A study on a virtual simulation experiment with DNA in a biological evidence technology course during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Biological evidence technology plays an important role in the field of crime scene investigation. DNA technology is known as one of the important ways to make a breakthrough in the resolution of a criminal case. Nonetheless, there are some problems in on-site experiment-based teaching during the COVID-2019 pandemic, which limits the students' incentives to acquire knowledge about DNA. Under these conditions, the goals and requirements of the Biological Evidence Technology course cannot be achieved. A virtual simulation experiment can solve these problems online. The students can gain a deeper understanding of the process and method of human DNA extraction and identification, and thus, the impact of experiment-based teaching improves. In this paper, we discuss the contents of DNA experiments, specifications of the simulation system, system requirements, the implementation process, and other parameters of the design. We investigated the early teaching effect. A virtual simulation experiment with DNA can overcome the limitations of devices (and other equipment) and spatial and temporal limitations during the COVID-2019 pandemic. Students can participate in the whole process of experiment-based teaching. Teaching mode “Internet + laboratory” increases the open access and sharing of experiment-based teaching resources.