Addressing the important subject of forensic DNA analysis, Forensic Biology provides a concise scientific overview of the field. The author focuses on the two main areas of forensic analysis: identification of biological evidence and forensic DNA analysis. Each chapter presents case studies, study questions, references, and additional reading for further study.
This book also offers laboratory exercises and features over 200 illustrations to enhance learning. Providing fundamental material and in a highly detailed, yet easily approachable style, this textbook is ideal for the undergraduate level Forensic Biology course and can also serve as a professional reference for those needing an understanding of the field.
BIOLOGICAL EVIDENCE
Forensic Biology: A Subdiscipline of Forensic Science
Sources of DNA Evidence
Crime Scene Investigation and Laboratory Analysis of Biological Evidence
ESSENTIAL SEROLOGY
Serology Concepts
Serology Techniques
FORENSIC SEROLOGY
Identification of Blood
Species Identification
Identification of Semen
Identification of Saliva and Other Biological Fluids
Blood Group Typing and Protein Profiling
BASIC DNA TECHNIQUES
Introduction to Human Genome
DNA Extraction
DNA Quantitation
DNA Amplification by Polymerase Chain Reaction
DNA Electrophoresis
Detection Methods
FORENSIC DNA PROFILING
Variable Number Tandem Repeat Profiling
Autosomal Short Tandem Repeat Profiling
Y-Chromosome Profiling and Gender Typing
Single Nucleotide Polymorphism Profiling
Mitochondrial DNA Profiling
FORENSIC ISSUES
The DNA Databases
Evaluation of Strength of Forensic DNA Profiling Results
Quality Assurance and Quality Control
"I feel this book gives very good insight and coverage of a range of topics from forensic serology (which is still being done in some labs) to current forensic biology applications with STR, mitochondrial, and Y-STR analysis."
– Pamela Dixon, writing in Canadian Society of Forensic Science Journal
"Educators in this area will find the content succinct enough to be accomplished within a semester while introducing undergraduate students to the tools and vocabulary required to undertake more challenging material. [...] The reader need not have a background in biology to understand the basis for the procedures and techniques as each are described in detail with ample visual aids. Indeed, there are figures or photographs on most pages to guide the reader."
– Lori E. Baker, Ph.D., Baylor University, Waco, Texas, writing in Journal of Forensic Sciences