- Course Introduction
- 01: Evidence, Science & DNA
- 02: Forensic Biology
- 03: DNA Extraction & Quantitation
- 04: DNA Amplification
- 05: Amplified DNA Product Separation
- 06: STR Data Analysis & Interpretation
- 07: Population Genetics & Statistics
- 08: Communicating Results
- 09: Other DNA Markers & Technologies
- Course Resources
- Laboratory Training Manual
President's DNA Initiative
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Advancing Justice Through DNA Technology
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Advancing Justice Through DNA Technology
DNA Analyst Training
Familiarization
Home > Course Introduction > Employer Requirements > Familiarization
Read the core content (Subjects 1 through 9) and the Laboratory Manual at “overview” level to become familiar with the program. The content is designed to permit access by students with different levels of education and experience.
The program structure consists of three levels:
- Subjects, which are broad knowledge areas
- Modules, which are specific areas within the subject
- Topics, which are individual areas within each module
Most modules conclude with a test, the results of which are to be recorded in the student’s competency record. In the case of Population Genetics, the test is somewhat more extensive, so that successful completion of the module satisfies the requirement for “…course work and/or training in statistics and population genetics as it applies to forensic DNA analysis.” as defined by the QA Standard 5.3.1. There is also an option to take the Population Genetics module for academic credit (contact the NFSTC by e-mail).
The practical aspects are covered by a Laboratory Training Manual containing exercises that can be implemented in several ways, for example by:
- The individual laboratory
- Regional cooperation of several laboratories
- Partnership with a local training institution
The Laboratory Training Manual assumes that the laboratory’s Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) will be used for the practical exercises; it also contains reference SOPs for facilities that wish to use them.
