Intermediate DNA and Genetic Genealogy

NOTE: This course requires compulsory materials to be ordered. 

1. The book, Seven Pillars of Wisdom: The Art of a One-Name Study can be purchased. 
   
2. Optional Print Course Material: *Will only be sent to students that are already registered in the course. Organising A One-Name Study

One-name (surname) studies are not just about collecting documentary event data on a particular surname. According to the Guild of One-Name Studies, the aim of the study “is to research the genealogy and family history of all persons with a given surname and its linked variants.” The study can be as elusive as the wild goose chase for a needle in a hay stack and is certainly a challenging pursuit. Through proper use of resources your research will be extremely rewarding. 

This course will begin by examining the art of a one-name study and elaborating on the many different elements you should consider. Organising your research, searching for primary sources around the world, analysing the data you acquire, publicising, publishing and preserving your work are thoroughly discussed along with tips and techniques in the field of one-name studies. 

Optional Print Course Material: Organizing a One-Place Study

*Course material will only be sent to students who are registered in the course.

One-place studies are the study of the people in a community within the context of the place they live. Unlike a local history, which focuses on the past as described by residents, a one-place (or community) study uses a statistical approach and resources often used by family historians. Because a one-place study brings family and local history together, various analysis methods can be used to reconstruct the community and gain an insight into the lives of the people who have walked the streets, ploughed the fields, worked and worshipped in a place. This course will suggest ways in which this could be done. 

This course will examine the sources of information available to researchers, how to access them (on- and off-line) and the fascinating details which can be uncovered. 

Optional Print Course Material: Forensic Genealogy

*Course material will only be sent to students who are registered in the course.

NOTE: There is a lot of interest in DNA and Forensic topics. Please read carefully before registering to take this course. 

Please be aware this course is classified as Basic Level in the Professional Development Certificate Program. It has been developed for individuals who have experience in genealogy research and are at, or working in, the Intermediate to Advanced Levels in our other certificate programs. It is advised that you have genealogy research knowledge and experience, in addition to completing the Analysis and Skills Mentoring Program-Part 1 course or have a working knowledge of the topics taught in that course prior to registering for this one. 

The field of forensic genealogy is a fast-growing field dealing with genealogical research that might have legal implications such as heir searching or determining mineral rights. Families drift apart for many reasons: divorce, disagreement, migrations, remarriage, or others. Today’s genealogists and family historians have many reasons for reestablishing connections with lost relatives. This course is designed to help forensic researchers identify and contact living people. It will also take students through genealogical sources and documents, but with a focus on identifying living people, as well as some practical examples. Students will also learn about specific career subsets in forensic work. Forensic genealogy and the work necessary to identify and contact living people can be a rewarding field. This course will teach students some of the basic skills necessary to get started. 

NOTE: This course has more of a U.S. focus; however, the skills being taught can be applied to those researching in other countries. 

Course Length: 7 weeks