AGSC 5270 - Biosecurity and Bioforensics (3)

This is a two-part course comprising security and forensic aspects of biotechnology. Part one covers a wide range of topics related to biological threats posed to plant and animal agriculture, human health and food system from intentional, accidental or natural sources. It also covers technical and legislative strategies involved in protecting the agriculture and food systems from biological threats. The students will be introduced to and given a broad overview of the scope and nature of the agriculture food system including identification of professionals operating within this arena. Part two covers principles governing the application of biology and statistics in DNA genotyping and in applications such as solving crimes. Topics include evidence collection, documentation, examination and preservation, extraction and quantification of DNA, DNA profiling, and statistical analysis of DNA evidence.