Courses

DNA Identification for Scientists: Basics

DNA identification science determines the extent of match between biological evidence and a suspect. This identification is done by objectively (without ever seeing a suspect) examining DNA evidence in order to infer a genetic type, or "genotype". Comparing this inferred evidence genotype with a suspect's genotype, relative to a random person's genotype, gives a DNA match statistic that can be reported in court.

DNA Identification for Scientists: Methods

Scientists examine all the data in order to weigh competing hypotheses. Modern computers let us explain how quantitative DNA data arises from underlying biological processes. To do this, mathematical models are needed that account for observed data and their random variation. More accurate data models can better explain DNA evidence, and thereby preserve more DNA identification information.

DNA Identification for Scientists: Special Topics

Presentations at scientific meetings provide an opportunity to explore a variety of special topics related to quantitative interpretation of DNA evidence. TrueAllele computer interpretation improves on current human review in that it is:

• entirely objective (cannot use any suspect information)
• fully informative (extracts all the identification information from the DNA evidence)
• highly productive (frees people from both arduous and routine evidence interpretation)
• scientifically founded (based on generally accepted inference principles)
• scientifically validated (as published in peer reviewed journals)
• cost effective (permits reallocation of scarce human resources)

DNA Identification for Lawyers: CLE

DNA evidence can often be highly compelling. To make the best use of such evidence, lawyers need to understand the basic principles of DNA identification. Armed with such knowledge, they can attack, defend or introduce DNA evidence in court. This introductory DNA course for attorneys introduces the basic principles of DNA in the context of a homicide trial where computer DNA interpretation was used for the first time.