Forensic Science

Classes

SCI 310: Forensic Science

This single-semester elective course is designed to provide students with a foundation in the fundamental principles and concepts of forensic sciences. This course introduces the theory, concepts and practices used in the analysis of physical evidence performed in forensic laboratories, the fundamentals of crime scene investigation, forensic DNA analysis, illicit drugs, and forensic toxicology, hair and textile analysis, firearms and ballistics, and counterfeiting and forgery. In addition, selected case studies in different forensic disciplines will be discussed.

SCI 321: Immunology

SCI 321 aims to provide students with an understanding of immunology and the immunological basis of some common and well-known diseases. The course will balance basic knowledge of the underlying complexity of the immune system, such as T and B cell receptor genes, the MHC and antigen presentation, with the application of immunological aspects to infectious diseases, cancer, inflammation and autoimmunity.

SCI 322: Cancer Biology

This course will introduce the core aspects of cancer biology. Emphasis will be placed on molecular mechanisms of cancer pathophysiology - such as signal transduction, DNA damage and repair and regulation of cell division, death and senescence as well as on system biology, microevolution of tumors, interaction between tumor and organism. Existing and novel strategies of cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment will be discussed.

SCI 323: Signal Transduction

The concept of "signal transduction pathway" is one of the major advancement in our understanding of how living cell '96 a unit of life '96 is functioning: how it adapt to changing environment and communicates with neighbours in multicellular organisms. Perspective of "signal transduction" is essential to understand complex biological processes and diseases ranging from memory formation to diabetes and cancer. The course makes sense of the dizzying array of pathways used by the cell to communicate.

SCI 325: Bioinformatics and Computational Genomics

The course is a combination of lectures and instructor-guided practical sessions. SCI 325 will cover: 1) the theoretical basis of various comparative analyses of DNA and protein sequences, 2) how bioinformatics, genetics and genomics help to understand the population and evolutionary processes, 3) how computational genomic analyses generate testable hypotheses, and 4) a role of bioinformatics in conservation biology, current human genetics and medicine.

SCI 326: Virology

The course focuses on the principles of virus structure, replication and genetics. It will help the students appreciate the relevance of virology in the modern world, including the fields of vaccines, anti-viral drugs and cancer. Other acellular biological particles like prions are also discussed. The course reflects many recent developments in virology and offers deeper insights into the subject. Newly-discovered and emerging viruses are discussed.