Cultivating success in forensic molecular biology students by developing laboratory skills

Abstract

The University of Central Oklahoma’s Forensic Science Institute offers a series of courses for students pursuing a career as a forensic DNA analyst, providing students with the knowledge and experience to prepare them for such a career. One of the courses in the Forensic Molecular Biology series is Advanced Forensic DNA Analysis. This project creates a laboratory component for the Advanced Forensic DNA Analysis course. Addition of a laboratory course will further prepare Forensic Molecular Biology students for the real-world application of methods learned in the course. The laboratory involves experiences working with DNA profiles that vary in composition and complexity to simulate real-life casework. The lab also implements the use of statistical software for DNA analysis of both single source and mixed profiles. The course allows students to develop a working knowledge of interpreting various DNA profiles with a range of complexity, assigning statistical weight to their interpretation, designing standard operating procedures for methodology, and the validation process. The need to implement a laboratory alongside the course was identified through discussion with students and professors, as well as by comparison to similar programs at other universities. The laboratory course is designed with research-based educational methods to maximize student learning and course effectiveness. Professors of the course are provided with a learning framework that is adaptable to continuous improvement of the course to accommodate developments in the field and differing student needs. This project provides students with a greater foundation for success in the field of Forensic DNA Analysis.