DNA extraction and quantification

Order Description 1) Casework Summary [~200 words] A casework summary should be given before the introduction and gives an overview of the casework findings. It should very briefly explain what samples you worked on, what you did with them and why, before focussing on the key results. You need to mention what you found and what this means in the context of the case. 2) Introduction [~400 words] Demonstrate an understanding of the requirements of the case as well as an understanding of the basic principles behind the molecular techniques you used in the practical. You may want to highlight what previous scientific reports/papers have said about the samples you worked on, show the literature supports the use of the techniques used during the practical or identify possible issues such as sensitivity or inhibition that may impact the success of the DNA profiling. Finish the introduction with the aims of your experiment. NOTE: These are not the same as the stated aims at the beginning of the practical and workshop handbooks. You are expected to cite at least 3 sources of information but these must be book chapters or scientific journals. 3) Experimental method [~400 words] Your written methods will be formed by what you did in the practical classes, set out in the handbook which acts as a useful source of information. Remember, the methods you used don’t simply include the pipettes and machines but also include aspects of quality control and quality assurance and good lab practice. You may want to include sub-headings in your methods section such as Samples; Quality Control; DNA Extraction; DNA Quantification; SGMPLUS profile set-up etc. Finish the methods by including a paragraph on ‘data analysis’ with reference to how you interpreted the STR data making reference to any quality control performed prior to interpreting the result. You will need to cite at least 3 sources of information to support the approaches you used which can include web pages if referencing manufacturer’s protocols or kit instructions. 4) Results [~400 words] Start by identifying whether the samples you processed yielded sufficient DNA to be visualised and quantified. Include annotated figures of the gel and an assessment of how sensitive the quantification approach you used was. Present the results of the STR profiling starting with an assessment of the data quality. You can download figures of the STR profiles from Blackboard if you want to include them in your report. Were you able to identify all the alleles? Provide tables and graphs to support your findings. Finally present your match probability calculation and cite a reference that supports it’s use. You must include linking text in your methods to show a clear train of thought linking each process. 5) Discussion [~400 words] Discuss the results with respect to the practical and scenario given and literature findings. Identify any issues that may have affected the sample results and identify is there are any limitations to the techniques used and whether this impacts your confidence in the result. You are expected to cite at least 5 sources of information to support your statements but these must be book chapters or scientific journals. 6) Conclusion [~200 words] Draw final conclusions based on your results and discussion above relating to the forensic applications for the technique used.