Forensic Genetics and Massively Parallel Sequencing
This summer, you have the chance of receiving a comprehensive insight into forensic genetics and a broad introduction to massively parallel sequencing (MPS) work including data analysis. Join our summer course and learn more about the fascinating work in forensic genetics, MPS, and get hands-on experience with data analysis within MPS.
The course focuses on relevant forensic topics such as:
- MPS of forensic genetic markers (SNPs and STRs).
- Molecular autopsy (sudden cardiac death).
- Complete mitochondria sequencing.
- Prediction of the suspect’s externally visible characteristics and ancestry.
- Age determination using methylation patterns (metDNA).
- Tissue identification
After completing this course, you will be able to understand, analyse, and interpret forensic genetic data. You will be able to understand the latest research and advantages with forensic genetics and MPS work and data analysis. Finally, you will be able to work with command line and understand the common way of analysing MPS data.
| Preparation/self-study | 21 - 26 June 2021 |
| On-campus module | 16 - 27 August 2021 |
| Exam (written assignment & participation) | 27 August 2021 |
Credit points: 7.5 ECTS
You can participate, if you have completed a bachelor's degree within:
- Human biology and immunology
- biochemistry
- bioinformatics
- biology
- biotechnology
- pharmaceutics
- exercise and sports sciences
- medicine
- or a corresponding degree within the field of health sciences or natural sciences
You are required to have a basic knowledge of genetics.
The summer course is composed of three modules: a 1-week preparation/self-study, 2-week on-campus module in Copenhagen and, lastly, a written assignment.
Week 1
The self-study in the first week includes review of papers that will give an overview of forensic genetics.
Week 2 + 3
During the second week, forensic geneticists will explain the use of DNA-analysis in crime case work and paternity and relationship testing and share their latest research within forensic genetics.
The third week is dedicated to MPS with focus on data analysis and computer exercises. The exercises are supplemented by lectures by invited researchers that will share their latest research using MPS methods.
Written assignment
During the third week, the students will asked to write an individual assignment (3-4 pages) based on the MPS project carried out.
The assignment is due two weeks after the third week. The final evaluation will be based on attendance in class and the written assignment.
Lecturers:
- Niels Morling
- Jeppe Dyrberg Andersen
- Marie-Louise Kampmann
- other guest lecturers
For inspiration, please have a look at the preliminary schedule for the course.
For more details, please read the course description in UCPH's course database.
The application deadline was 1 April 23:59 2021 (CEST).
We do not accept late applications.
You are exempted from payment, if:
You are enrolled at a Danish university and the course is part of your master's programme. Danish students must provide a pre-approval of credit transfer from their home institution upon application.
You are a student at UCPH enrolled in one of the following programmes, you do not need to apply for pre-approval of credit transfer:
- MSc in Human Biology
You are an exchange student and attend the course as part of the autumn exchange semester (min. 3 months stay).
You are an exchange student nominated through Nordplus express or Nordlys.
Fee-paying participants:
All other participants (students, working professionals, etc.) must pay tuition fee according to the information below.
| EU/EEA citizens | 7,500 DKK |
| Non-EU/EEA citizens | 13,500 DKK |
The fee covers participation in the course. It does not cover course materials, travel, accommodation and living expenses during the course.
Full payment of course fees must be transferred in May. Payment details will be forwarded upon acceptance.
Refund policy
You can only get a refund of your tuition fee, if you cancel at least two month prior to the beginning of the course including e-learning modules.
Unfortunately, the University of Copenhagen does not offer any scholarships or tuition fee reductions.
Currently, we hope to carry out the course as planned.
However, if the situation prevent us from hosting the course as planned, the course will be cancelled.
If you have questions about the course content, please write to ForensicGeneticsCourse@sund.ku.dk.
Course responsible: Niels Morling, Jeppe Dyrberg Andersen and Marie-Louise Kampmann
Accommodation: Please note that the summer courses are non-residential. Participants are responsible for finding and funding accommodation during their stay in Copenhagen.
You can use different online portals to search for accommodation, such as:
- Airbnb
- Danhostel
- Hostel World
- UCPH Housing Foundation (acceptance letter from UCPH required)
Copenhagen has an international airport, and the city centre can be reached within 30 minutes. If you want additional information read Arriving in Copenhagen.
Please study our websites for more information about Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences and the University of Copenhagen.
You can find many answers to frequently asked questions about the faculty's summer courses, such as:
- deadlines
- tuition fee payments
- visa
- arrival and departure
- certificates
If you need specific academic information about the individual courses, you must contact the relevant course responsible directly.
