Applied Forensic Science

Molecular biology and celular biology

Theoretical classes aim at the detailed presentation of the syllabus. In them a methodology is used
expository-active, appealing to the direct intervention of students, clearly favoring an iconography
abundant, with exposure of forensic cases, to the detriment of merely theoretical-descriptive teaching.

The student must acquire knowledge of: Relevance, indications, objectives and limitations of genetics and toxicology in the forensic context; Selection, preparation and preservation of biological samples for toxicological and genetic analysis; Main analytical procedures in genetics and forensic toxicology; Main toxic substances relevant in the forensic context and its toxicity characteristics.

The student must acquire skills of: Understand the importance of analytical examinations in the context of applied forensic sciences (genetics and toxicology), interpreting and characterizing the different technical and scientific procedures.

The student must acquire competences of: Planning the identification, harvest and handling of biological samples in the forensic context; Develop the ability to retain and in the future expand their knowledge in the field of applied forensic sciences.

Skills of genetics and forensic biology, basic procedures, the chain of custody; Study methods and laboratory analysis; DNA Polymorphisms, autosomal markers, Y chromosome and X chromosome; DNA Amplification, analysis of mixtures; mitochondrial DNA, DNA sequencing; Statistical valuation of proof; DNA Databases.

Forensic Toxicology:
Introduction to toxicology.
Toxicokinetics.
Biological samples and instrumentation for detecting toxicants of forensic interest.
Toxicity of metals and metalloids, solvents and vapors, pesticides, pharmaceuticals and drugs of abuse.

Fundamentals of complementary Forensic Sciences: entomology, anthropology, ballistics, lofoscopy, cheiloscopy and palatoscopy and other forensic sciences.

NAO

Primary bibliography 

– Butler, John M. – Forensic DNA typing: biology, technology, and genetics of STR markers. 2nd ed. Amsterdam; Boston: Elsevier Academic Press, cop. 2005. XVII, 660 p. ISBN  978-0-12-147952-7.

– Klaassen, Curtis D.; Watkins III, John B.; Castro, Matilde, ed. lit. – Toxicologia: a ciência básica dos tóxicos de Casarett & Doull. 5ª ed. Lisboa : McGraw – Hill de Portugal, 2001. VIII, 864 p. ISBN 972-773-033-7.

Secondary bibliography 

 Butler J (2009) Fundamentals of Forensic DNA Typing. Academic Press. USA

 Butler J (2012) Advanced Topics in Forensic DNA Typing: Methodology. Academic Press. USA

 Goodwin W, Linacre A, Hadi S (2007) An introduction to Forensic Genetics. Wiley

 Klaassen C.D., Amdur M.O., Doull J. Casarett & Doull’s Toxicology: The Basic Science of Poisons.

6ª Ed., New York, McGraw-Hill, 2001.

Clarke, E.G.C. Clarke’s Isolation and Identification of drugs. 3ª Ed., London, Pharmaceutical

Press, 2004.

Hayes A.W. Principles and methods of toxicology. 5ª Ed., Philadelphia, CRC Press, 2007.