Integrated Wildlife Forensic Genetics

Course Description

This is an integrative course to be taken by students who have completed the Applications of DNA for Companion Animal and Wildlife Cases, and the Applied Wildlife Forensic Genetics courses. Students will start this course by opening a forensic laboratory for either wildlife or companion animals.  Throughout the course students will be required to set up procedures and/or follow procedures in their mock forensic laboratory for all analyses the lab will perform.  Analyses will start with receiving cases and ending with report writing and expert witness testimony.  Students will receive a mock case and various results of analyses for interpretation.  Analyses will include species identification, sex identification and matching or minimum number of animals.  Students will be required to write a final report, gather their SOPs, results, bench notes etc. for discovery, write qualifying questions and answer questions on appropriate court appearance, procedure and other questions about their analyses. Students will be asked to post thoughts on relevant topics and/or relevant forensic science articles in the discussion board as part of their weekly discussion.  The idea is to give students a working knowledge of real wildlife forensic case analyses if they are unable to complete an intern program in a wildlife forensic laboratory.

Prerequisites (case-by-case basis): VME 6573 Applications of DNA for Companion Animal and Wildlife Cases and WIS 6306 Applied Wildlife Forensic Genetics (can be waived on a case-by-case basis – email sunderkoffler@ufl.edu for more info)

Course Objectives

By the end of this course, students should be able to:

  • Explain how a wildlife forensic laboratory operates.
  • Write and interpret Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
  • Perform genetic testing while adhering to written SOPs.
  • Interpret and explain the results obtained to genetic testing.
  • Write a final report that documents and presents all testing procedures, analyses performed, and results obtained.
  • Prepare all documentation required for possible court testimony.
  • Utilize all knowledge learned about SOPs, species/sex identification, genetic analyses, and interpretation of results to assist in the process of expert witness testimony.