Example forensic science dissertation topic 2:

Improvements in gathering techniques in buccal cell collection for DNA testing among unwilling subjects.

The collection of buccal cells for DNA testing can provide mixed results. The identification of epithelial deposits on the traditional cotton swab can be poor; although improvements have been seen with wet cotton swab methods, the application of such tests among unwilling subjects has been problematical. Studies have shown that mouthwash collection of buccal cells improves the quality of the sample, but this is difficult to achieve from an unwilling subject. This dissertation considers means by which whole saliva may be gathered from subjects who are obstructive and possibly violent, avoiding the use of cotton swabs entirely.

Suggested initial topic reading:

• Abraham, J.E., Maranian, M.J., Spiteri, I., Russell, R., Ingle, S., Luccarini, C., Earl, H.M., Pharoah, P.D.P., Dunning, A.M. and Caldas, C. (2012). ‘Saliva samples are a viable alternative to blood samples as a source of DNA for high throughput genotyping’. BMC Medical Genomics, vol. 5(1), pp. 19-25.
• Aidar, M. and Line, S.R. (2007). ‘A simple and cost-effective protocol for DNA isolation from buccal epithelial cells’. Brazilian Dental Journal, vol. 18(2), pp. 148-152.
• Kaye, J. (2006). ‘Police collection and access to DNA samples’. Genomics, Society and Policy, vol. 2(1), pp. 16-72.