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Understanding Investigative Genetic Genealogy

Course Code: FIGG 100

This micro-credential is for anyone who is curious about genetic genealogy and how DNA is used to help solve crimes. Using real case studies, learners gain a basic understanding of DNA and how genetic genealogy can, and cannot, be used in a criminal investigation. Issues such as privacy rights, international standards and the positive social impact of solving homicide cases with this technology are discussed. The final assessment, “Cracking the Case”, is a story-based journey in which learners go through a homicide case and must correctly answer a series of questions related to module content.

The earner of this micro-credential can identify the basic processes and protocols underlying the use of investigative genetic genealogy to solve criminal cases.

Learning outcomes:

- Define the concept of genetic genealogy and explain, at a basic level, how DNA testing and analysis is used to build a family tree 
- Define investigative genetic genealogy and explain, at a basic level, how this approach to solving crimes has evolved over the last 25 years
- Identify how changes in technology have impacted accessibility to genetic testing and the potential future impacts of AI
- Identify practical considerations related to the use of investigative genetic genealogy to solve crimes, such as lab costs and police budgets
- Identify legal and policy considerations related to the use of investigative genetic genealogy to solve crimes, such as privacy rights and victims' rights

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