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Description: The Weber State University (WSU) will use the grant funds to modify the current teaching crime laboratory to incorporate instruction forensic biological methods with emphasis on hands-on experimentation in forensic DNA analysis. The laboratory will house current forensic DNA analysis instrumentation and support equipment for use by the Forensic Science program. These are the three functions of this laboratory: (1) serve as a teaching laboratory for students taking Criminal Justice courses, (2) serve as a training facility for local and state criminal justice professionals and emergency response professionals, (3) provide a University-wide center for performing original research in forensic DNA analysis related to crime and counterterrorism. The primary function of the WSU laboratory will be teaching undergraduate students the latest techniques in biological evidence analysis. In the laboratory the students will learn about collection and preservation of biological evidence, identification of species of origin, handling of biological fluids and other biohazardous materials, extraction of DNA, differential DNA extraction from mixed biological samples, PCR reaction chemistry and STR analysis, capillary and gel electrophoresis techniques for DNA fragment separation and identification and the theories of mitochondrial DNA analysis. The WSU faculty will develop a comprehensive curriculum involving both classroom study and hands-on laboratory work. The curriculum development will be led by the Criminal Justice Department with participation from other campus departments, such as the Chemistry, Zoology and Clinical Lab Science. Since the goal of these forensic DNA courses is to prepare students to work in DNA laboratories, the forensic science/criminalities faculty at the University will develop working relationships with the local and state crime labs, as well as with local industry partners, to create internship opportunities for the students to develop and expand their skills. This program will address three major areas where DNA evidence can be used: solving crimes, protecting the innocent and identifying missing persons. The solving crime component of the initiative not only provides for increasing the United States forensic DNA laboratory capacity and decreasing the work backlog but also for increased research into improved DNA analysis methods and training for criminal justice professionals.
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| Weber State University (73000895) |
$197 |
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State Government |
1027 University Circle
Ogden,
UT
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Citation
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Source:
Appropriations Report Language - Conference
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Reference:
Pub. L. No. 108-447
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Method:
User entered excerpt
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Citation Excerpt: $200,000 for Weber State University's Criminal Justice Program in UT;
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