This course examines the professional code of ethics and the role of the life scientist in performing applied research endeavors. Standard codes of conduct, as applied to laboratory science, will be explored as well as guidelines for professionalism, appropriate conduct, and what makes good as well as bad science.

This course provides students with the opportunity to explore the practical applications managing an applied science laboratory. Topics such as budgeting, resource allocation, managing personnel, issues involving facilities and safety agency compliance, dealing with outside agencies, and other pertinent issues will be discussed.

Combines the latest techniques in DNA analysis including mitochondrial DNA sequencing, YSTR typing, and sequence homology analysis with statistical principles used for the specific tests as well as for research and validation projects. Additional subjects may include low-copy number analysis and degraded sample interpretation.

Students focus on project management through critical examination of project planning, design, production, documentation, and presentation techniques. The course distinguishes among the three primary purposes of project management: (1) planning and scheduling project tasks, (2) critical diagnosis and prediction of success or failure in meeting schedules, and (3) estimation of requirements for the project. Topics include: problem identification and definition, project design and analysis, feasibility measures, project charting methods (PERT, GANTT, CPM), process documentation techniques, information modeling, project design specifications and error diagnosis, and task monitoring. Various software packages are used as tools to assist in all phases of project management, development, and presentation.