Forensic Biology

College

College of Life Sciences

Degree

Master of Science

Campus

Center City

Format

On Campus

Credits

40

Duration

2 Years

Contact Information

Leadership

Name: Mirna Ghemrawi, PhD, MSFS
Position: Program Director
Name: Leah Nangeroni
Position: Instructor
Name: Lindsay Kotchey
Position: Instructor

For Program Information

Name: Alexandra Whitman
Position: Program Coordinator

Contact Admissions

Contact Number(s):

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Curriculum

Courses with an * take place on our CFSRE (The Center for Forensic Science Research & Education) campus, located in Willow Grove, PA.

Year One (20 Credits)

Fall Semester

Course Title Credits
* FB 605 Forensic Serology & Immunology 2
* FB 606 Forensic Serology & Immunology Lab
1
* FB 610 Legal Procedure and Ethics 1
* FB 607 Journal Club in Forensic Serology & Immunology  1
BT 603 Human Genetics (JCHP) 3

Spring Semester

Course Title Credits
* FB 705 Forensic Genetics
3
* FB 706 Forensic Genetics Lab 1
* FB 620  Forensic Science Forum 1
* FB 880 Master's Thesis Research 1
Management or General Elective 2 or 3

Summer Semester

Course Title Credits
* FB 890 Master’s Thesis Research  2
GC 660 Statistical Methods of Data Analysis  3
Management or General Elective 2 or 3

Year Two (20 Credits)

Fall Semester

Course Title Credits
* FB 717 Journal Club in Forensic Genetics 1
* FB 715 Advanced Forensic Genetics 3
* FB 716 Advanced Forensic Genetics Lab 1
Management or General Elective 3
* FB 870 Master's Thesis Research 1

Spring Semester

Spring Semester

Course Title Credits
* FB 830 Laboratory Clerkship 3
* FB 880 Master's Thesis Research 2
Management or General Elective 2 or 3

FB605 Forensic Serology & Immunology

This lecture course covers the fundamentals of forensic serology. This will include the biochemical basis of biological fluid testing using classical as well as novel serological techniques. Multiple forensically relevant body fluids (e.g., blood, saliva, semen, urine, fecal matter, vaginal/menstrual fluid) will be discussed regarding chemical composition and the corresponding testing strategy associated with each fluid.

FB606 Forensic Serology & Immunology Lab

This laboratory course covers the fundamentals of forensic serology. This will include the biochemical basis of biological fluid testing using classical as well as novel serological techniques. Multiple forensically relevant body fluids (e.g., blood, saliva, semen, urine, fecal matter, vaginal/menstrual fluid) will be applied.  Practical and laboratory exercises demonstrate the techniques and their applications.

FB607 Journal Club in Forensic Serology & Immunology

This journal club-based course aims to introduce students to the collection, analysis, and interpterion of primary literature sources within the field of serology and immunology. In order to encourage a versatile learning environment, students will become familiar will both forensic and non-forensic journals. However, an emphasis will be placed on journal articles relevant to topics covered in FB605/606 Forensic Serology and Immunology. This course relies solely upon participation and presentations.

FB610 Legal Procedure & Ethics

The primary objective of this course is to provide students with a solid understanding of the American criminal justice system, as well as its inherent ethical issues. This will be accomplished through review and discussion of Constitutional law, rules of procedure and evidence, and case law.  A secondary benefit of this course will be the improvement of the students’ ability to critically evaluate facts, reach conclusions, and effectively communicate and defend their positions.   

FB705 Forensic Genetics

Classroom discussions will expand on the application of forensic DNA analysis using STR markers, including interpretation of single-source profiles, advanced understanding of instrument operation, and presentation of DNA results in the courtroom. Students will gain an advanced understanding of how forensic DNA laboratories operate and are managed; i.e., quality assurance programs, quality control, proficiency testing programs, validation issues, and other areas of interest. Additionally, students will be prepared to work in a forensic DNA crime laboratory, understanding quality assurance, accreditation, and other areas of importance.

FB706 Forensic Genetics Lab

Classroom discussions will expand on the application of forensic DNA analysis using STR markers, including interpretation of single-source profiles, advanced understanding of instrument operation, and presentation of DNA results in the courtroom. Students will gain an advanced understanding of how forensic DNA laboratories operate and are managed; i.e., quality assurance programs, quality control, proficiency testing programs, validation issues, and other areas of interest. Additionally, students will be prepared to work in a forensic DNA crime laboratory, understanding quality assurance, accreditation, and other areas of importance. The laboratory exercises will reflect classroom discussions and students will be expected to prepare courtroom ready materials (data, documents, and demonstrations). The students will be responsible for setting up and running the laboratory in a similar manner to how a real crime laboratory is run.

