Addressing the important subject of forensic DNA analysis, "Forensic Biology: Identification and DNA Analysis of Biological Evidence" 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.

Table of Contents

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

Reviews

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