will also address the topic of genetic variability and inheritance patterns before focusing on methods for interpreting a genetic profile, such as the calculation of identity probability, random match probability, exclusion criteria, paternity testing, and the management of biological samples. A section will also be dedicated to metabolomics and the phenotypic characterisation of evidence. Finally, the scientific criteria regulating the admissibility of genetic evidence in judicial investigations will be explored, accompanied by the analysis of real cases and the most common interpretive issues.
During the laboratory sessions, participants will attend thematic seminars, including those led by representatives from the RIS of the Carabinieri, and carry out practical exercises in small groups (4-6 participants) at a biology and genetics laboratory. These activities will allow participants to apply the theoretical knowledge they have acquired concretely.

Module: Human Genetics
Introduzione alla Genetica Forense, Adriano Tagliabracci, Ed. Springer-Italia


Module: Functional Genomics Applications
Introduzione alla Genetica Forense, Adriano Tagliabracci, Ed. Springer-Italia

Module: Human Genetics
N/D
Module: Functional Genomics Applications
N/D

Frontal teaching integrated with laboratory-based experimental activities

Attendance is not compulsory, but strongly recommended.

The examinations aim to assess the level of mastery of the subject matter, with particular attention to theoretical knowledge and practical skills.

Examples of typical questions and exercises will be practiced and discussed in class.

Module: Human Genetics



Module: Functional Genomics Applications

• Introduction to Forensic Genetics: Origins of the discipline and first cases solved through DNA; Historical evolution and overview of current applications; Role of forensic genetics in criminal investigations.


• Biological and Genetic Foundations: Structure and organization of the human genome; Genetic variability and patterns of hereditary transmission; Introduction to the most commonly used genetic markers in forensics.


• DNA Analysis Techniques: Traditional and modern techniques; Next Generation Sequencing (NGS); Management of biological samples: collection, preservation, contamination.


• Interpretation of Genetic Profiles: Calculation of the probability of identity; Random match probability; Exclusion criteria and paternity testing; Common interpretative issues.


• Legal Aspects: Admissibility of genetic evidence in criminal proceedings; Scientific criteria and legal limitations; Analysis of real cases.


• Practical and Laboratory Activities: Thematic seminars (with experts and representatives from the Carabinieri RIS forensic unit); Hands-on exercises in small groups (4–6 participants); Application of theoretical knowledge in a biology and genetics laboratory.