FB715 Advanced Forensic Genetics

An advanced forensic biology course covering newer techniques used in DNA extraction, quantification, PCR, genotyping and sequencing. Techniques such as second generation sequencing and rapid DNA techniques will be covered as well as alternative markers such as SNPs, mitochondrial DNA, microhaplotypes, and Y-STRs. Issues pertaining to forensic biological samples such as degradation, sensitivity/specificity, transfer events and DNA persistence will be discussed.  Techniques for complex mixture interpretation and associated statistical tools will also be included.  An emphasis will be placed on critical thinking skills and troubleshooting of common forensic laboratory issues. 

FB716 Advanced Forensic Genetics Lab

An advanced forensic biology course covering newer techniques used in DNA extraction, quantification, PCR, genotyping and sequencing. Techniques such as second generation sequencing will be covered as well as alternative markers such as SNPs, mitochondrial DNA, microhaplotypes, and Y-STRs. Issues pertaining to forensic biological samples such as degradation, sensitivity/specificity, transfer events and DNA persistence will be discussed.  Techniques for complex mixture interpretation and associated statistical tools will also be included.  An emphasis will be placed on critical thinking skills and troubleshooting of common forensic laboratory issues.  The laboratory exercises will reflect classroom discussions. The students will be responsible for setting up and running the laboratory in a similar manner to how a real crime laboratory is run.

FB717 Journal Club in Forensic Genetics

This journal club-based course aims to introduce students to the collection, analysis, and interpreting primary literature sources within the field of forensic genetics. In order to encourage a versatile learning environment, students will become familiar will both forensic and non-forensic journals. However, an emphasis will be placed on journal articles relevant to topics covered in FB705/706 Forensic Genetics and FB715/716 Advanced Forensic Genetics. This course relies solely upon participation and presentations.

FB620 Forensic Science Forum

The goal of this course is to expose students to a wide range of topics in forensic biology. Recorded lectures and webinars supplemented with topic discussion will cover the various career paths within forensic biology. Furthermore, students will have the ability to interact with leading professionals and practitioners to gain a better insight into the qualities and capabilities necessary for success within the community.

FB830 Laboratory Clerkship

A supervised full-time practicum. Principles and procedures used in the forensic analysis of biological fluids and genetic material, including their detection, extraction, quantification, amplification and analysis will be used to process casework samples, conduct analyses, interpret results, write reports, and participate in moot court experiences. Students are provided multiple hands-on casework samples and experiences with the assistance of forensic practitioners in the preparation and execution of appropriate reports and court testimonies. 

A total of 40 credits are required for degree completion. The required breakdown of courses and electives is as follows.

14 Foundation Courses (30 credits)

Course Title Credits
GE 637 Advanced Human Genetics 3
FB 605 Forensic Serology & Immunology 2
FB 606 Forensic Serology & Immunology Lab
1
FB 607 Journal Club in Forensic Serology & Immunology  1
FB 610 Legal Procedure and Ethics  1
FB 620 Forensic Science Forum 1
FB 705 Forensic Genetics 3
FB 706 Forensic Genetics Lab 1
FB 715 Advanced Forensic Genetics  3
FB 716 Advanced Forensic Genetics Lab 1
FB 717 Journal Club in Forensic Genetics 1
GC 660 Statistical Methods of Data Analysis 3
FB 870 (Fall), 880 (Spring), 890 (Summer) Master’s Thesis Research  6
FB 830 Laboratory Clerkship  3

Management courses

Select two courses, total of 4-6 credits

Course Title Credits
GC 510 Database Design & Management 2
GC 525 Information Systems Mangement 3
GC 600 Managerial and Teamwork Skills 3
GC 605 Performance Improvement 2
GC 610 Strategic Mgmt: Increasing R&D Productivity 2
GC 615 Grants and Contract Management 2
GC 617 Mgmt of Pharma Drug Development Projects 2
GC 620 Fundamentals of Financial Management 3
GC 621 Biotechnology Venture Management 2
GC 635 Fundamentals of Clinical Trials Management 2
GC 636 Principles of Career Management - Diverse Biomed Careers 2

Suggested Elective courses

Select two courses, total 4-6 credits

Course Title Credits
GC 690 Regulatory Issues in Scientific Affairs  2
GC 645 Genomics & Bioinformatics 3
GC 680 Lab Techniques - Molecular Biology 3
GE 652 Molecular Basis of Cancer 2
MI 521 Intro to Immunology (3 credits as of Fall 2022) 3
MI 682 Advanced Diagnostic Micro 2

*Additional elective courses may be selected after consultation with the Program Director