JS 676: Adv Bio Methods in Forensic Science

Taken Spring 2012 Instructor: Jason Linville I took this class at the same time at regular Bio Methods which got a little confusing. Much of the material overlapped, which was helpful for studying, but organizing time in the lab was difficult. During this class we mostly read and dissected research papers that Dr. Linville assigned such as validation papers and papers on touch DNA and did a couple of independent assignments in the lab.

JS 674:Bio Methods in Forensic Sci

Taken spring 2012 Instructor: Jason Liville In this class you will learn everything from presumptive testing on biological stains, to DNA extraction and all the way to analyzing STRs. Dr. Linville takes you through every lab and asks you questions from lecture throughout to reiterate what you are doing at each step during the process. The midterm and final are long and challenging but as long as you pay attention in class and study the notes, you'll do fine. This class will definitely give you a good overview of everything you would do in an actual forensic DNA lab.

JS 674: Biological Methods in Forensic Science

Taken Spring 2011
Instructor: Jason Linville

Overall, this course was great, and I would recommend it to anyone. It mainly focuses on understanding and practicing techniques that are used in a DNA laboratory. Throughout the entire semester you work on solving a specific case from receiving the evidence to presenting your findings in moot court. Dr. Linville goes through PowerPoint lectures step by step to get you familiar with each concept and then you practice the concepts in the lab. The tests come from all the lecture material as well as material presented in lab. The layout of the tests consists mainly of short answer and essay type questions. Make sure you can explain every concept and lab procedure extremely well. Also do not get behind when learning the material because there is a lot of it on each test. You could not ask for a better course and teacher!

JS 572: Molecular Biology for Forensic Scientists

Taken Fall 2009
Instructor: Jason Linville

First, I would like to say that I really enjoyed this course. It was a good introduction to learning how graduate courses are formatted. In this class, you will learn how to take detailed notes, incorporate critical thinking skills, and study for understanding, and not memorization.

The PowerPoint notes that Dr. Linville provides are very useful and should be reviewed on a consistent basis. It is very important to pay attention during lecture because he will asks questions from the previous lecture, and sometimes what is currently being discussed.

As far as the book is concerned, it was useful for more detailed explanation of certain biological processes, such as the formation of the lagging strand. I used the book if I did not immediately understand a process explained in class.

The exams are very detailed and mostly include short-answer responses. On the exams, be able to explain in detail everything discussed in class. Also, feel free to ask Dr. Linville questions about the exam or anything he places emphasis on in class.

From my perspective, this course is a good overview of the type of analysis and biological processes essential to fulfilling a position as a Forensic Biologist.

JS676: Advanced Biological Methods

Taken Spring 2010
Instructor: Jason Linville

This course is heavily focused on the laboratory techniques used for DNA analysis. It takes Biological Methods one-step further by exploring techniques used on biological evidence not typically seen in a crime lab. During the Spring 2010 term, DNA analysis was attempted on a variety of substances such as plants, bone, touch DNA, feces, fingernails, and hair. I would highly recommend this course to anyone seriously considering DNA analysis as a career.

JS572: Molecular Biology for Forensic Scientists

Taken Fall 2008
Instructor: Jason Linville

This course is essential if you have never taken a molecular biology course or if you need a refresher on the subject. The class covers a lot of material, so it is beneficial to stay on top of the readings. Outside of tests, there are only a few assignments, which are not difficult and better your understanding of the material. The tests, on the other hand, can be an exercise in endurance. Know everything, seriously. And console yourself with the knowledge that your test will be graded fairly.

As for the instructor, Dr. Linville was extremely helpful and made the course enjoyable. He clearly knows the material and does an excellent job of teaching it. He is also very entertaining, which never hurts. I highly recommend this course and instructor.