Population Genetics and Statistics in Forensic DNA Analysis

Class Code: 
R103
Subject Area: 
R - Biology / DNA Program
Class Location: 
See Schedule
Class Description: 

This three-day (24-hour) course will cover basic principles of statistics and probability relevant to key concepts in population genetics and profile frequency estimates of PCR-based/discrete allele systems. We will discuss relevant topics in population genetics and human evolution needed for the assessment of the weight of forensic DNA profiles. Further, topics include the key recommendations of the 1996 National Research Council report, statistical properties of forensic markers, relatives, database searches, and statistics in court. This course is intended for criminalists involved in the analysis of biological evidence. Each class is limited to 30 students.

Instructor: 
Dr. Kirk Lohmueller
Teaching Methods: 
Classroom lectures and group discussions
Objectives: 
Students will be required to demonstrate their proficiency in practical and written tests
Prerequisites: 
R251 (Short Tandem Repeat (STR) I Analysis and Typing) and R252 (Short Tandem Repeat (STR) II Analysis and Typing)
Preparation: 
Pre-course reading materials may be assigned
Tuition: 
POST-certified; no cost to State of California-based Law Enforcement agencies. A $360.00 tuition fee will be required of all other public agency, private sector, or out-of-state applicants.
Course Contact: 
Neda Khoshkebari (916) 464-5599, (916)464-0600
More Information: 

Schedule of Classes: