This course provides information in three lessons.

Amplification and Electrophoresis Overview. Learn the process of electrophoresis to identify the components for successful separation of amplified DNA products, the differences between the methods of agarose gel and polyacrylamide electrophoresis, and the methods used to detect amplified DNA products separated using different types of slab-gel electrophoresis apparatus.

Capillary Electrophoresis. Learn the basic principles of capillary electrophoresis, advantages of capillary electrophoresis over slab gels, capillary electrophoresis system components, how capillary electrophoresis systems function, the instruments used by the forensic science community, and how to troubleshoot ABI Prism® instruments.

Sample Preparation and Handling. Learn the denaturation process of amplified DNA products for sample injection, the importance of formamide quality, the quality control measures for assessing formamide quality, and the pros and cons of using water in place of formamide.