Forensic Genetics
This module covers the basic statistical and genetic methods and principles central to forensic analysis. These include the derivation of likelihood ratios (LRs) for the presentation and evaluation of genetic evidence based on autosomal, mitochondrial, and Y-chromosome short tandem repeat markers.
The module provides the background necessary for using analysis results from packages such as CODIS Popstats; Describes mutation processes, genotyping technology, and special considerations in the use of forensic STR markers; Reviews principles of population genetics, and measurement of relatedness; and Addresses the complications of mixture interpretation when the queried contributor is a relative of the true contributor.
The module is suitable for graduate students in population genetics, forensic science practitioners, and lawyers facing DNA evidence.
Learning Objectives: After attending this module, participants will be able to:
- Calculate single-locus likelihood ratios for a binary model with specified propositions under simplified settings (i.e. assuming no population structure or STR typing anomalies).
- Identify and describe the three main likelihood ratio modeling approaches, including their strengths and limitations.
- Describe the hierarchy of propositions, and identify and formulate them in a case setting.
- Understand and detect bias in forensic settings, including recognizing the prosecution fallacy and the association fallacy.
- Predict kinship levels for pairs of individuals in pedigrees and interpret the forensic implications.
- Understand emerging new molecular profiling techniques for human identification.
Course Dates
- Mon June 2, 8:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. EST
- Tue June 3, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. EST
- Wed June 4, 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. EST
Instructors
- Sanne Aalbers
- Michael Coble
- Bruce Weir
Suggested Course Pairings
Statistical Methods Stream
- Module INT2: Introduction to Programming in R and Python
- Module ST2: Bayesian Statistics
- Module HE3: Artifical Intelligence/ML for Genetics
Course Materials
Please email sisg@biosci.gatech.edu for free access.
About the Instructors
Sanne Aalbers is a Post-Doctoral Researcher in the Applied Genetics Group at the National Institute of Standards and Technology in Gaithersburg Maryland. She obtained her PhD with Bruce Weir at the University of Washington where she was also a Lecturer in Forensic Genetics. A native of the Netherlands, Sanne is now expanding her interest in forensics to include statistical issues related to financial crime and fraud. Learn more about Sanne’s work here.
Michael Coble is Associate Professor in the Center for Human Identification at the University of Texas Health Sciences Center, Fort Worth. His main research focus is on issues associated with interpretation of DNA mixtures and the use of software for analyses of complex types of genetic markers such as mtDNA, X and Y STRs. Learn more about Mike’s work here.