Probabilistic inference in Forensic Interpretation and related medical decision problems with applications on DNA analysis2010VT
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Course plan
No of lectures
Recommended for
PhD students within areas of natural and medical science, who need training in probabilistic reasoning and decision theory.
The course was last given
Goals
The course provides knowledge about probabilistic evaluation of forensic
evidence, in particular DNA evidence, and skills for the evaluation of evidence
and decision making using graphical models, in particular Bayesian networks.
Having completed the course, the student should be able to:
- use knowledge about
probability models for the value of evidence,
population genetics aspects of likelihoods of DNA profiles
- display a good understanding of major principles for
the construction of a Bayesian network for evidence evaluation
the inclusion of different types of evidence in a Bayesian
network
the application of Bayesian networks at different stages of a
case and with different levels of propositions (source level, activity level
and offence level)
the application of Bayesian networks on decision making within
medical and biological science
- use established software to analyse Bayesian networks,
- demonstrate insightful assessment about the capacity of different
models (graphical and non-graphical) for evaluation of DNA evidence in
particular case-work.
Prerequisites
Student’s entering the course should have passed at least one course in basic probability theory. A basic course in calculus is also required.
Organization
The teaching is limited to individual supervision.
Contents
The course content comprises:
- likelihood ratios for the weight-of-evidence,
- population genetics models for probability calculation,
- identification through DNA profiles,
- relatedness analysis,
- common errors of interpretation,
- graphical models in probability reasoning,
- propositions at different levels,
- Bayesian networks for DNA evidence,
- transfer evidence and the combination of evidence,
- analyses at different stages, pre-assessment
- continuous Bayesian networks
- Bayesian networks as a decision support tool in medical and biological
science
- strengths and weaknesses of probability models and Bayesian networks
- established software for Bayesian networks
Literature
Balding, D.J. Weight-of-evidence for Forensic DNA profiles. Chichester: Wiley,
2005.
Taroni, F., Aitken, C, Garbolino, P. & Biedermann, A. Bayesian Networks and
Probabilistic Inference in Forensic Science. Chichester: Wiley, 2006.
Lecturers
Examiner
Anders Nordgaard
Examination
Assignments encompassing computer-based data analysis. One final oral examination.
Credit
10
Comments
The course is established to serve the PhD program in forensic genetics at The National Board of Forensic Medicine. It is also established to be given as a pilot course to the forthcoming course "Bayesian networks with forensic and other applications" to be given 2010HT. No costs will be defined for this course.
Page responsible: Director of Graduate Studies